This is a Confederate used cut down, double barreled, 12 gauge percussion shotgun from the Civil War. The shotgun measures 33 1/4" overall and has 17" barrels. The barrels have a black/brown patina. The only stamps or marks are on the left barrel. One is the Leige proof mark of Perron, used since 1853. The second is am under a crown, but I have not been able to identify it. The barrels are smooth with moderate pitting around the bolster and nipple areas. The rib between the barrels is securely attached, and someone went to the trouble to reattach the brass front sight bead. This is most likely an arsenal job and not some Johnny Reb hack job. The bores are dark, but have only light pitting. The lock plates and hammer have the same dark patina as the barrels. The right plate is stamped RIDDLE on a banner. Riddle was known to have made low to medium quality lock plates from the 1820's through the 1840's. There is some simple floral etching on both lock plates and hammers. The actions work perfectly on this old double barrel, with the hammers holding in half and full cock. When the triggers are depressed they strike the original nipples squarely. The butt plate has the same patina as the barrel and lock plates. The nose cap, escutcheon plates and trigger guard have had silver wash applied and they display nicely. The oak stock is in very good condition, showing only a couple of small bumps and bruises from normal handling. There is one small area of wood loos on the left side just above the escutcheon plate. There are what look to be three small marks carved into the top of the stock comb. Looks like someone was keeping score, and I don't think it was rabbits! The wooden ramrod that accompanies this shotgun appears to have been with it forever. Confederate cavalry were known to have used these cut down street sweepers, especially Forrest's boys. They are documented in several books on Southern used arms during the Civil War. This particular shotgun has been photographed and documented in an upcoming book written by Russ Pritchard due to be on the market this summer. Here is a rare opportunity to own a documented Confederate firearm for a price that won't break the bank!