Need help with old muzzle loader

[kjohn]

I am trying to determine what this old boomer is, genuine, replica or??? Over all length is approx. 68", barrel just over 51".

I wasn't able to get a full length pic, so I took a few of the action and the few markings.

If it is a replica, it has been around a long, long time. Thanks in advance for any help!

First pic if top rear barrel stamp:



Second pic is LH RR barrel stamp: looks to be F on top, L C below, little star below. Number above the circle is 138 or 13.8.



Next is Left side action:



Next Right side action:



Next RH action:

 

[iron cat]

Certainly is the pre 1900 proof mark and no fake brand name such as "Mantons"
So i would say yes, original Belgian fowler .
Cat

 

[mooncoon2]

The proof indicates before 1893 but overall, I get the impression of a very inexpensive flintlock perhaps for sale in Africa or South America

cheers mooncoon

 

[tiriaq]

These guns were imported by Century Arms, and sold for modest prices. A cheap trade gun made for sale in Africa, sold in North America as curios, decorators.

 

[iron cat]

These guns were imported by Century Arms, and sold for modest prices. A cheap trade gun made for sale in Africa, sold in North America as curios, decorators.

I missed the stamping on the lock, I was looking at the pics on my phone and it didn't show up as well!

 

[tiriaq]

While not particularly old, it isn't a reproduction. It was made for sale in a market where there was still a demand for muzzleloading hunting guns.

There were also a variety of Spanish made trade guns imported. Small bore smoothbore guns, single and double barrel. Some of the single barreled guns appeared to be full stocked, with a brass band covering a joint in the forend. Ramrods were basically heavy wire with an end installed. In the '70s, I bought one of these from SIR Mail order. $29.95. I think these guns were intended for sale in Brazil.

 

[tiriaq]

Here is an example of a 20th century working muzzleloader. It is a Nigerian village made "Dane Gun" acquired in the '60s by a telephone company worker. Tubing barrel about 4' long. The strip of innertube rubber ends in a little steel loop whch holds the musket cap in place.

 

[kjohn]

OK! Thanks fellas for your info! I am helping an estate to identify and perhaps evaluate a bunch of old guns, so there will likely be more questions.

 

[tiriaq]

Guns like this one do turn up in the auctions. I expect it would probably go for at least $200, maybe more.

 

[Old Guns Canada]

This one may actually have been made post- 1893. The fact that it says "Made in Belgium" would suggest that it's a 20th century replica. Just recently, I have been in touch with the RCMP technical division about the famous "ELG in Oval" proof mark. A definition I came across listed the mark without a crown as having been used on muzzle loading barrels until 1924! That was news to me! - I still learn something new on occasion - but apparently it is true. The commonly accepted version is that the crown was added on July 12 1893, and therefore guns proofed with the "ELG*" mark without the crown were made prior to that. However, this only applies to fixed-barrel guns and frames. RCMP replied that they decide on a "case-by-case basis" whether antique status is granted for muzzle loaders bearing the "ELG*" mark...