Original British 14 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by G. Hemenway with Damascus Barrels – Serial 347 – circa 1875 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very upmarket British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, most likely intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with G. HEMENWAY, a known maker of SxS shotguns that unfortunately there is not much information about. They may have only existed for a short period of time, or may have been one of many “trade names” used to retail guns in England and abroad.

We believe that this somewhat upmarket example was made circa 1875 based on markings, and the barrel strap still has a clear marking near the breech:

G. HEMENWAY LONDON FINE 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. The finish on the barrels is faded to a gray patina, but the distinctive texture of the steel grain is still visible throughout the barrels.

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 14 marking, indicating “14 bore” or about .693″. There are additional markings, possibly makers initials. The “table” of the shotgun receiver has an additional “viewed” marking. These are the markings used from 1855 to 1875, after which markings were taken for both the bore and muzzle, so this shotgun was most likely made around 1875. The shotgun is also marked with serial number 347 on the bottom of both barrels, on the fore stock fitting, and on the “table” by the breech, so this is a matched example with no parts swapped out.

This lovely DOUBLE BARREL 14 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing moderate handling and use. It is all iron mounted, and features lovely engraving on almost all of the hardware, particularly the frame and side action locks. These have oval panels showing game fowl in flight, which are present in many areas. It has a great checkered wrist on the butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well, though it is a bit worn. 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.

The action still functions correctly, with the breech opening and the ejector presenting, and both firing pins are movable, though the springs are broken or were never present. The side action locks are the “rebounding” type, which strike the firing pin and then return to battery. They do not have a half cock position for this reason. The breech is a later “top lever” design, very common around the world in the late 19th century, replacing earlier side and under lever types. We checked the bores of the barrels, and they do show signs of past cleaning and removed oxidation and fouling.

The “pistol grip” rear stock has a lovely color, showing no major damage, and is fitted with what looks to be a hard rubber or composition butt pad, which has a stag head on it. There is a very nice “shield” shaped escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock. The bottom toe of the butt stock has small wood graft repair, where part of the butt pad is missing. The fore stock shows a bit more wear, but also no cracking, and definitely is a bit darker in color.  It removes easily using the lever on the bottom. The horn or wood inlay at the very front is missing.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1875
Caliber: about .693″ 14 gauge / bore – 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 38 3/8 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers
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. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.