Original U.S. Market Belgian 16 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Fowling Piece with Twist Forged Barrel and Carved Stock - Circa 1850
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This lovely Belgian-made 16 bore fowling piece / shotgun is unsigned on the exterior, but is most likely intended for the U.S. Frontier market, which was booming during the 1850s. Domestic production could not keep up with the demand, so fowlers were imported in some quantities from Europe. The fowling piece features all iron mounts with some lovely foliate engraving, and there has been a good amount of wear on the barrel and locks, which may have removed any markings that were present. It also has a fantastic carved butt stock, with a lovely cheek piece, and a carved stag's head on the bottom, which is highly stylized.
The gun has an overall length of 49 inches, with double 32 ¾ inch barrels, and as mentioned previously, there are no external markings. We can see however a spiral pattern on the barrel, which indicates that it was "spiral" or "twist" forged. This method of barrel production resulted in stronger steel. The barrel wedge comes out somewhat easily, though it can be difficult to put back into place, as there is a good amount of oxidation on the bottom of the barrel under the stock.
We can however still see an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. This small country, which only gained independence in the early 19th century, had long been a firearms production powerhouse, with Liège being the center of manufacturing. Due to oxidation many markings are probably obscured, but we were able to see a CROWN / LB proof mark next to number 14, as well as 16.8, the bore measurement in millimeters.
Overall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist and forearm areas, and and a great used look. The stock has a lovely color, and the carving on the bottom of the butt stock is still very crisp. There is a bit of wood missing to the rear of the left lock plate, and there has been a repair there in the past. The metalwork is in very good shape, still showing lots of the original engraving, and the finish has matured to a lovely polished patina from years of cleaning. Both locks function, however only the right side holds at half cock, probably due to wear on the tumblers. The cap nipple cones look to be original, and show oxidation and wear from use, with the left cone being partly broken off.
The gun comes with a lovely original brass and iron fit ramrod, which has a threaded "clearing worm" attachment on the inner end. We almost never see these with original rods, as they are often lost or acquired to use with other more modern arms.
A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in lovely condition with a fantastic carved butt stock. Ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 16 gauge / bore (.663")
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 32 ¾ Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Back Action Percussion 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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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.
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
