Antique shotgun? big pics!!

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drslav

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helo all. I have inherited and old shotgun. i would like to gather some info on this piece. It is double barrel..barrel is very small like...around .5"
Markings are on left side of lock " T Murcott " and on part between barrels
"T Murcott London". I would like to know if there any parts available as i want to replace the hammers and the nipples ( is that what they are called? ) Still locks good so id like to see if it can be fired...if not just to have it complete looking. Next question is should i attempt to refinish it or just leave it as it is... Any info is appreciated
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It looks to be from the 1870's period to me. There would not be any original parts available. A very good gunsmith would be able to make parts if something is broken. A very good close look should be given to the chamber area and, if possible, the breech plugs should be pulled for inspection by someone who knows!!! Do not (an opinion) refinish in any way. Wash the stock with Murphy Oil soap and then rub in some linseed oild and leave it alone. Metal should have any rust removed and be oiled and if necessary wiped down with oil and steel wool. Nipples should be removed and replaced with modern ones. It appears to be of VG quality. Are you sure the barrels are not rifled or possibly one being rifled and the other smooth? Dave
 
They are both smooth bore.bore has dirt and bit of rust... hammers need replacing as they are different from each other one missing a screw ( broken off) and the nipples one removed other broken...oh and the little stick on the bottom needs replacing with something looks original...
so the barrel plugs are on the back and can be removed to see the end of the barrel? that's good. i will have it done.
any idea on value and gauge?
it is an english gun made in 1870s for sure they still make guns...so i found
 
Gentle use of OOOO steel wool, or better, bronze wool, with oil will remove loose rust.
Matched pairs of hammers can be had, and can be fitted.
Pulling breechplugs from double barrels can be really problematic.
If you can remove the barrels, gauge will be stamped on the bottom of the barrels.
 
that is some good info. thank you very much. there is no rust on outside so i will leave it alone. will clean the inside barrels. i expect to have trouble with plugs so if it wont work i will just leave it. any idea where i can get hammers and nipples?how do the breech plugs come out?
barrel says 26 0n the bottom...that is all i can see besides other markings there is no numbers..
 
Theophilus Murcott was bought out by WW Greener around 1878 if my memory is correct. He is memorable for developing the first hammerless shotgun. I would guess that your gun dates to the 1850s to early 60s.

cheers mooncoon
 
cool to know...this so sure its antique...i am looking for any parts for this shotgun, another gun, or parts gun
i took apart the locks "cleaned" and lubricated. they are in working condition but left lock has broken piece inside from dry firing i think....wool worked well didnt take off any patina just rust...so i oiled it and put some wax on wood.
thank you all for info anything else i need to know please post..
 
mooncoon said:
Theophilus Murcott was bought out by WW Greener around 1878 if my memory is correct. He is memorable for developing the first hammerless shotgun. I would guess that your gun dates to the 1850s to early 60s.

cheers mooncoon
Click to expand...

your info is correct...did find this somewhere that they invented that had no idea on age of this gun
i know some newer ones are expensive
 
For parts, you could try Dixie Gun Works (w ww.dixiegun.com) or Track of the Wolf (ww w.trackofthewolf.com). There are other dealers, like The Rifle Shoppe.
Both have pairs of hammers. Measure yours from the center of the tumbler shank to the center of the face which strikes the nipple. There is also the matter of lateral offset. Fitting them so they are solidly on the tumbler shanks, and stand together when on half and full #### takes a bit of practice. You will have to get the broken screw out of the tumbler shank. This can be a bit of a pain. These dealers have nipples in various sizes, maybe something will fit.
The 26 likely refers to 26 gauge. There should be proof marks as well.
The gun looks to be medium quality. The brass trigger guard and buttplate are not all that common; most British guns of the period used iron.
Getting the plugs out of doubles is a challenge. A wrench that fits the lugs is essential. Holding the barrel is a challenge. It is easy to squash a thin, soft iron barrel. It is also easy to twist the barrels apart.
As is, in this area, I expect that a gun like yours would sell for $100 - $200.
 
DRSLAV:
Since Brantford is maybe an hour's drive to Komoka, your Murcott might benefit from the expert advice and services of gunmaker Nick Makinson. Phone: 519 471 5462
 
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