Seeking Information on an Antique Percussion Double-Barrel Firearm

Kamikaze11

Kamikaze11

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Gatineau Qc
Hi everyone,
I recently inherited an antique firearm and I’m hoping someone here can help me learn more about it. It’s a double-barrel percussion firearm, and the only marking I can find on it is the name “A. Salmond” engraved on the side.

I don’t have any additional information about its history or origin. I’d like to know more about the manufacturer, its age, and any other details about this firearm.
 

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Yes, it was a much better than average gun.
The engraving is well done. Looking at the lockplates, and the number of screws retaining the bridles, those are high grade locks. Vented platinum plugs.
I think it could respond to careful restoration. That would not involve anything aggressive, no wire wheel, rust remover, etc.
There isn't much you can do about the broken wrist and the wrap. It needs a really careful cleaning - then it wouldn't look like a rust bucket. A pair of hammers could certainly be installed.
If it were to fall into my lap, I think I would get a lot of satisfaction out of bringing it back to a reasonable appearance.
 
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Dear Tiriaq - your comment can be read both ways - 'That would not involve anything aggressive, wire wheel, rust remover, etc.' Hopefully you meant 'NO wire wheel, rust remover, etc'.

Gentle application of some very fine bronze wool and oil would work wonders on the metalwork, and leave little or no trace. Tung or Danish oil on the wood would help, slowly, and over a few weeks. Finishing off with a pair of suitable replacement nipples and Renaissance Wax would bring out the innate beauty of this lovely old gun.
 
Definitely, no wire wheel, rust remover.

I wonder if the hammers were removed for safety?

Pairs of appropriately styled hammers are available.

Not in the same league, but I once bought a Belgian working grade double. Stock was dirty, all exposed metal evenly rusted. Didn't look like much at all. Cleaned it up as tacfoley described. All screws turned out without difficulty or injury. It had been a decent serviceable gun when set aside to rust. Wiped out the bores, they looked good. Gave them a quick polish and they popped right up. I've since shot it with normal loads.

First ml double I acquired many years ago was a Belgian in rough shape. Both back action locks missing. Paid $4.50 for it at auction. Cleaned it up, made a pair of locks, test fired it, and hunted with it. I can still remember the first grouse.
 
I would not order hammers until nipples have been replaced. Then accurate measurements can be obtained. Getting those nipples out could be interesting.
I don't know how much experience you have, but the important thing is to do no harm.
Your could have a look at the selection of hammers at Dixie Gun Works, and at Blackleys. w ww.blackleyandson.com. Blackleys have quite a variety, good chance they'll have a pair the right size and style.
 
Is the bore the same as the outside of the barrel? Can you remove the nipple? The wrist is broken which is likely the reason parts were sold off. If you restore it let a friend shoot it first!!
It looks like a wall hanger, save your money!
 
Much about Salmond is not certain. Alexander Salmond was born in 1818 in Kinoull, Perthshire. He may have apprenticed under the gunmaker Robert Ancell. Salmond may have traded as a gunmaker at 3 George Street, Perth, Scotland, from about 1839 to 1847; in 1847 Robert Ancell made him a partner in his firm at 44 George Street. Salmond described himself as a gunmaker in the 1851 census. The 1861 census does not appear to record him, but the 1871 and 1881 censuses record him living at 1 Bird Street, Marylebone, London, where he may have moved to London to work for the gunmaker Edward Paton.

That's a nice quality gun, that has been put to hard use!
 
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