This is a 10 gauge double barrel percussion shotgun with lock plates marked W. M. Moore. The overall length of this weapon is 42", with the barrels measuring 25 1/2". Both barrels have good bores with no rust or pitting. The top rib is marked London Fine Twist. The bottom of both barrels have the Crown over BP Birmingham proof house mark. They are also stamped with the crossed scepters having the crown in the top quadrant and the letter V in the lower quadrant indicating the Birmingham view mark. The number 12 is stamped on both barrels, followed by the crossed scepters with the crown at the top and the letters BPC in the other three quadrants. This proof mark was used by the Birmingham Proof House for black powder shotguns from 1866 to 1925. The number 13, the letters C.H and the number 6 is also stamped into the bottom of the barrels. The barrels have taken on a dark brown patina. The original wooden ramrod is still reporting for duty. The lock plates, trigger guard, stock nose tip and butt plate are all iron and have the same silver/gray patina. All pieces have simple decorative engravings. The actions work perfect and are very crisp. The oak half stock retains it's original finish and has German silver inlays for the escutcheon and a small silver inlay on the bottom of the stock. The wrist has fine checkering extending back to the rear of the trigger guard. The kicker to this one is the military style patch box on the right side of the stock. It's a known fact that General George Crook, one of the most famous Indian fighters, carried his own personal double barrel. Troopers under his command were also permitted to carry shotguns. Many were veterans of the Civil War and had first hand knowledge of the effectiveness of a shotgun in close quarters combat, especially former Confederate Cavalrymen of the Western theater! At close range a double barrel loaded with buckshot was an instant fight stopper! This is an overall beautiful weapon that most likely saw service during the Indian Wars period.

Item # AA781

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