Original U.S. Belgian Made 12 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by New England Arms Co. Serial 35678 - circa 1890
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is definitely in fine condition for close to 140 of age! Imported from Liège in Belgium, one of Europe's leading Gun Manufacturing centers, this fine example was marketed by New England Arms Co., as marked on the left hand lock. The right lock is marked Pat'd June 20 1883. This is a known manufacturer and importer of arms during the 19th century, and we have seen many similar examples. This DOUBLE BARREL 12 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents wonderfully with a fantastic "Damascus Steel" barrel assembly. 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.
We believe that this somewhat upmarket example was most likely made around 1890, when the import market was booming. It features a lovely "pistol grip" rear stock and fore stock, both of which have some lovely checkering in the grip area. It also has some lovely engraving on all of the metal fittings, which is still very well retained. It is still marked on the matte rib between the barrels with the maker information:
NEW ENGLAND ARMS CO.
The barrel still retains much of the original finish, with the "Damascus" forging texture still clearly visible.
Removing the forestock allows the barrels to be removed from the receiver. This reveals the markings of both the "Perron" or Tower of Liège proof mark as well as E / L G / * in a "Crowned" oval, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium. We believe the shotgun to be a 12 gauge example, however the right barrel is marked 18.0 on the bottom, while the other is 178, which we have confirmed with a caliper. We assume that this is the marking regarding the choke on the barrels, and we can see that the left barrel wall is a bit thicker than the right. It is additionally marked with BELGIUM and NOT FOR BALL, along with some other symbols and numbers.
The "table" of the shotgun breech area is marked with the "Perron", and also has a PATD MARCH 17 APRIL 14 JUNE 20 1882 marking. The serial number 35678 is marked on all three parts of the shotgun, along with assembly number 746, so no major parts have been swapped out. There are additional proofs and other markings giving further specifications on the barrels, such as gauge, choke, etc.
The gun is in nice shape, and bores are clear, showing some light oxidation peppering. The standard top lever pushed to the side, opening the chambers for reloading, with a functional ejector. The stocks show the expected wear from use and long service, but do not have any major cracks or other damage. It features a plastic or hard rubber butt plate, which may have been replaced at some point during the service life of the shotgun.
Really a well marked gun in lovely collector's condition. Fully cleaned and ready to Display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1890
Caliber: about .729" 12 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 3/4 Inches with about 2 3/4" long Chambers
Overall Length: 46 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammer
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever
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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 most US States and most U.S. territories.
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