Original British 11 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by W. Farot with Massive 46″ Damascus Barrels – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a fantastic VERY LONG British-made 11 Bore Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, possibly intended for the large U.S. import market. The “Damascus” barrels on this example are a MASSIVE 46 inches in length, more than foot longer than the typical length, giving it an impressive overall length of 62 inches. That’s over FIVE FEET LONG! This extra weight of the long barrels even necessitated the installation of TWO barrel wedges to hold it in place. We’ve never really seen anything like this before!

The lock plates are marked in Gothic lettering with what looks to be W. Farot, though it is possible that the “W” is in fact two letters like TT or TJ. We have not been able to find any information on this maker, and leave this as a great research project for the new owner. This looks to be a very upmarket example, which has lovely lovely twist steel “Damascus” barrels, which still have strong markings on the barrel strap, also in Gothic lettering:

London Fine Twisted

The shotgun also has very nice factory engraving on virtually all of the iron fittings, and there is even a “German Silver” ornament on the bottom of the butt stock, which looks to be a hunting dog “pointing”. There is also a round German silver escutcheon on the back of the wrist. The shotgun looks to have seen a good amount of use, and now shows and overall oxidized patina to the exterior metalwork. However, the spiral forging lines are still clearly visible on the barrels. This added strength to the steel, as well as adding a great look to the gun overall.

The bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC “proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” marks. There is not however any “CROWN / BP” marking, indicating pre-1855 manufacture. There is also a G.T maker mark on the bottom of the barrel.

This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 11 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is checkered for a better grip, and this is still well preserved. The trigger guard also has a “pistol grip” on the end to further aid in the grip, which was definitely needed due to the 11 1/2 lbs that this shotgun weighs. The stock is lovely, showing a lovely color and some great figuring to the grain on many areas. There is a chunk of wood missing on the toe of the butt stock, and there is a crack by the ramrod throat, but no major damage. The barrel wedges can be removed relatively easily to inspect the stock and underside of the barrel. 

Both locks still function, with the left side holding correctly at half cock, while the right side will fire at both half and full cock due to tumbler wear. The cap nipple cones look to be original, and show light oxidation and powder burn to the exterior. The barrel shaped bolsters have cleanouts on the ends, however these are currently seized. There is an original brass fitted ramrod under the barrel, which may be a period replacement, as there is no clearing worm on the narrow end.

A lovely example of a mid 19th Century upmarket British Shotgun, extremely long at just over 5 feet in length. The owner of this must have been quite tall, quite strong, or probably both to be able to handle this. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: 11 Bore / Gauge – about 0.751
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 46 Inches
Overall Length: 62 Inches
Action type: Side Action 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.