Percussion shotgun. "Twist" Comments?

[Marplot]

I had this many years and in my downtown warehouse. Dug it out and trying to determine what and where made. I do see an ELG Proof, could be Belgian? Also seems like proof 15.8. Not much else. Has an old repair on the wrist, tightly wrapped brass band around "the wrist." I am derusting and cleaning the "twist" barrels.The lock has "FDB"

 

[Kansas Jake]

The 15.8 is probably the bore size.

 

[SDSmlf]

I had this many years and in my downtown warehouse. Dug it out and trying to determine what and where made. I do see an ELG Proof, could be Belgian? Also seems like proof 15.8. Not much else. Has an old repair on the wrist, tightly wrapped brass band around "the wrist." I am derusting and cleaning the Damascus bbls.The lock has "FDB"

Suggest you stand by and wait for one of our British members to check in on this thread. They will be able to offer a lot of very good advice.

 

[Britsmoothy]

15.8 mm bore I'm guessing, read assuming.
15.8mm = .622". Stick some calipers in the muzzles.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Belgian. 1850-70

 

[Marplot]

15.8 mm bore I'm guessing, read assuming.
15.8mm = .622". Stick some calipers in the muzzles.

So it is a 20ga?

When did shotguns have chokes?

 

[Britsmoothy]

I doubt it's choked, pure assumption but back then they were just happy to work with what they had.

 

[TFoley]

Most certainly Belgian - ALL the proofs are from the national [proof house in Liége. It's not really correct to call it 'damascus' although I understand that the term has entered common usage. 'Twist' is what it actually is called, and the more expensive the gun, so more 'stubs' as the components are called, are twisted around a mandrel and fire-welded into a solid barrel. Imagine braiding hair or making rope around a solid centre and you'll get the picture.

'Damascus' barrels are far more intricate and as a result, very costly, as they replicate the intricate form of pattern-welding many alternate layers of steel - VERY expensive - and not what we see in a five dollar shotgun from Sears.

 

[BillinOregon]

If the barrels are sound, it certainly looks to be restorable and shootable.

 

[Marplot]

Most certainly Belgian - ALL the proofs are from the national [proof house in Liége. It's not really correct to call it 'damascus' although I understand that the term has entered common usage. 'Twist' is what it actually is called, and the more expensive the gun, so more 'stubs' as the components are called, are twisted around a mandrel and fire-welded into a solid barrel. Imagine braiding hair or making rope around a solid centre and you'll get the picture.

'Damascus' barrels are far more intricate and as a result, very costly, as they replicate the intricate form of pattern-welding many alternate layers of steel - VERY expensive - and not what we see in a five dollar shotgun from Sears.

Thank you for helping me to understand the nomenclature. We collect some edged artifacts that fall into the loose terminology that should be better called "pattern welded." Steel forged and folded over until very specific patterns are brought out. These can be very expensive as it takes many hours with a very skilled craftsman.

Here is one our collection. Indonesian "keris" made in the island of Java.

 

[Rob M.]

The 15.8 is probably the bore size.

Yes , thats what it is

 

[stephenprops1]

15.8 mm bore I'm guessing, read assuming.
15.8mm = .622". Stick some calipers in the muzzles.

That sounds very close to a 20 gauge.