Belgian 12 Gauge Damascus 32 inch Rabbit Ear Double Barrel Black Powder Shell Shotgun marked W. Richard Late 1800s Hardware Store Gun Ornate Walnut Florida Estate

From its original family of ownership comes this above average specimen of the Belgian made Double Barrels that sold so well 125 years ago. It was Not designed to fire modern ammunition, not even light loads. The original owner, we are told by the great grandson, emigrated from the West Indies, weathered hurricanes and moved inland to Central Florida. Manufacturer was most likely an affiliate of Établissements Pieper of Liege, Belgium. Importer was probably Simmons Hardware of Saint Louis. Lock marking of W. Richard was simply an attempt to copycat fine guns of similar names that came from England. From its markings, we estimate this shotgun was manufactured some time between 1894 and World War I. Its frame’s water table bears a 600 range serial number, but older firearms like this sometimes duplicated serial numbers. Type is external hammer side by side black powder shell shotgun. Construction is Damascus or twist steel barrels, not designed for high pressure smokeless powder; steel receiver and parts; and European Walnut Buttstock and forend. Barrels are 32 inches, chambered for 2 5/8 inch shells, not for 2 3/4 inch. Both tubes mike at .705 at the muzzle. Buttstock measures 14 1/4 inches from the face of the front, right barrel’s trigger to the end of the buttplate. Overall length is 48 1/4 inches; and weight empty is 7 pounds 6.6 ounces, with center of gravity 2 inches forward of the chamber. Buttstock cants about 1/2 inch to the right. Original blue finish is partly visible on the lower areas of the barrel; and the receiver and locks show a nice light reddish tint. Note the ornate carving to the buttstock and forend; as well as the wide pattern lock, frame, and trigger guard engraving. Bore has perhaps 40 percent light to moderate internal pitting, mostly confined to the chamber end. Both hammers will stand, but a person can push the right hammer off cock position without the trigger. Lockup is tight with no wobble at all. Buttstock shows two short hairline cracks behind the top tang, and buttplate has a crack across the heel screw area of the butt plate. We rate this old Belgian Double as Good, but photos ought to suffice for our distinguished shoppers to judge finish grade for themselves. If a person plans to actually fire this shotgun, he or she needs to have it inspected by a competent gunsmith, and we are neither competent nor gunsmiths. We’re offering this old South Florida domiciled, Belgian Damascus Double for only $ 259.00. Definitely C&R Eligible. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> $20 flat fee lower 48 states; $60 Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, UPS Ground or USPS Priority with full insurance coverage. Don’t let your buddies use your account, that kind of thing smells like felony level straw purchase attempt. NO AMEX NO PAYPAL. We accept MC/Visa/Discover/USPS MO paid orders shipped ASAP. 7 day hold on checks. FFL ok by fax, e-mail or mail, please ask your dealer to put your name and Gun Brand on there. 7 day money back on used, no return on New Items, layaway, or ammo. We do not pay transfer fees or return shipping. Lay-away 20% down, balance in 90 days. Phone hours 8:00 – 5:00 CST Mon - Fri CST. Local pickup OK. Robertson Trading Post 117 Front Street PO Box 365 Henderson, Tennessee 38340 We Buy, Sell, or Trade. We always have, since 1952.