Original Scottish 12 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by Highet & Hunter of Ayr for U.S. Market c. 1885
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Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with HIGHET & HUNTER over what looks to be AYR, a maker that we have not been able to find much about. Ayr is a city on the Southwest coast of Scotland. This was most likely the retailer or assembler, who marked the gun by hand before assembling and selling it. The barrel strap looks to be marked STUB TWIST LT CHOKE, but it is hard to read. It indicates that the barrel is spiral "damascus" forged, and the twist marks can still be seen on the barrel surface.
This well used DOUBLE BARREL 12 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. 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.
This example has definitely seen long use, and overall the metalwork is quite worn. There is a inset steel repair on the wrist, and the forestock has been completely replaced. It is unfortunately now glued in place, so the barrel cannot be removed, however we can see British Birmingham proofs on both sides the barrel joint when it is open.
The action still functions correctly, with ejection and dry firing. The rear stock has some lovely curl, and has a very nice gutta percha butt stock pad. The screws used look to be replacements however, as do other screws on the shotgun. The trigger guard is currently only loosely attached, as at least one of the screws has stripped out of the wood.
A very nice antique hammer shotgun, ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1880
Caliber: about .729" 12 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/2 Inches
Action type: Back Action Locks with External Hammer
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
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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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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