{"product_id":"original-german-16-gauge-ornately-decorated-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-circa-1890","title":"Original German 16 Gauge Ornately Decorated Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun - Circa 1890","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very upmarket German-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, most likely intended for the large export market, as there is no maker name located anywhere on the gun. It features ornate designs embossed and engraved on virtually the entire frame \/ receiver area. There is lots of foliate work, with game animals shown on both sides: fowl in flight on the right side, and rabbits and a deer on the left side. The decoration extends onto both the top and bottom of the receiver, with find \"pebbled\" backgrounds seen in many areas. The trigger guard is heavily decorated as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is less decoration on the barrel assembly, with most around the breech area, matching the decorations on the receiver. It does not look to be a spiral forged barrel, and still retains a lot of the original bluing near the matte top strap, and on the bottom under where the fore grip attaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottom rear of the barrel is covered in markings, including \u003cstrong\u003e867\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e1607\u003c\/strong\u003e, which are probably some type of serial numbers. We see some initials and maybe a logo, which would indicate the maker of the barrel. There are also clear \u003cstrong\u003e16\/1 (16)\u003c\/strong\u003e markings on both sides, indicating that it is a 16 gauge shotgun, with an actual bore diameter between .662” and .669”. There are \u003cstrong\u003e(Eagle) CROWN \/ S\u003c\/strong\u003e marks on the bottom of each barrel, where S means \u003cem\u003eSchrotlauf\u003c\/em\u003e (Shotgun Barrel), the provisional black powder proof for Shotgun barrels. Both barrels also have the \u003cstrong\u003e(Eagle) \/ Crown \/ U\u003c\/strong\u003e marking, which is another proof mark, which is the \u003cem\u003eZeichen für den 2. Beschuß auf der Laufbank und dem System\u003c\/em\u003e (Proof for 2nd Test for the assembly and system).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left barrel only is marked with the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ W\u003c\/strong\u003e proof for \u003cem\u003eWürgebohrung\u003c\/em\u003e (Choke hole), so probably that bore is \"choked\" to affect the spread of shot. The sides of both barrels above where the barrel joins the receiver are marked with \u003cstrong\u003e(Eagle) NITRO\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating it was tested with smokeless powder. This is a very early proof used in the late 19th century before the \"CROWN \/ N\" was introduced. The \"table\" on the end of the receiver has a single \u003cstrong\u003e(Eagle) \/ Crown \/ U \u003c\/strong\u003eproof marking, and there are not any other markings we can see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis lovely DOUBLE BARREL 16 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing moderate handling and use. It is all iron mounted, and is highly decorated, as mentioned before. The butt stock has a checkered \"pistol grip\", with a lovely cheek piece on the left side. The bottom cap and butt plate are both of horn, and are really quite lovely, showing a bit of damage from wear and possibly insects. The fore stock has some lovely checkering, and easily removes using the lever on the bottom. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe action still functions correctly, with the breech opening and the ejector presenting, and both firing pin springs are working correctly, though they are a bit weak. The side action locks have strong main springs, and no provision for a half cock position. They are the type that \"bounce back\" after contacting the firing pins. The breech is a later \"top lever\" design, very common around the world in the late 19th century, replacing earlier side and under lever types. We checked the bores of the barrels, and they are clean and shiny for the most part, however there is some past oxidation near the chambers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice antique German hammer shotgun with fantastic decorated metalwork! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1890\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: about .660\" 16 gauge \/ bore - 3 inch chambers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 29 3\/4 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 46 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Top Break with Top Lever\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41346840264773,"sku":"ONJR24HGM068","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24HGM068__01.jpg?v=1712945564","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-16-gauge-ornately-decorated-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-circa-1890","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}