Original British 16 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun Cut Down to Coach Gun by Howell Gano & Co – circa 1870 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, intended for the large U.S. import market, which was then cut-down to serve as a coaching gun. A full length shotgun would definitely be unwieldy inside the small confines of a coach, so this was a common modification during the days of coaching lines.

It is marked on both lock plates with HOWELL GANO & Co, of Cincinnati, OH, a known importer of British arms and other shotguns in the 19th Century. The company was founded in 1844, and listed as a “Wholesale Hardware Store”, which in those days definitely included firearms. They were located at 138 Walnut Street, and the members of the firm were Howell Gano, Christopher T. Adams, and Jacob W. Gano. Definitely some nice great research potential here!

The barrel strap on this coaching gun still has a relatively clear marking on the top:

LONDON FINE TWIST

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 plum patina, but the spiral forging lines are still apparent on parts of the barrel. The bottoms of each barrel are also both marked with the bore / gauge 16, and also bear the CROWN / VBP single Birmingham Proof Mark, which began to be used circa 1868. This same proof is also marked on the breech plug (faint). The bottoms of both barrels are marked with B.J.W.&Co., which we assume is the maker. There is also a J.H marking closer to the barrel wedge fitting. Definitely some great research potential here!

This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 16 bore Percussion coach presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is finely checkered for a better grip, and the walnut shows some fantastic grain, and a lovely red brown color. There is also checkering on the fore stock area, and a lovely nickel silver escutcheon on the under side of the butt stock, which is blank.

The shotgun’s fittings are all of iron, with some very nice line engraving, and some areas with more foliate designs. The locks are both fully functional, and correctly hold at half cock, firing at full. The cap nipple cones both look to be period replacements, as they show a lot less wear than the rest of the barrels. The brass fit ramrod actually does have a clearing worm on the end, so it is real, and was shortened to match the new length of the gun. It is held in place by a repositioned pipe, though it is currently detached from the barrel, held in place by the cleaning rod. It looks like a glue repair was attempted before, which did not hold.

This is a very nice British made double barrel 16 gauge shotgun converted to a coaching gun, which would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: 16 Bore / Gauge – about 0.663
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 16 Inches
Overall Length: 32 1/4 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.