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 is marked on both lock plates with C. PARKNER & CO., a trade name obviously meant to be confused with the famous "Parker Brothers" company of shotguns, founded by Charles Parker. This was not uncommon, and many of these imported Belgian shotguns were sold under brand names that sounded much more famous than they were. Shotguns were very popular at the time, and the booming gun industry in Belgium was more than happy to supply outfitters in the United States with shotguns. They also contracted out locally to companies in the United States such as Crescent arms.

The only other external marking is LAMINATED STEEL on the top of the barrel rib, indicating that the barrels are made from laminated steel, often called "twist" or "damascus" steel, which use a spiral forging process with layers of steel. Often things such as nail stubs and old horsehoes were used, as it felt that the work hardening helped with the strench.

Removing the forestock allows the barrels to be removed from the receiver. This reveals the E / L G / * in an oval on the end of the left barrel, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium before 1891. There are also various single letter proofs, as well as the "Perron" or Tower of Liège proof. These may give information on the inspector, as well as possibly indicate who originally made the barrel, as components could have been contracted out to multiple firms. The left barrel is marked with 10, while the bottom of the barrel rib is marked with 3962. The "watertable" of the shotgun breech area is also marked with the "Perron" or Tower of Liège on the right side, and is also marked with 10, which we assume is the serial number.

We believe the shotgun to be a 16 gauge example, marked with 17.0 on the underside of the right barrel, which should be the bore measurement in millimeters, which we have confirmed with a caliper. This indicates that it is chambered for 16 bore / gauge shells, and there is no "Not For Ball" marking, so this example does not have any "choke" to the barrel, a narrowing intended to help the shot spread.

This DOUBLE BARREL 16 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very well, showing a lovely patina of age, having probably seen service hunting for decades. 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. It features a lovely "pistol grip" rear stock and fore stock, both of which have some lovely checkering in the grip area. The metalwork does not show any engraving, so this looks to have been a utilitarian example, intended for use and not for looking pretty.

The gun is in nice shape, and bores are clear, showing some past oxidation and fouling that has been removed. There also is what looks to be a dent and some damage on the right barrel about 7-8 inches up from the breech. The standard top lever pushed to the side, opening the chambers for reloading, with a functional ejector. The hammers are the standard "rebounding" type, and do not have any provision for a half cock position, as they do not need to moved back to allow the breech to open. It also looks like the springs on both firing pins are non-functional. The stocks show the expected wear from use and long service, but do not have any major cracks or other catastrophic damage. The butt stock has some lovely flame figuring to the grain, visible on both sides. It features a lovely hard rubber butt plate with a game bird in the middle.

A Belgian shotgun imported to the U.S., in lovely collector's condition. Fully cleaned and ready to Display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: about 17mm 16 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 5/8 Inches with 3 Inch chambers
Overall Length: 46 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. 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 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.