Glenlivet Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Was in a gunshop yesterday and came across a French hammer sbs, tight as the day it was made, which piqued my imagination. Went back today and got it for less than £300. Now it has become a puzzle. Embossed on the rib in gold is "epouvre poudre pyroxylee" ( the gun was sold as made by Epouvre), in fact this means nitro proofed but why embossed in gold??? The proof marks set it in St. Etienne at around the turn of the 19th century, very well in proof with tiny pits in the right hand barrel. Minimal but fading engraving, very nice woodwork, an apparent serial number of 9999 which I doubt as there is another stamped number of 896 and barrels which, although not Damascus, look like they might have been browned. Sling loops fitted to stock and barrels, 27" barrels choked cylinder and improved. What the hell is it?? The best bit, called in at Cloudside on the way back and couldn't miss with it :-))) Happy happy but with a lot of research to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Turn of the 19th century? Converted flintlock?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Turn of the 19th century? Converted flintlock?? Sorry, post 1897 pre 1923 but at the earlier end of the range. I'd guess it was nitro proofed after it was made as no stamp on the barrels, only the gold embossing. Rebounding hammers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 Get some photos up of the proof marks & other info under the forend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 (edited) Get some photos up of the proof marks & other info under the forend.Will do tomorrow. I'm torn between it being a peasant gun or something which could be quite high end. Can't find too many French gun makers. Edited to say the 27" barrels weigh far more than my Guerini 32" barrels. It's built like a tank! Edited March 19, 2016 by Glenlivet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 hello, St Etienne was reported to be part of the oldest gun making area in france, but before that sword and knife manufacturing. i remember buying a O/U 12 guage made in france by gunmakers Chapuis Armes lots more info on wiki and google Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 (edited) From what I can gather, France is a bit like England. Two proof houses, Paris and St Etienne. My real problem is identifying the maker. As you say, lots of info out there if you know what to look for. Edited to say that the southern proof house would probably cover the Basque Country, most Spanish guns come from the same region but on the other side of the hill. Edited March 19, 2016 by Glenlivet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted March 19, 2016 Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 It's always a good day when you come home with a nice gun. Pic's when you can please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2016 It's always a good day when you come home with a nice gun. Pic's when you can please.Many apologies - not a Winchester - Hopefully pics tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 First of the photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 (edited) Spooky to think this has been through two world wars and the Spanish civil war. It may have been used in the resistance and popped a few nazis. If only it could talk.... Edited March 20, 2016 by Glenlivet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzicat Posted March 20, 2016 Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 There may be makers details on reverse of lock plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted March 20, 2016 Report Share Posted March 20, 2016 Very nice. A gun to treasure.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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