Unknown Superimposed Charge Damascus Four Hammer 4 Shot Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun, Antique

SOLD FOR $2,065.00
LSB#: 180508SH32

Make: Unknown

Model: Percussion Double-Barrel Superimposed Charge Shotgun

Serial Number: NSN

Year of Manufacture: Unknown, likely early to mid 1800’s, ATF Antique

Caliber: 16 Gauge. We measured the bores at 0.651” at the muzzle or Improved Modified choke.

Action Type: Four Shot Superimposed “Stacked” Charge Double Barrel Percussion Muzzle-Loading Shotgun

Markings: The lockplates, hammers, tangs, trigger guard and the rear of the barrel rib are all engraved with floral patterns.

Barrel Length: The barrel has an overall length of 31″ to the rear flash-holes, 28″ to the front flash-holes.

Sights / Optics: The sight is a steel bead on the top of the barrel rib near the front.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece laquer finished half-stock with a checkered wrist, a cheekpiece, steel buttplate and a sling swivel in the belly (the other is mounted to the middle ramrod ferrule. The cheekpiece has decorative carving at the front and rear. The stock has several scattered light to moderate compressions, drag lines, and bruises, mostly under the finish. The wrist has cracked through at the rear of the lockplates and been repaired. The stock has cracked through forward of the trigger guard and been repaired. There are small chip losses at the top edges between the hammers. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the rear of the buttplate. The buttplate has mottled light patina on its rear face, in about Good-plus condition as Antique. The stocks rate overall in about Fair-Good as Antique.

Type of Finish: The barrel is Damascus and the lockplates, tangs and butplate appear to have been case colored.

Finish Originality: There is no sign of refinishing.

Bore Condition: The bores apear to be semi-bright to gray with light erosion scattered throughout and spots of moderate erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 0% of its metal finish. The barrel displays its intricate damascus pattern and has mottled patina throughout. The plates, hammers and tangs were possibly finished in the white or they have worn to white with light, scattered patina. There are a few scattered light marks and scratches. The front nipples are in good shape. The left-rear nipple has a chip loss. The right-rear nipple has a crack almost all the way down its side. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The engraving is clear and crisp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fair-Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The right-front hammer does not catch the sear when cocked. This can be problematic as the front trigger fires both right barrels, front hammer first. The stock has slight flex to the receiver and we found that if the stock was gently flexed, it would sometimes trip the mechanism and allow the rear hammer to be dropped from full cock. The rear trigger controls the left hammers, and appears to function correctly. The right rear hammer appears to function correctly once the mechanism allows it to be dropped. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with a brass-tipped ramrod with tamper at one end and threads at the other. The rod shows light wear, in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This is something you don’t see every day. Superimposed or “stacked” charges are a concept that goes back as far as the 17th century and even made a brief appearance in the 21st century with Metal Storm. With a percussion gun, ideally, the projectile forms a seal on the rear charge, allowing a second charge to be placed in front of it and ignited with a separate cap. This shotgun is a double-barrel with two hammers on each side allowing for four total charges to be loaded and fired individually (you hope). One of the dangers of this system is that if the rear charge is also ignited, dangerously high pressures can be developed and may blow the gun up. The best case, if you have a double-ignition, is just that the gun has significantly more recoil and may be difficult to hold onto. That may be what brought about the cracks in the stock. Either way, this is an innovative and rare gun which will make a fine addition to any antique arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This Antique shotgun can be transferred/sold in California.