"The Leader", Belgium made double barreled shotgun

[Ronaldcraft]

Sure hope we have some knowledgeable shotgun folks out there. I have in my possession a double barreled shotgun, probably a 12 gauge. It is marked "The Leader" Belgium on both sides of the breech. It has outside hammers, the barrel break lever is on the left side, and it has a straight stock.
There are some proof marks on the gun, but I haven't been able to ascertain who made the gun or what year it was made. The barrels are 32" long, and the barrel rib is marked CAST STEEL, Belgium. I would appreciate any information that any one could supply as to who made this gun, and what year it was made.

 

[Curator]

"Leader" is one of the many names used by the Crescent Gun Company of Norwich Conn. They purchased barrels made in Belgium whihc are usually so marked. Post some pictures and look for other marks that may determine its origin.

 

[Dave McCracken]

What you have is a shotgun shaped artifact. Do NOT try firing this.

 

[Liberty1776]

Dave has it right. The ones that admitted to being built in Belgium were always bottom of the barrel. Some of them sold for $1.99 brand new. I know that was when the dollar was worth a dollar, but still. That would make it a two buck shotgun.

 

[oneounceload]

The proof marks will be on the bottom of the barrels and on the receiver flat area under the barrels. Remove the forearm and then the barrels to find them. Post pics of what they are, or really good descriptions, and we might be better able to tell you a little more about the gun. Contrary to popular opinion here, SOME of those guns were well-made and might be shootable - after a good exam by a good smith who knows these guns.

I have friends shooting older guns, some well over 100 years old, and doing it safely and having a lot of fun doing so

It comes down to..........."it depends"

 

[Fred Fuller]

I have friends shooting older guns, some well over 100 years old, and doing it safely and having a lot of fun doing so

BUT this shooting is also done with loads appropriate to the guns, which may have shorter chambers than 2 3/4" or a myriad of other considerations which must be taken into account.

Be careful... know what you are doing. Don't just go stuffing some modern load into an old shotgun and pulling the trigger....

 

[Ronaldcraft]

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my questions. I have NOT tried to fire this gun and will not until it is checked out by a competent gunsmith. I will try to get pictures of the proof marks on the gun, but due to their condition, I can't promise good clear pictures.

 

[oneounceload]

Absolutely, and those guns were examined prior to shooting. The OP isn't even sure if it is a 12 gauge, so a thorough exam by a qualified smith is definitely in order.

Another option is to get a set of subgauge tubes and shoot 20 or 28 through it. That would be cheaper than "sleeving" it to keep it in its original bore size