The neighbour handed me what is left of a shotgun to see "what I could do with it" to make it into a wall hanger. It belonged to his grandfather around the turn of the century and spent most of its life in Northern Quebec. The only markings I can make out on the side by side is "Fine Twist" between arrows on the rib between the barrels, and the underside of the barrels have the Belgian proof EL - provisional blackpowder proof as well as the crown over ELG with a star - definitive blackpowder proof . The stock seems to be a poor quality ash or oak and is relatively plain. The buttplate is steel and quite ornate with a stag facing left and two dogs below it facing right with some scrollwork. I noticed a similar shotgun at a show but it had much fancier wood, engraving on the barrels, and a different buttplate and the rib said "Canadian Belle" or something to that effect. The vendor said that this was a Belgian import sold through a catalogue like Hudson's Bay Co or Eatons, or something like that. The problem with the one I have is that it is missing the side plate locks with hammers - and that the tang area of the wood buttstock is badly damaged. If I can get complete locks with hammers for it that would be great to get it looking complete and hang over a fireplace. Any info on what exactly I have and who has parts for such a shotgun would be greatly appreciated. It is not for sale due to sentimental reasons. Thanks, Peter.
Just to add some google searches, the Canadian Belle apparently was a name put on shotguns imported from Belgian by H&D Folsom. Other trade names for these hardware-quality shotguns might be Elgin Arms Co, Crescent Arms Co, or American Gun Company. Any help locating some parts would be greatly appreciated.
Just to add some google searches, the Canadian Belle apparently was a name put on shotguns imported from Belgian by H&D Folsom. Other trade names for these hardware-quality shotguns might be Elgin Arms Co, Crescent Arms Co, or American Gun Company. Any help locating some parts would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited:
