Could one of you give me some insite on this muzzle loader?

[pipestone]

[/URL][/IMG]




Overall gun length 46 inches,, barrel 30 inches. I need some help on gathering some history or data on the gun.
Thanks

 

[tiriaq]

Looks to be a late 19th century Belgian shotgun. These were made for export with low retail prices. Yours is in much better condition than the majority.

 

[antiqueguy]

make sure there's no pitting in that barrel if you plan on shooting it unlike other guns a Damascus barrel can have big problems if there is pitting

 

[pipestone]

Here is a photo of some proof marks that are mainly hid under the stock. Also the bore is 0.40" and it weights two ounces under three pounds. Preliminary look at the bore, it seems "OK" but will have it professionally looked at.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[gunsaholic]

My first impression was that that is a fake damascus pattern. But I could be wrong.

 

[tacfoley]

Here is a photo of some proof marks that are mainly hid under the stock. Also the bore is 0.40" and it weights two ounces under three pounds. Preliminary look at the bore, it seems "OK" but will have it professionally looked at.

[/URL][/IMG]

I see ELG in a cartouche - Liége proof house.

tac

 

[tiriaq]

I very much doubt that the barrel is damascus/twist welded. Really looks like a simulated finish. Most likely a straight seamed barrel.
The gun is in very nice condition, as a specimen of its type. Doesn't make it particularly desirable or valuable.

 

[gunsaholic]

I very much doubt that the barrel is damascus/twist welded. Really looks like a simulated finish. Most likely a straight seamed barrel.
The gun is in very nice condition, as a specimen of its type. Doesn't make it particularly desirable or valuable.

Agree 100%

 

[RRCo.]

I see very little age to it. Probably an Indian or Pakistani "replica".

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

I agree that is not Damascus; that pattern is applied using chemicals (even bleach) to create the effect. Similar method to fake tiger striping on a stock.

It could easily be a rifle someone built maybe not that long ago. If you can knock out the pins without cratering the forestock, the barrel markings may tell more of a story.

 

[pipestone]

These are all the markings I could find on the barrel with the stock removed.

[/URL][/IMG][URL=http://s646.photobucket.com/user/pipestone_photos/media/BlackPowder23004.jpg.html]

 

[gunsaholic]

It is not that old at all and not of real high quality.

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Those are indeed Belgian proof marks; I believe those funny "E'-type characters indicate a date somewhere between the 1850's & 1920's; someone else will chime in there if not correct. ELG = BP proof.

Yes, the rough barrel indicates a lower-end piece.

So this tends to confirm the statement of another poster earlier on, that it is a lower end Belgian import. I'd suggest somebody has refinished it sometime recently; or they put together a rifle using that barrel. The carving marks don't appear to have a very "aged" patina; and the lock & hammer & other hardware could easily have been sourced recently. Value, if it is safe to shoot and unless it has some historical provenance or is otherwise collectable, would likely fall somewhere south of $400 (in my neighborhood anyway). Probably ~$200 as a shooter, $400 would be exceptional.

Hope that helps!

 

[catnthehatt]

The *with the G indicates the inspector who in this case was Charlier Joseph, between 1928 and 1959.
Cat