Muzzle Loader ID info

[Babu]

I have a Belgium muzzle loader that I can not find any identifying marks on except the word "BELGIUM" on the barrel. Please advise where to look for other markings.

 

[Tumblernotch]

There should be Belgian proof marks under the barrel at or near the breech. If it's a shotgun, the gauge or actually caliber may be stamped in metric such as "17.2" or "16.8" like on an old pair of 12 ga. barrels I have. A Liege proof is also stamped on the left side of the left barrel near the bolster. The gauge could also be stamped like on mine on the bottom.

If it is a military rifle or musket look in the same places, plus on the lock. It would help if you have pictures that we can see. May be able to help.

 

[JV Puleo]

Its very unlikely to be all that old. The law that required all imported items to be stamped in English with their country of origin is the McKinley Tariff Act. I think that it came into effect in 1892. Without even looking at it, I suspect that your gun was imported some time in the 60s when the law was still in effect. DGW was selling inexpensive Belgian muzzleloaders than and others probably were as well.