Original British 12 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by C.G. Bonehill of London Serial 34677 – circa 1885 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, possibly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both engraved lock plates with C.G. BONEHILL, for Christopher G. Bonehill. He was an English gunmaker from Birmingham, England who began working in 1872 and continued into the early 20th century. He was quite well regarded, and eventually became a guardian of the Birmingham Proof House. The barrel strap still has a clear marking near the breech:

C. G. BONEHILL SPECIAL B.B. LONDON DAMASCUS

It indicates that the barrel is “damascus” forged, resulting in a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. Unfortunately this can now only be seen under the fore stock, as the finish is mostly worn. 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 definitive proof, and a 12 marking, indicating “12 bore” or about .729″. THere are additional markings as well, such as the specifications on the “choke” of the barrels.

The shotgun is also serial number marked with 34677 on the bottom of the barrel, on the fitting for the fore stock, and on the top of the receiver inside the hinge joint. Additionally, there are markings for British Patents 1877, 2323, and 3718, all patents granted in the late 1870s – early 1880s to Bonehill, nicely placing the production date for this shotgun in the mid 1880s.

This well used DOUBLE BARREL 12 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age It has a great checkered “pistol grip” style butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads. This example shows much use, but no abuse, and is still quite solid.

The action still functions correctly, with ejection and dry firing. The rear stock has some lovely curl, and has a very nice gutta percha butt stock pad. Unfortunately it is now missing the bottom toe, and also is cracked and bulging out due to the lead balance in the butt stock expanding. There is also a chunk missing on the left side.

A very nice antique hammer shotgun, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1880
Caliber: about .729″ 12 gauge / bore – 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/2 Inches
Action type: Back Action Locks with External Hammer
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.