British 16 gauge ID help

[eodcoduto]

I just picked up this shotgun and I’d like some help nailing down just what it is. The seller said they thought it was in the 1860’s range but that's all. It has Birmingham proof marks and some worn letters under the barrel. The bore measures .652” at the end and .646 a half inch in.

 

[TDM]

With the Smith name and marks I’m sure someone will be able to tell you.
It looks to be in very good shape and it’s beautiful.

 

[eodcoduto]

Its in good shape from what I can see, the stock has been repaired a few times but the lock and trigger are in excellent working condition. I need to find some percussion caps for it now.

 

[TDM]

Can you post a photo of the stock?

 

[eodcoduto]

Here you go

 

[TDM]

Thanks. You did very well.

Just check it over very closely and use a light charge first. Enjoy it.

 

[TDM]

And treat her gently, she’s an old gal.

 

[eodcoduto]

Which caps should I use for this?

 

[TDM]

Which caps should I use for this?

I can’t really see the size of the nipple enough to say. Could be a regular #11 or could be a musket cap. I’d take a photo closeup of the nipple and measurements. If I can’t tell you there are many others that can.

 

[toot]

it is a beauty. look's like a great fowler to shoot light loads in.

 

[rich pierce]

From personal experience, this stock could easily split in the wrist with just normal use with that grain and age.

 

[eodcoduto]

It looks like it has broken before. From my googling, its a 17 bore, 16 gauge and could be anywhere from 1790-1870’s

 

[nhmoose]

Back action lock way newer than the 1780's. Thinking 1825 and forward

 

[eodcoduto]

Yea I’m finding info with dates all over the place, I did find a stamp on the barrel that says London, but that jives with the proof marks. Either way its old, cool, and getting fired.

 

[DuncNZ]

It is a caplock so it was made after the 1840's . It certainly wouldn't be made before the caplock was invented , the proof marks are Birmingham BPC is the black powder proof mark, the V is the v view mark . These marks were used until 1904 .

 

[eodcoduto]

From what I can find the first caplock patent was in 1822, with the British dragoons using them in 1833, so 1830-1860 is my ball park search area.

 

[DuncNZ]

The name on the barrel appears to be W CLAR "something" maybe Clark ? There was a William Clark gun and pistol maker in Birmingham 1855-1900 . If you can make out the name better we may be onto something.

 

[eodcoduto]

I’ve looked up W. Clark, thats what the name appears to be under the barrel.

The name on the barrel appears to be W CLAR "something" maybe Clark ? There was a William Clark gun and pistol maker in Birmingham 1855-1900 . If you can make out the name better we may be onto something.

 

[Feltwad]

The gun is a Birmingham made sporting gun of 1840-50, the name Smith was a common name with 30 plus Smiths working in Birmingham at that period, some were gun and pistol makers others were stockers, lock makers,
The barrel is made by William Clare barrel maker 1846 of 72 Lichfield Street Birmingham which there is a good chance the gun was made for the export market and had London stamped
The lock which is a back action lock and similar to Lovells patent lock of 1835
Feltwad

 

[eodcoduto]

Well thank you for that! Can you share your source material, I’d love to read more on the period and the makers.