Original Belgian 9 Bore Double “Real Twist” Barrel Percussion Fowling Piece for the U.S. Frontier Market – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 9 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 brass. The locks have some lovely engraving in the middle, and were most likely intended to be marked by the retailer, however there are no markings on this example. It features a lovely walnut stock that shows some great figuring around the wrist / butt stock transition. The gun has an overall length of 46 inches, with double 29 3/4 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 an inlaid silver gothic Real Twist marking, next to a silver inlaid band by the breech of thee barrel. The barrel wedge can be removed with a brass drift, 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 4895 stamped on the bottom of one of the barrels, and there are various other numbers, which may be the specifications of the barrels or maker marks.

Overall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and some lovely figuring in the wood in that area where it transitions to the butt stock. The metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged blue patina, with the original engraving well retained. Both locks are functional, however the right the right side does not hold at half cock, while the left side does. The cleaning rod / ramrod looks to be a period replacement, and has no fittings on either end.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber:  9 gauge / bore – about 0.800″
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 29 1/2 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.