Identify Old Double

[twhrider2]

I posted a few days ago obout my winter project, well it arrived over the weekend and I'm thrilled.It is a percussion double minus barrels and one hammer. Locks have Agustus Hill engraved on them,hammer is dolphin head style,trigger gaurd is elongated (later?) style,tang is long almost reaching the comb.Checkering and engraving are all nice.Breech is 1 5/8" at bottom and 2" including flash gaurds.Can any of you guys shed any light on what I have here as far as history and gauge?
Thanks, Ken

 

[jaxenro]

Can't help you on the identification, but I just picked up a similar winter project. It's a percussion double, 12 guage, in almost opposite condition of yours. I have barrels, look in fairly good condition, marked "London Twist", all other parts are there except the right lock is missing, but the stock is somewhat battered and cracked inside just forward of the locks. So where you need barrels and a hammer, I need a lock and stock.

Carving a completely new stock seems a little outside my skill level, nor can I pick one up precarved for this gun. I could probably fix the crack, but the inletting is battered and chipped around where the locks fit, so I am still playing with my options.

Good luck with yours and post some pictures if you can, we don't get to see enough fine percussion doubles.

 

[robinghewitt]

Hi Ken

The long tang suggests back action locks???

They were using dolphins in cast iron by 1840 but I think it was a few years before they found their way on to gun hammers. Too late for English guns because they were pinfire/centre fire by then. Makes it hard to date from the dolphin but it does suggest a piece made for export to America. With back actions I'm guessing 1850's to early 60's and 12 gauge.

Two inches wide is a bit narrow for plain wrought iron twist bores in 12 so I'll guess a pukka damascene which would go with the nice engraving.

No Augustus Hill in Stockel.

best regards

Squire Robin

 

[twhrider2]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the replies all info is appreciated.And for Squire's reply the locks are actualy front action and work very well.I will be in need of damascus barrels in 16 to 12 gauge that are in at least descent condition.Not sure of 16 gauge deminsions as I don't have one handy.I'm currently watching the auctions ,but if any one has a spare set they don't need please let me know.My plans at this time is to breech according to Brockway's book,any other idea's are also appreciated
Thanks, Ken

 

[robinghewitt]

Obviously I know nothing ::

I usually associate long tangs with back action locks because the smiths tried to add strength to the wrist after hollowing it out, especially as wrists got narrower.

Front action locks were considered best by many, I have a William Rochester Pape backstuffer with old fashion shaped front action plates perfectly set in to an iron receiver.

best regards

Squire Robin

 

i would also agree with robin here as to the back action locks .
However these tangs or in the case of SXS standing breach do not go but to about

 

[jaxenro]

Picked up a 16 gauge muzzleloader the other day that came with a extra 16 guage muzzleloader parts gun. The parts gun is probably ?Belgian? or ?English?, (I was told is has London proofmarks), not sure which, but the barrels look ok to me. They definitely need refinshing, can't tell if they are damascus, twist, or what, but if your interested, I could make a deal for the barrels only or the entire gun. The locks seem "sluggish" or somewhat "sticky", the stock is a mess, broken and cracked. As I just picked up one winter project to refinish I am not in need of a second one so I am willing to deal this one out in parts or all together.

 

guys .
if your barrels are twist , laminated steal or any level of Damascus do yourself a favor . Check them over reall good both inside and out .
Take a hammer and ring them , they should ring nice and crisp just like a bell . if not then there is a problem. These older barrels were put together with acid based solder and if they get a lose rib, rust can build under that rib where you cant see it .

Also check out the breach plugs real close as well as the inside of the barrels if you see big pits you may want to think twice.
Another word of warning . Many times these old barrels are still loaded , I know first hand . I have two sets I bought off ebay both were loaded . Even after oils soaking and following the common rules , I had them go off .
Be very careful when it comes to the above . Be picky with you barrels to the life you save may be someone else