Original Belgian 12 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Fowling Piece with Figured Stock for the U.S. Frontier Market – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 12 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. There is also a small escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock. The locks have some lovely engraving in the middle, but by far the best thing on this piece is the fantastic flame figured walnut stock! It has a lovely tiger stripe pattern running from the ramrod fitting to the butt plate. The gun has an overall length of 46 inches, with double 30 inch barrels. It has been fully cleaned and restored to put it in its best light.

There are no markings at all on the exterior of the gun, except for 6258 on the underside of the barrel near the muzzle. The barrel wedge comes out somewhat easily, and the bottom of the barrel bears both the E / L G / * in an Oval and “Perron” Tower of Liège proofs, 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. There is the number 9802 stamped on the bottom of one of the barrels, and there are various other numbers, which may be the specifications of the barrels.

Overall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and the fantastic flamed stock. The metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged blue patina, now faded from age and wear. Both locks are fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The cleaning rod / ramrod looks to be original, and has a very nice clearing worm on one end. The other end has had the brass fitting replaced with a spent cartridge casing.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber:  12 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side 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.