Item Description
Original Item: One of a Kind. This came out of our big gun buy over over 200 units that had been in storage for nearly 100 years. It dates from the 1880's and is marked on each lock with F. A. LOOMIS, in a banner, and on each tail is IXL / No.46. The barrel strap is also marked with IXL / No.46 around an inlaid arrow, and also states FINE DAMASCUS STEEL. One look at the barrels will tell you that this is definitely the case. The gun is in excellent shape, both hammers and lock plate decoratively engraved. It has great wood stocks, with horn appointments.
Removing the fore stock and barrel reveal the serial number of 51118, along with various proof and choke specification markings for the barrels, including the gauge of 11. The presence of Birmingham proof marks shows that this is an Imported British gun, made for the U.S. Shotgun trade, which was substantial. We have not been able to find much about F. A. Loomis, except that it was a trade name, possibly out of Folsom or some other area. However, that discussion is more academic than anything else, and not the most interesting matter regarding this fine shotgun by far.
That would definitely be the stampings of W. F. & Co on the hinge of the gun, as well as the PISTOL PETE marking on the underside of the barrel. The former marking would indicate that at one point, this shotgun was owned by the Wells Fargo Company, most likely for protecting money shipments, or something similar. After that, it was apparently sold off to be replaced by more modern guns.
At that point, according to information we received with the shotgun, it passed into the ownership of James E. "Pistol Pete" Bowdoin, a Prohibition agent appointed in 1924. The JEB marking on the barrel most likely corresponds to his initials. He was well known for his prowess with guns, hence the nickname the media gave him. He would go on raids with two Six-shooters, and apparently TWO double barreled shotguns. The included information states that this is one of the two.
Sadly, "Pistol Pete" Bowdoin was shot and killed in the line of duty, during a "Moonshine Raid" on February 16, 1925, after a very short career as an agent. Further information can be found in the memorials section of the BATFE website.
Possibly with a romantic/tragic connection but still a great Scatter Gun from the Old West.
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 1880s
Caliber: 11 Gauge
Ammunition Type: 11 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Action: Dual Hammer Side by Side.
Feed System: Top Break Single Shot - two barrels
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
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.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
