This is a 10 gauge double barrel percussion shotgun with lock plates marked Wm. Moore & Co. The overall length of this weapon is 46 1/4", with the barrels measuring 29 1/2". Both barrels have bores that are rusty and lightly pitted throughout. The top barrel rib is marked Warranted London Fine Twist. The bottom of both barrels have Birmingham proof mark stamps. Both are stamped with a crown over the letters BP, the provisional proof for barrels. The letters EJ are stamped into both barrels, along with the number 12. Along with these proof marks and inspector stamps, the left barrel is also stamped with the number 2 and the letter T in two separate places. The barrels have a brownish black patina. The original wooden ramrod is brass tipped and still reporting for duty. The lockplates are both marked Wm. MOORE & Co. They have a silverish/gray patina, with simple decorative engravings. Both of the actions function perfectly, and are very crisp. The nose cap, trigger guard and butt plate are iron and have a progressively darker patina than the lockplates. The nose cap and trigger guard both have more of the same simple decorative engravings. The oak half stock retains it's original finish, but the left stock comb is considerably lighter than the rest of the stock, caused by wear. There are German silver inlays for the escutcheon and a small silver inlay in the shape of a shield on the bottom of the stock. The wrist has fine checkering extending back to the rear of the trigger guard. There is a small sliver of wood missing from the stock on the right side just above the escutcheon, about 3 1/2" long. On the left side of the stock is a small crack about 1/2" long, again beside the escutcheon. While there is no known history with this gun, they were known to be used by Confederate cavalry in the Western Theater. It's also 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 could have seen service during the Indian Wars period.

Item # AA871

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