ID damascus double

[harleysboss]

I had a friend show me an old percussion SxS damascus barreled shotgun today. It is badly rusted. I was able to make some of the proof marks on the barrels. The marks are an F over a LG with a small star below and all inside a small circle. I could barley make out 10.6 with a small looks like a small serpent symbol on the barrels. There was also the numbers 485 stamped into one of the barrels. There were no other markings that I could make out. I know this is like a bigfoot sighting but I dont have any pictures for anyone to look at Any old double experts on here venture just a guess at what he has. The locks are highly engraved as well as the tang and steel but plate. The wrist and forend are also heavily checkered.

 

[Larry Akers]

Your friend has a Belgian shotgun--at least the barrels are Belgian. the F over LG and star in a circle is a Belgian proof-mark. I question the 10.6 number as this should be the bore size in mm. 10.6 would be about .42 cal. (.410 ga) I would think the zero may be a 6 (16ga.) or an 8 (12ga.) The 485 may be (part of) a serial number; if so, it should appear on other parts of the gun. Given the condition I wouldn't shoot it without having it inspected by a competent gunsmith. I'd also check to see if it is loaded.

 

[harleysboss]

Yes indeed the right barrel is loaded. First thing I checked. We will pull that for sure. I agree the gun is probably a wall hanger. Its a shame, the locks are very strong as well as trigger function. Wood is is very good condition, no cracking /splitting. I will have to measure the bores. the 10.6 may in fact be 18.6 will have to get out a magnifying glass. Seems most close to a 12ga just by eyeing it. Definitely not .410 ga. Thanks for the info.

 

[Feltwad]

Belgium export sxs there must be thousands of them most were 12,16bore with the odd combination of rifle shotgun.
Feltwad

 

[Larry Akers]

I was perplexed over the stamp you said looked like a snake. Later, it occurred to me that the stamp is probably an inter-twined, cursive E and L--another proof stamp. Also your F is an E.

 

[TFoley]

EL = Épreuve Liége = Liége Proof House.

tac

 

[harleysboss]

Thank you for all the info provided.