Original U.S. Belgian Made 16 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by C. Parkner & Co. Serial 10 – circa 1885

Original Item: Only One Available. This is definitely in fine condition for close to 140 of age! Imported from Liège in Belgium, one of Europe’s leading Gun Manufacturing centers, this fine example is marked on both lock plates with C. PARKNER & CO., a trade name obviously meant to be confused with the famous “Parker Brothers” company of shotguns, founded by Charles Parker. This was not uncommon, and many of these imported Belgian shotguns were sold under brand names that sounded much more famous than they were. Shotguns were very popular at the time, and the booming gun industry in Belgium was more than happy to supply outfitters in the United States with shotguns. They also contracted out locally to companies in the United States such as Crescent arms. The only other external marking is LAMINATED STEEL on the top of the barrel rib, indicating that the barrels are made from laminated steel, often called “twist” or “damascus” steel, which use a spiral forging process with layers of steel. Often things such as nail stubs and old horsehoes were used, as it felt that the work hardening helped with the strench. Removing the forestock allows the barrels to be removed from the receiver. This reveals the E / L G / * in an oval on the end of the left barrel, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium before 1891. There are also various single letter proofs, as well as the “Perron” or Tower of Liège proof. These may give information on the inspector, as well as possibly indicate who originally made the barrel, as components could have been contracted out to multiple firms. The left barrel is marked with 10, while the bottom of the barrel rib is marked with 3962. The “watertable” of the shotgun breech area is also marked with the “Perron” or Tower of Liège on the right side, and is also marked with 10, which we assume is the serial number. We believe the shotgun to be a 16 gauge example, marked with 17.0 on the underside of the right barrel, which should be the bore measurement in millimeters, which we have confirmed with a caliper. This indicates that it is chambered for 16 bore / gauge shells, and there is no “Not For Ball” marking, so this example does not have any “choke” to the barrel, a narrowing intended to help the shot spread. This DOUBLE BARREL 16 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very well, showing a lovely patina of age, having probably seen service hunting for decades. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads. It features a lovely “pistol grip” rear stock and fore stock, both of which have some lovely checkering in the grip area. The metalwork does not show any engraving, so this looks to have been a utilitarian example, intended for use and not for looking pretty. The gun is in nice shape, and bores are clear, showing some past oxidation and fouling that has been removed. There also is what looks to be a dent and some damage on the right barrel about 7-8 inches up from the breech. The standard top lever pushed to the side, opening the chambers for reloading, with a functional ejector. The hammers are the standard “rebounding” type, and do not have any provision for a half cock position, as they do not need to moved back to allow the breech to open. It also looks like the springs on both firing pins are non-functional. The stocks show the expected wear from use and long service, but do not have any major cracks or other catastrophic damage. The butt stock has some lovely flame figuring to the grain, visible on both sides. It features a lovely hard rubber butt plate with a game bird in the middle. A Belgian shotgun imported to the U.S., in lovely collector’s condition. Fully cleaned and ready to Display! Specifications- Year of Manufacture: circa 1885Caliber: about 17mm 16 gauge / boreCartridge Type: Centerfire CartridgeBarrel Length: 29 5/8 Inches with 3 Inch chambersOverall Length: 46 InchesAction type: Back Action Locks with External HammerFeed System: Top Break with Top Lever NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.