Original British 13 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by James Harper of London – circa 1860 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, possibly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both back action lock plates with JA’S HARPER, for little known London Gunmaker James Harper. We have found other examples of their work, but there is unfortunately not much known about them. Most of what we could find were other examples of their percussion shotguns, both double and single barrel, in a variety of different bore sizes.

This example was definitely 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. The barrel strap and both barrels have faded to a lovely gray patina, but both still show the lovely laminated spiral forging pattern on the exterior. 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 are several number 13 markings, indicating the bore size. The breech plugs have additional “Viewed” markings.

This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 13 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is finely checkered for a better grip, and this is still quite strong, showing only a bit of wear from use. There is additional checkering under the hand grip area, which is also in good shape. There are no major repairs to the stock, though there is a repair to the rear of the left lock, as well as a plug repair about an inch behind the lock plate on the same side. The shotgun’s fittings are mostly of iron, with factory engraving that was once highly decorative, but now definitely a bit worn in areas.

The nose cap and barrel wedge escutcheons are made from “German Silver”, and there is also a small escutcheon on the bottom of the stock , which is engraved. There is also a lovely patch box on the right side of the stock, which has an engraved German Silver fitting, with an iron lid that is somewhat oxidized.

Both locks are functional, however the left side lock does not hold at half cock, while the right side does. The cap nipple cones both look to have been replaced at some point, as they show very little powder burn, however this must have been some time ago, as they are now a bit mushroomed at the top. It still features an original brass fitted ramrod under the stock, which has a clearing worm under a brass cover on the narrow end, though the end of the cover is broken off. Also, the front ramrod pipe is missing. The barrel wedge pulls out relatively easily, allowing the barrel to be removed.

This is a very nice percussion shotgun by a seldom seen London maker, and would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1860
Caliber: 13 Bore / Gauge – about 0.720
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 30 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 46 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.