Original British 12 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun with Birmingham Proof Marks – circa 1860 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, most likely intended for the large U.S. import market. There are maker markings on the lock plates, however they are quite worn, so we can only make out “W. JO” or “W. JU”, with the other letters unclear. It looks to have been made as a somewhat upmarket version, featuring a lovely twist steel “Damascus” barrel, as well as some nice factory engraving on virtually all of the fittings. It then saw long use, and now shows and overall oxidized patina to the exterior, and the spiral forging lines on the barrel can only be seen under the barrel. 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 also the CROWN / BP blackpowder proof that was introduced in 1855, so this was made after that. Interspersed with the proof marks is the number 12 markings, indicating the bore size. The breech plugs have additional “Viewed” markings, and there are additional markings that could indicate the maker. The barrel assembly is currently rust seized to the tang, so the whole assembly must be removed as one piece.

This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 12 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is checkered for a better grip, however this is now quite worn, and the checkering under the fore grip area is also worn as well from lone use. There are no major repairs or damage to the stock, though there is cracking to the rear of the lock plates on both sides. The shotgun’s fittings are mostly of iron, with factory engraving that was once highly decorative, but now definitely a bit worn. There is a small round “German Silver” escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock.

Both locks still function, but the right side does not hold at half cock, and the left does not hold at half or full cock, so both have quite a bit of wear on the tumblers, and possibly other issues. The cap nipple cones look to be original, and show oxidation and powder burn to the exterior. There is an original brass fitted cleaning rod under the barrel, which has a brass cover on the narrow end that covers a clearing worm for the barrel. The barrel wedge still removes relatively easily, however the breech joint is rust frozen, so the tang must be unscrewed from the stock before the barrel can be removed.

This is a very nice percussion shotgun for the U.S. market, and would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to restore or display as is!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1860
Caliber: 12 Bore / Gauge – about 0.729
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 30 ½ Inches
Overall Length: 47 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.