Original Belgian 10 bore Double Barrel Percussion Fowling Piece for the U.S. Frontier Market – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 10 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 lightly engraved mounts, except for the barrel wedge escutcheons, which are nickel silver. The locks are heavily engraved as well, giving it a great look. The gun has an overall length of 47 inches, with double 31 inch barrels. It is offered in “attic fresh” condition, only lightly cleaned and perfect for hanging on the wall.

We can just make out some engraving on the barrel rib between the two barrels which looks like:-

REAL TWIST

This indicates that it is a twisted steel barrel, one of the common ways of forging shotgun barrels at the time. We were not able to remove the barrel assembly, which seems to be frozen at the joint with the tang. However the left side of the barrel is marked with both “Perron” Tower of Liège, indicating manufacture in 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.

Overall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and a lovely patina. There is even some nice “flame” figure on the butt stock. The metalwork shows a worn used patina, especially on the barrel, acquired from years of cleaning and use. Both locks function, however due to wear on the tumbler they will both fire at half and full cock. The ramrod looks to be a working life replacement, however it does have a clearing screw “worm” on one end, so it is functional.

A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in lovely worn condition and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber:  10 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 31 Inches
Overall Length: 47 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.