Here is what is probably the most attractive single barrel percussion shotgun we've ever had in the shop. This Belgian-produced 16 gauge fowler was made sometime between 1840-1870. It features a beautiful, lightly figured English Walnut stock, damascus barrel with rib and beautiful engraving. It remains in excellent condition.
It features a very well made tuned lock. The lock features a finely engraved detailed scene of a setter flushing partridges. The hammer features tight English scroll engraving. The lock retains some traces of color case hardening near the hammer, with most turning a very pleasing "french grey" color. The action of the lock is wonderfully smooth with a solid half and full cock.
The figured walnut stock features beautiful sharp checkering at the wrist with no cracks, chips or other damage. The length of pull is 13.75"; making this light weight gun very comfortable for modern-sized shooters.
The 28.5" octagon-to-round barrel features a beautifully browned damascus pattern which is very striking in person. A hooked breech secures the barrel solidly to the tang; which is fully engraved with intricate scroll work and a dog's head pointed toward the muzzle. A full length solid rib is securely fastened to the bottom of the barrel; holding in place an original hickory ram rod. The bore is excellent with no rust or pitting. This gun has been very meticulously cared for over the last 150+ years!
The furniture retains most of its original vibrant bluing; and is decorated with the same elaborate engraving as the lock and tang. The trigger guard is particularly striking; with a carefully cut rampant deer surrounded by delicate foliage and more scroll work.
This beautiful smoothbore is in fantastic condition; and very shootable - evidenced by the reproduction nipple that was installed by a previous owner. It is very well balanced with an overall length of 44", and very lightweight; weighing in at only 4 lbs 12 oz. This is a gun that was meant to be carried all day long!
