Need help ID'ing this 12 ga. muzzle loading percussion fired double barrel shotgun

[4v50 Gary]

Started cleaning an unmarked 34" muzzle loading 12 gauge percussion fired double barrel the other day. It has "London Twisted" on the top rib, one piece stock (meaning the foreend isn't separate), engraved german silver nose, two gold wedding bands on each barrel (will get more images later). The unmarked locks are not of the back action variety.

There really is nothing special about this neglected and beat up piece. Its provenance is about the only thing significant because it belonged to the fellow who built the trading post. From what I could find on the net, it is English made for the export market. Here's some images.

I saw these markings on the bottom side of the barrels. When I first handled the gun, it was so dark and dirty that I didn't realized that the barrels were damascus twist.


Here's an image of the proof markings:


Three hours was spent on cleaning the left barrel. Here's an image of the hooked breech and the markings nearby.


Here are images of the hunting scene in white metal that is found on the upper rib. Three hours were spent on cleaning the upper left barrel. Still need to bring in a honing tool to polish the bore.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Gary
Nice old shotgun. So is this going to be a wall hanger or a shooter. If a shooter what non destructive testing procedures on the barrels and breech are you going to take to inspect/test it for safe use, given its age/condition. The proof marks should give you an idea regarding age. I know that from sending pics of my old Birmingham made damascus sxs 12 gauge to the curator of the Birmingham Proof House museum, it was likely made in the 1840s. A local smith with damascus experience took a look at it and said it could probably hold up to shooting light bp loads, but I cant talk myself into such a possibly risky endeavor. Ive heard folks bringing old shotguns like this back to life, shooting them safely several times, then KABOOM!!!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Display only

It belongs to a museum and I'm cleaning it up before it's put back on display. It belonged to Col. John Francisco (Hon.) of Francisco's Fort, a trading post in La Veta, CO.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

I see.

 

[Jim K]

"London Twist" was a common marking for what we call Damascus barrels, made from twisted rods wrapped around a mandrel and welded by heating the rods white hot and hammering on them. While the English ones were the best, and the proof marks indicate the barrels stood up to an excess load when they were made, they should not be trusted today even with black powder loads. (I don't recall ever seeing the term "twisted" with an "ed" before, though.)

IMHO, honorable retirement in a museum is the right place for that gun.

Jim

 

[4v50 Gary]

more images

 

[4v50 Gary]

final images

 

[Patocazador]

That metal insert in the forearm sure looks like the shape of a release to the front grip.

Are you sure it doesn't detach?

 

[4v50 Gary]

Nope. The stock is one piece and the forearm is part of it.