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

Original Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 10 bore 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 shotguns were imported in some quantities from Europe.

The shotgun features all iron engraved mounts, except for the barrel wedge escutcheons, which are nickel silver. There is also some very nice nickel inlay work near the base of the barrels. The locks are heavily engraved as well, giving it a great look. The gun has an overall length of 48 inches, with double 32″ inch barrels.

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 pulled off the barrel assembly, and barrels are marked on the underside with as E / L G / * in an oval under the stock, indicating manufacture and inspection 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. There are additional markings on the underside of the barrels, which are proof and specification markings.

The shotgun breaks down correctly by removing the barrel wedge, which allows the barrel markings to be seen. Both locks function correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the right side may fire at half cock if pulled hard.

Overall condition is quite good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and a lovely patina. The original ramrod is missing, now replaced with a display rod that is not full length. There is also deformation to the ends of both barrels.

A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 19.69mm = 10 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/4 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.