Royal Masterpiece Shotgun
- Thread starter Julius Caesar
- Start date
I'm at work and away from my research resources, but I'll take a stab at it from memory.
The overall design and look of the gun leads me to believe that it was one of many that were designed by William Baker. These were sold under at least half a dozen trade names, the most common and therefore most likely being LC Smith (Hunter Arms Corp.). LC Smith used the "Royal" designation to describe one of their barrel steel grades. I don't recall seeing the "Masterpiece" name used, but there are numerous grades of 'Elsies' that might have been given that moniker.
You or your friend can read up about the various company names under which LC Smith shotguns were produced, as well as info about grades and versions at this site:
http://www.lcsmith.org
William Baker also made similar guns under his own name as the Baker Gun and Forging Co., but I don't remember the term "Royal" being applied to those produced under the Baker name.
The overall design and look of the gun leads me to believe that it was one of many that were designed by William Baker. These were sold under at least half a dozen trade names, the most common and therefore most likely being LC Smith (Hunter Arms Corp.). LC Smith used the "Royal" designation to describe one of their barrel steel grades. I don't recall seeing the "Masterpiece" name used, but there are numerous grades of 'Elsies' that might have been given that moniker.
You or your friend can read up about the various company names under which LC Smith shotguns were produced, as well as info about grades and versions at this site:
http://www.lcsmith.org
William Baker also made similar guns under his own name as the Baker Gun and Forging Co., but I don't remember the term "Royal" being applied to those produced under the Baker name.
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Mr. Caesar, you don't often see American shotguns with sling swivels. While I agree that the action looks sort of like a Baker design, I think it is more likely a European gun.
To determine where the gun was made, remove the barrels and look at the barrel flats and water table to see the proof marks. The proof marks of various countries can be reviewed here: http://www.gunaccessory.com/Proof_Marks/proofmarks.htm . The Americans did and do not use a national proof house, so the absence of proof marks on a gun often points to American origins.
Given the country of origin, perhaps more info can be found.
Sharptail
To determine where the gun was made, remove the barrels and look at the barrel flats and water table to see the proof marks. The proof marks of various countries can be reviewed here: http://www.gunaccessory.com/Proof_Marks/proofmarks.htm . The Americans did and do not use a national proof house, so the absence of proof marks on a gun often points to American origins.
Given the country of origin, perhaps more info can be found.
Sharptail
We need detail pictures as well as very marking on the gun to help you out, please post pics. And the other gentlemen is correct you never see sling swivils on American guns of that vintage. I hope you appreciate what an expensive gift you were given, this man must be a very good friend to leave you such a present. regards dale
Mr. Caesar, while the pictures show us more detail, they don't tell us much more about the gun. You will still need to look at the proof marks to discover anything further.
What we can tell is that this is a side-plated boxlock with extensive but simple engraving. When new this gun would have appealed to those wanting the "look" of a high grade sidelock, but were lacking the entry fee.
The unfortunate gun seems to have been attacked by a hacksaw. In addition the front end of the trigger guard does not look to be fully screwed down, or is perhaps stripped. The "bronze" (paint? some sort of inlay?) work on the fore end is not original to the gun and has reacted with the barrel steel, causing an area of rust that is large enough to be of concern. Have the barrels checked very carefully before anyone shoots it. The original photo shows a poorly fitted butt pad. The gun has led a hard life in the hands of amateur gunsmiths.
It would be interesting to see what the proof marks have to say - any hope of getting some pics of them? While the gun has a decidedly Belgian look to it, the proof marks will tell its origin and should provide other useful info such as chamber length.
Sharptail
What we can tell is that this is a side-plated boxlock with extensive but simple engraving. When new this gun would have appealed to those wanting the "look" of a high grade sidelock, but were lacking the entry fee.
The unfortunate gun seems to have been attacked by a hacksaw. In addition the front end of the trigger guard does not look to be fully screwed down, or is perhaps stripped. The "bronze" (paint? some sort of inlay?) work on the fore end is not original to the gun and has reacted with the barrel steel, causing an area of rust that is large enough to be of concern. Have the barrels checked very carefully before anyone shoots it. The original photo shows a poorly fitted butt pad. The gun has led a hard life in the hands of amateur gunsmiths.
It would be interesting to see what the proof marks have to say - any hope of getting some pics of them? While the gun has a decidedly Belgian look to it, the proof marks will tell its origin and should provide other useful info such as chamber length.
Sharptail
