4 Gauge Muzzleloader

[lmucheer]

I have a Lewis & Tomes 4 gauge double barrel percussion muzzleloader.It has a 33 inch long barrel with a 1 inch bore. It weighs 23 lbs with an inlayed stock and scroll work on the barrels.I have been told it is a Market Gun.If anyone has one or knows something about this gun I would appreciate the info.
Thanks

 

[Slamfire]

Smoothbore, or rifled? :hmm:

 

[robinghewitt]

Hi again Elizabeth

Have you shot it yet? :thumbsup:

best regards

Robin G Hewitt

 

[JohnTheGreek]

All I know about the gun you mention is that I would like to own it. I can tell you that there is something obviously incongruous about a weapon having a commercial purpose while being profusely engraved or carved. I would think a "market gun" would be rather utilitarian in its appearance.

Best,

John

 

[lmucheer]

Hi Robin,
ME! Shoot that gun I can barely carry it.It's going to take someone a lot braver than I am and with the knowledge to
handle it.

Elizabeth

 

[lmucheer]

John,
Thanks for the reply,I have heard from others with the same opinion about the scroll work etc. I have pictures but the quality is not very clear.If you would be interested in viewing them I will be glad to send them to you. Below is my E-mail address just send me the address you want them sent to.I would like to know what you think after seeing the pictures.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
[email protected]

 

[lmucheer]

Smoothbore

 

Unless I'm mistaken, which has ocurred numerous times, most market, or "punt" guns as they were often called, were single barrel. Also, as another poster alluded to, they were utilitarian in appearance.

I'm curious as to the country of origin. For some reason I'm thinking Lewis & Tomes were British makers. Anyone know for certain, Squire Robin perhaps? I'm not aware of any British makers who manufactured "market guns" as we know them in the US.

Sir Samuel Baker had some interesting things to say regarding shooting a 4 bore. Nothing quite like a 4 oz. ball and I forget how many drachms of powder to generate recoil.

Vic

 

[lmucheer]

Vic,
In my search for information I have been in contact with a couple of very helpful experts.Based on the description of the proof marks I gave him (they are as follows, There are 2 marks on each barrel,it appears to be a coat of arms or crest with a crown, a number 4 and other items that I can't make out inside crossed swords. But, on one barrel the letter B appears inside the mark ) One gentleman was able to identify the proof marks as 1856 Birmingham for a 4 gauge/bore made for the New York distributors Lewis & Tomes.It is a sound working gun that was intended for a full load 330 grains of black powder with 3.5 ounces of shot.It is supposed to be SEROUS GAME GETTER for the market hunter.I am still trying to get clear pictures of the proof marks to send to him to be sure I didn't miss anything and identify the things I could not.If you want to see pictures of the gun send me an E-mail and I will send them to you.So far I haven't had an explanation for the inlayed stock and scroll work on the barrels,If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them.
Thanks for your reply,
Elizabeth
[email protected]

 

Elizabeth

I'd like to see the pictures but I'd be of zero help to you. I have no referance material on proof marks and my limited knowledge of british doubles pertains to black powder cartridge rifles manufactured in the 1870-1900 period. I'd like to know what you have when you find out tho.....

Vic

 

[lmucheer]

Vic,
I would be glad to send you pictures of the 4 gauge.Just send me an e-mail with your address and I will send them. My e-mail address is [email protected]
Elizabeth

 

[Smokin6Gun]

A rifled 1" barrel would be called a cannon I believe. Imagine a 1" patched ball. :no:

 

[JoeC]

Smokin_Gun
My 4-bore (rifled barrel) shoots a 1.040" ball (1700gr)
it has a 1.052"bore diameter (1.072" groove diameter).
Joe

 

Joe...I bet you haven't had any trouble with elephants in your garden since you acquired it. Wonderful elephant repellant.

Vic