Van Wart Double Barrel Shotgun
Item #: AA778
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This is a double barrel percussion shotgun from the mid 1800's. The gun measures 47" overall and has 31" barrels. The bores of the barrels are dark and have moderate pitting. The wide flat rib is engraved and inlaid with German silver depicting a hunter with dogs flushing a covey of birds. The front sight is set back 1 3/8" from the end of the barrels. The little bead is centered in a floral scene that's also engraved and inlaid in German silver. The walnut half stock has a German silver rear ramrod fitting, escutcheons and a small inlaid piece on the bottom of the stock comb. There has been a small repair to the right side of the wrist of the stock. A small piece of the wood has been replaced just behind the lock plate, mentioned for accuracy. There is some tight checkering on the stock, running from the top center of the wrist to the rear of the trigger guard. The rear of the stock by the butt plate has numerous small nicks and bumps. This one even has the original brass tipped ramrod. The hammers, side plates, triggers, trigger guard and butt plate are all made of iron. All the metal parts have ornate floral engravings. The metal all has the same silver gray patina except the barrels. It looks as though some one has attempted to clean the tops of the barrels, most likely to find and maker or retailer marks. The lock plates are engraved with the Van Wart Son & Co. logo. The mechanics on these are crisp and strong, holding in half cock and full cock positions. Henry Van Wart was an importer from Birmingham, England, who supplied arms to the south during the Civil War. The Van Wart name has been found on many percussion pistols and shotguns from the 1830's through the 1860's. In the book "Confederate Odyssey" by Gordon L. Jones, on page 58 he mentions the van Wart shotguns being used by the southern forces. Though there is no documentation showing this one saw service in the Civil War, it's for sure it was around back then. Since it hasn't been shortened, this one may very well have been used by some Western theater Rebel Infantryman early on in the war! All in all, just an absolutely beautiful antique firearm from the Civil War era.
Shipping Weight:
10 lbs
Item # AA778
Price Was: 2145.00 $1,975.00 USD
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