OH MY look what showed up in my friends gun shop

[Shine]

I have my ideas on what this is. But I want you guys opinions. Its amazing what crawls out of the woodwork here in maine.

 

[Shine]

 

[galamb]

Trigger guard and butt looks French. Originally flint.

Just never seen one with a double barrel (but not a connoisseur (hey that's a french word :grin: ) of French arms.

 

[Shine]

I belive it is French, very old, and was owned by a well healed man to own a double gun. It is 16 gauge with 47 inch barrels. And one is still loaded.

 

[galamb]

Can you make out the words/name engraved on the left hand lock?

 

[Shine]

No I can't

 

[Wes/Tex]

Wow! It's got all the classic shape and fittings of the high end trade guns from France. That is one of the coolest doubles I've seen in a long while. A shame some one felt compelled to convert it to percussion, but it's still a feast for the eyes. :thumbsup:

 

[galamb]

Wes, have to remember it's French.

So "not percussion" it's "Une Conversion de la Cap Banger" :rotf:

 

[robinghewitt]

Can you make out the words/name engraved on the left hand lock?

Joseph Renaud perhaps? :idunno:

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
It is almost certainly French from the mid 18th century, probably 1740-1750. French gunmakers made side by sides quite early in that century, long before the British makers adopted the style. The long barrels and stock shape tend to suggest France during the second quarter of the century. I am sure there are barrel marks that would help as well as the lock signature seems that it could be made readable perhaps with just a little mineral oil on the lock.

dave

 

[nit wit]

Etabonoc!
NW

 

[ratfacedmcdougal]

So Shine, Did you buy it, mulling it over or passing?
RFMcD

 

[bpd303]

I would have to get that one, even if it left a big hole in my wallet.

 

[Shine]

It will be up for sale after the research is done. I have dibs but im afraid I cant afford it. I think this one is going to be a doozy.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
It might have historical value but it is not a top quality piece and the price should reflect that. It is of export quality but mediocre compared to the high quality guns made in France at the time.

dave

 

[Shine]

What would you guys think is a fair price to offer.

 

[Captjoel]

I just caught the couple of pictures that show the replaced wood in the butt stock comb. The shape that was left where the comb and wrist come together do not look right to my eye. Another factor that affects the value of this gun is the fact that it has been converted to percussion. I have found that European examples here in the states are of very limited interest and lower value, unless they are in good original condition and are of higher quality to begin with. I personally would not buy this piece. You would have a hard time reselling it for 300 dollars. IMO......Joel

 

[robinghewitt]

You would have a hard time reselling it for 300 dollars. IMO......Joel

You don't think someone is going to fix the stock, revert it to flint and swear blind it came over on the Mayflower then? :rotf:

 

[Captjoel]

Good one Robin! It would be easier (and cheaper) to convert it to a double match lock and insist upon it's arrival to the colonies aboard the good ship La Griffon being owned by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de LaSalle himself! Or better yet.....same conversion off of the Santa Maria. An Italian captain on a Spanish ship with a French gun. Who would argue with that! :bull: :hmm:

 

[TFoley]

You would have a hard time reselling it for 300 dollars. IMO......Joel

You don't think someone is going to fix the stock, revert it to flint and swear blind it came over on the Mayflower then? :rotf:

The actual gun used by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Waterloo in 1066, before he sailed on the Santa Maria with Leif Erikson and Ben Franklin.

I have its look-alike sitting in the cabinet beside the matching pair of George Washington's Lugers.

tac