mahargsggib

I am pleased to report that I've had some expert eyes cast over my little beauty and she's passed with a clean bill of health. Some barrel pitting as you would expect but I have been told she would cope with a lightly loaded black powder shot up her spout. Everyone that looked at the gun today was very complimentary and suitably impressed. So internet shopping I will go. Many thanks for all those that responded to help identify this rare piece of history,

Just found this: This weapon carries the EL crowned mark which is that of Eugène LEFAUCHEUX. It also carries a punch of the proofhouse of Liege is spangled ELG in an oval which is the mark of acceptance, used of 1846 to 1893! http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20l/a%20lefaucheux%20eugene%20gb.htm So do I now conclude that I have Jean Duchateau built shotgun with a Lefaucheux action.?

Andy H: thank you for identifying the JD I have been searching the local libraries and book shops without much success I'm afraid. There seems to be plenty of literature on the American Civil War weapons and even quite a bit about pin fire revolvers but not much more than a passing comment on pin fire shot guns. I'm determined now to get this thing firing because it seems so unique. So can someone wrap this up and explain what it is that I have ? Is it a Belgium Jean Duchateau or a Lefaucheux or could it be a mix of both ??

Thunderbird: I guess I at least have bragging rights, "my gun has balls" LOL Pole Star: you're on Zapp: thanks man, so what does it all mean, was it a requirement to have a gun inspected when brought into the country ? is that how it would get proof marks from different countries ?

well she's here and what a thing of beauty, hard to explain the sheer pleasure when cocking those twin hammers, nice !!! She looks well up to throwing some lead around but will have a professional eye cast over her first. The stamps look like a crown, a 'Y' and a phallic symbol. There's 2 x 'JD'. Matching barrell and action numbers, '2792'. Also 'EC' with a crown. And a very cool dog that looks like he's wearing shades. Hopefully one of you knowledgable people will go, "are yes that's definately a _____________"

A bit more info: "This gun came from Sweden where it had been part of a collection once belonging to a prominent collector who has now died. It would have been made around 1850 for hunting and the engraving would suggest that it was a gun of a better quality. " Anyone know who that Swedish collector may have been ?? Pole Star: once I get the gun, I am taking it straight to a gun smith for assessment with the ultimate goal of firing it. moorvale55: here's an interesting link showing reloading a pin fire shell & where to get them, http://hlebooks.com/pinfire/cal16-01.htm

Paul223: I bought this on impulse, then remembered how I'd seen immitation antique swords and guns in Turkey and Egypt and they were very convincing replicas. mudpatten: the gun is being couriered today so I'll get close ups of any markings I can find and post them, I'm intrigued to know what I've bought, of all the searching I've done, I still think it is one of the best styles of antigue shotties I've seen. Yes, I found pictures of Lefauchaux guns with almost exactly the same action but the stock has me wondering ? I haven't found anything with that extra cheek pad. My family history dates back to the first settlers to arrive in New Zealand back in 1840 so it'd be amazing if this gun was possibly used back then. I have asked the seller if he knows of any history and will also post what he comes up with, watch this space.

Hi team, hey thanks for the feedback, the gun is being sent as we speak so will go over it with the macro lens and post any markings I find. Quietly relieved that no one has said it's a fake.

Just bought this interesting looking machine, in fact I haven't even picked it up yet. Hoping someone can identify whether it's genuine or just a good looking wall hanger. Any info on the ole' girl would be appreciated as I am new to shotguns and antiques tend to be a specialist subject. Yes, I know I should've done my homework first but I paid what I consider as a reasonable price even if it is a fake.