Original British 12 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Fowler with Damascus Steel Barrel for U.S. Market – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice British Double Barrel percussion fowler, in what looks to be 12 bore, a very popular size then. It is fitted with a 36″ “Damascus Steel” double barrels and measures 52 1/2″ in overall length. There is extensive foliate edge engraving on both locks and most of the metalwork. This was most likely intended for the North American trade, so no makers marks are apparent. These guns were to be marked by the U.S. Retailers with their own names but were often sold without, such as with this example.

The barrel assembly on this gun is relatively standard, with the two barrels joined by a central rib, which is marked LONDON on the top.. It still is easily removed from the stock, and the bottoms are marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC proof and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V viewed marks from the English city of Birmingham on both barrels. These are the correct markings for pre-1853 manufacture. There are a few other markings, but none giving more specifications for the fowler.

Most of the fittings on the fowler are iron, except for the nickel silver barrel wedge escutcheons and the ramrod pipe. There is also a lovely inlaid strip of nickel silver on the barrel assembly near the breech. The locks are both fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. Both cap nipples are present with just a bit of mushrooming on the ends, however we have not checked to see if they are clear.

The wood stock is in very good condition, probably made from English Walnut, a tried and true gunstock wood. It does look to have been finished with a darker tint at some point, which is only partly retained, making this a prime example for a refinish. There is no structural damage that we can see to the stock. The wrist still bears some lovely checkering, which is still mostly crisp, and there is a small nickel silver escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock, next to a small compartment surrounded by an engraved nickel silver fitting. The lid of the compartment is iron, and unfortunately rusted shut. The original ramrod is still present, complete with a ramming plug on one end, and a clearing “worm” screw on the other.

This is a great looking gun, and would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 12 bore
Ammunition Type: Lead ball / shot and Powder
Barrel Length: 36 inches
Overall Length: 52 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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