45 double barrel/twist barrel info

[25tikka]

A friend has a unique 45 cal double barrel muzzle loader. It is rifled. It is an over under design and you twist the barrel to fire #2. Percussion rig and the only marks on it is ITALY under the trigger guard. Any info would be great.

Thanks

 

[Smokepole]

I had one when I was a kid. I think they were sold under the Hopkins and Allen name for a while. Shooter's Bible, 1974 lists it at $139US, if I remember, it was about twice that in Canada. The novelty quickly wore off. It was HEAVY!

 

[mooncoon]

They are known as "wenders" or swivel breaches. Interesting from the point of novelty but heavy.

cheers mooncoon

 

[25tikka]

Thanks for the info. Any idea of current value in good shape?