Percussion 12ga - Schopen - Liege Belgium (need hammer)

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Philip Chua

Philip Chua

Jack of few trades master of fewer
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Howdy all!
This was one of two BP parts guns. Actually bought the lot for the other which is a small bore octagonal barrel project. This was the throw in “poor condition” shotgun. Actually it’s in decent shape. Needs some cracks fixed but seems pretty solid. Belgian made and measured 12 gauge. It’s missing the hammer and it has a hexagonal tumbler arm so that may prove challenging to find. Included is a pic of a similar back action Liege made shotgun. Anyway - for the thrown in price I’m tickled to death. Going to get it sorted and terrorize the squirrels:
Oh and apologies in advance for the finger in the trigger. Have know idea what was going through my head - def not gun safety.

Phil
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Is the bolster for the nipple almost on the top of the barrel, or is it off to the lock side a bit so you can see down the barrel? If it’s on top almost, you need a model 1840-1842 French musket hammer. If it’s off to the lock side, you need the 1853 French musket hammer. Grandpa’s gun parts or Gunderson militaria , or S and S firearms MAY have them.
 
Sam squanch said:
Is the bolster for the nipple almost on the top of the barrel, or is it off to the lock side a bit so you can see down the barrel? If it’s on top almost, you need a model 1840-1842 French musket hammer. If it’s off to the lock side, you need the 1853 French musket hammer. Grandpa’s gun parts or Gunderson militaria , or S and S firearms MAY have them.
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Sam,
It’s offset but not wide of the wood. So more on top? More like 40-42 Musket?
Thanks for your help! I can measure that offset if needed.
Phil
 
I believe it’s a model 1853, the 1840’s are basically an upside down Underhammer, the nipple blocks your view down the barrel. The bolster was moved over due to the newer models being rifled and you needed to see the rear sight! I think you can use a 1840 hammer, and heat up to orange and twist enough to hit the nipple. Just find one with the hexagon hole for the tumbler shaft!
 
Here’s some info
 

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Most hammers look the same, I don’t think the 1853 model hammer is skewed over that much…. The gendarme carbine hammer is a little smaller. Be sure to know what model you have before you remove the breech plug , it looks like the 1842’s have left hand thread! And some are right hand thread!
 
Sam squanch said:
Most hammers look the same, I don’t think the 1853 model hammer is skewed over that much…. The gendarme carbine hammer is a little smaller. Be sure to know what model you have before you remove the breech plug , it looks like the 1842’s have left hand thread! And some are right hand thread!
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Wow! I may not be jumping on pulling that breech plug. This one is Belgian made. You think that makes any difference?
Phil
 
Shouldn’t- but beware the unexpected! Every 1842 I had was left hand thread, but they all came out easily.
 
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So $60 later I have what looked like the same exact lock!! However the hammer is a little loose on the tumbler. I may see how lock
# 2 fits into the stock. If it just takes minor inletting I may swap it in vs swapping the tumbler only.
 
Sam squanch said:
Is the bolster for the nipple almost on the top of the barrel, or is it off to the lock side a bit so you can see down the barrel? If it’s on top almost, you need a model 1840-1842 French musket hammer. If it’s off to the lock side, you need the 1853 French musket hammer. Grandpa’s gun parts or Gunderson militaria , or S and S firearms MAY have them.
Click to expand...
Great reply its a rifled up military rifle not any shotgun drop a bore lite down might Suprise you .Have fun regards Rudyard
 
Look up a post about shimming a hammer tighter to the tumbler shaft. After a few years of messing with these French percussion muskets, I’m convinced the assemblers bashed the hammer for a tight fit, and then drilled the hammer screw hole!
 
Sam squanch said:
Look up a post about shimming a hammer tighter to the tumbler shaft. After a few years of messing with these French percussion muskets, I’m convinced the assemblers bashed the hammer for a tight fit, and then drilled the hammer screw hole!
Click to expand...
I found yet anothet hammer on eBay and bought it. What do I need 2 back actions for? God as my witness I don’t know why I collect these things but they are fun to take apart and clean so there you go.
 
Philip Chua said:
I found yet anothet hammer on eBay and bought it. What do I need 2 back actions for? God as my witness I don’t know why I collect these things but they are fun to take apart and clean so there you go.
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Well theirs your own answer & I doubt any deity has much to do with it . Your clearly havng far too much fun !. But good luck to you , your an inspiration to us lesser mortals .
Regard's Rudyard
 

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