Mid 1800's English Made 12 Gauge Double Barrel Louisville, Ky Retailor
Item #: AA3085
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This is an English made 12 gauge, double barrel, black powder, percussion shotgun from the mid 1800's. The gun has an overall length of 46 1/2", with the barrels measuring 30 1/8" in length. The barrels have a smooth exterior, with no pitting. Both the barrels have a mottled steel gray and plum patina. The bores are just starting to turn dark and have light pitting and surface rust over the entire length of the barrels. The rib between the barrels is not engraved. The under side of the barrels have the Birmingham proofs stamped into them. The lock plates have the retailer's name of Joseph Griffith, and are engraved with simple floral designs and have a smooth, steel gray appearance. The hammers match the lock plates in appearance and are also engraved with floral designs. The mechanics work perfectly, locking in half and full cock. They both snap forward when their respective trigger is depressed. The trigger guard and butt plate match the patina of the rest of the gun, with the butt plate being slightly darker. The simple engraving found on the hammers carries over onto the butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap, with all three pieces showing much wear from use. All the hardware on this shotgun is iron. The ram rod thimbles and nose cap are securely attached. The wooden ram rod is capped with a brass tip. There are no sling swivels on this shotgun. A small German silver oval plate is in the bottom of the stock comb. It looks like the initials BC are scratched into it. The stock has a beautiful, chocolate brown appearance. There are the usual bumps or dings present in the wood from normal handling. There is no wood loss or significant cracks in the stock. Joseph Griffith is shown in the list of American gunmakers as being in business in Louisville, Kentucky between 1843 and 1870. He was known to have made a trip to England in 1854 to purchase weapons and related items, most likely when he purchased this shotgun. This old gun has done it's fair share of slinging lead, as both barrels are now both well beyond the 12 gauge bore. It still has some awesome display power, and will compliment any Southern retailed weapons collection.
Shipping Weight:
8 lbs
Item # AA3085
(Sold)
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