Original Item: Only One Available. Now here is a magnificent collector's opportunity! This is a fantastic looking American Antique double barreled shotgun, typical of the style made during the U.S. Civil War era. It is fitted with side action locks, which are both marked: W.W. KAYE / PHILADA, a marking that is repeated on the barrel strap between the side by side barrels. The shotgun is in wonderful condition, still showing a lovely browned color on the barrels, and really looking like it was never sold or used, having just sat on a shelf for over a century as it was regularly cleaned. It also has a spectacular BURL WALNUT stock, which is in great shape.

We were not able to find out much about maker W.W. Kaye, except that they were listed as a gun maker on 3rd Street in 1859. They appear to have made bespoke percussion shotguns, and were very well regarded. Some examples we have seen were quite ornately engraved. They definitely look to have been able to fabricate their own locks, but look to have imported barrels.

We removed the barrel to look for markings, and we can see it is stamped W.K. in two locations. However there is also a CROWN / I Marking, and 18.6, for a bore of 18.6mm (12 bore), so the barrel assembly at least was imported from Europe, and then remarked for Kaye. We assume it came from Belgium, as it does not have the masses of proof marks we would usually see on a British Barrel. Definitely some great research potential here.

The mounts all appear to be made of iron or steel and this gun presents very nicely, with simple line engraving throughout, while some areas have more ornate decorations. It features 30" side by side 12 bore barrels, and measures 46" in overall length. The shotgun comes complete with the original brass-tipped ramrod, which has a "worm" clearing device on the other end under a cover. Both locks function correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

Exterior condition is simply great, showing a lovely worn patina on the metalwork from over a century of careful cleaning. There is just a bit of light peppering in areas, and a small dent on the end of one of the barrels. The engraving is still crisp, and there is no evidence of any major restoration. The magnificent burl walnut stock shows fantastic figuring in the butt stock area, and the checking in the grip area is still in great shape, showing very little wear.

In fantastic condition, this mid 19th Century U.S. shotgun is ready to display! If you were looking for a great example of a 12 gauge percussion shotgun, this could be it!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855-60
Caliber: .730" approx .12 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Lead Shot and Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.