Old Double Barrell Shotgun - No Clue?

[undertaker]

Here isa old black powder shotgun that someone told me wasn't worth that much and was givin to me. I was told that it was in working condition but to be safe I should only use it as a wall hanger. I cannot find a brand name or where it was mfg. Here are a ton of pics with hopes that you might be able to ID it. I had to take it apart to find markings on barrells. Maker ? Age? Value?

 

[Curious The George]

The barrels look to be English made. Could be the whole thing is English or English barrels used by a US gun maker. If I had to guess I would say $250-300 range. Who ever made it was a quality craftsman.

 

[drgest]

I once found a pistol with the E L G. mark. Apparently it was made (or at least the barrel) in Liege, Belgium.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333999

 

[GL]

That is a quality shotgun.

 

[bravowhiskey]

undertaker,

Go to gunbroker.com .......then forum.....then ask the experts. They are normally very helpful, and you have some good pics so that will sure help.

BW

 

[diggummup]

Belgian "trade" gun probably. It looks like the ELG oval with a star dates it to before 1893. There should be an inspector's stamp somewhere on it (usually just a single letter with a star over it) that will let you know which inspector was in charge of the proof-house when this gun passed proof, and that will usually let you know with 30 years or so of when it was actually made. If this gun was made with a rifled barrel, one of the proofmarks should be a capital "R" under a star, for "rayee" (rifled). you may want to ask some of the folks over at this forum-http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/fusionbb.php?

 

[GrayCloud]

Not a cheap gun. Look at the quality of the wood.

 

[bildon]

In this same secton scroll down two double barrel gun with hammers then read it all see if the picture looks like yours those are worth two to three hundred dollars each bildon

 

[Produce Guy]

Don't you just love it when people tell you that it's not worth much,a couple of weeks ago on Antiques Roadshow on PBS,this lady had an old Indian blanket that she had in the family for over a 100 years,everybody told her that it wasn't worth anything,turns out to be worth 100k-500k at auction.Not bad huh!
I would either take it to a good gun shop and or get it appraised by a dealer.

 

[GrayCloud]

It would be pretty valuable, if it turned out to be an old Parker.

 

[johnnywad]

It would be pretty valuable, if it turned out to be an old Parker.

Do you notice any signs that it may have damascus barrels/This is when the barrel is constructed by wrapping separate pieces of metal around and around,much like taping a hockey stick. If it IS damascus barrels,DO NOT FIRE. Todays loads,and powders are considerably more powerful,making weak barrels like the ones of old,VERY dangerous. Good Luck! Lastly,look up Frontier Gun and Sport in Fonthill Ontario Canada. If you send the pics,either Frank,or Randy Ryan would be able to make a positive I.D.

 

[undertaker]

This gun does not have a damascus barrel. I was told by other people that because of this guns very early age that it has to have a damascus barrel or its a reproduction. I double checked it and it is solid steel and not wire wound. I own three damascus wall hanger shotguns so I'am familar with them. I even got another gun collectors opinion and he said it's not damascus and no way is this gun a repro. Will I shoot it ? probably not.

 

[johnnywad]

Thank you for your response. Judging by the others,you've actually had a pretty good group of people offering their ideas. This is a great outlet for all of us who have the interest in fine older firearms,as this particular one surely is. I've got one here I want to post,and so far haven't been able to accomplish the feat. ( A little computer illiterate I'd say ) I have gotten enough feedback from other sources to believe it's what's known as a Miquelete Flintlock Musket. Constructed in Turkey? Balkans? Spanish?? it's also VERY VERY old.There's NO question about that. As soon as I figure out how to post it,I shall immediately. If you should find the answers to your 'riddle" please let me know. You have a wonderful firearm there,and anybody with a speck of interest in older firearms,would be proud to have this fine older gun in their possession. I'm happy you were already knowledgeable about the "damascus" factor. I'll always mention anything I can to ensure the safety of another,or share anything I may know,in an effort to help out. Once again my thanks!
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[snake35]

Great pics!!!! I have a few old front loading doubles. I do not shoot them, Why take a chance on your personal safety. Keep it as a great wall hanger. Good luck.