Liegeois D’Armes FEU Belgian & Italian Proofed Sidelock, Engraved Blue 27 1/2″ Side by Side, Shotgun & Sling, MFD 1920’s C&R
SOLD
LSB#: 161227RM02
Make: Manufacture Liegeois D’Armes Feu, Liege
Model: Double Barrel, Dual Trigger, Exposed Hammer Sidelock Shotgun
Serial Number: 144411
Year of Manufacture: The barrel has proof marks indicating production from 19898-1924, there are Italian proofs and a date of “1952”, which we take to be when it was imported into Italy.
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Dual Trigger, Exposed Hammer Shotgun
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “MANUFACTURE LIEGEOIS D’ARMES FEU LIEGE”, with “ACIER COCKERILL” on the breech extension, the top of the left barrel is marked “POUDRE”, the right with “BLANCHE”. The underside barrel flat has several Belgian proof marks, including nitro proofs, an Italian date of 1952 and two crown over “ML” over “*” for the Makers of Liege. The forend bracket has the serial number as well as the watertable flat of the receiver; this area also shows two crown over “ML”, “JR / 65” with “*/E”, the Perron, “*/X”, lion over “P.V.”. The lock plates have detailed dog and bird hunting scenes, the receiver and its components have nice oak leaf and scroll engraving, please see our pictures of this beautiful shotgun! The lower tang serial number is faded but appears to match the receiver.
Barrel Length: 27 1/2”
Choke: The right bore measures 0.692” at the muzzle, or about Full, the left measures 0.689” or about Extra Full.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead, screwed into the solid, concave tapered rib. The top is matted for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two walnut set. The splinter forend has cut checkering, it has been re-varnished, there are small gaps in fit to the underside escutcheon. The forend tip has chip losses near the release button. The butt stock shows decent fit to the metal, there is a gap at the rear of the right lock plate with a thin crack; there are two other small cracks by the left plate. The stock has been sanded, most of the checkering is faded. There are deep gouges and scrapes; there appears to be a peg filler on the right flank. The belly has a long trigger tang (a few small chip losses of wood are seen by the tang) and small silver disc insert, the disc has dark patina. The LOP measures 12 5/8” from the front of the rear trigger and 13 5/8″ from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the polished and serrated ox horn butt plate; the plate has scrapes and compression marks, free of visible parasite damages, in Very Good condition. The stocks rate in about Good Plus to Very Good overall condition as not original.
Type of Finish: The barrel set is blue, the other items were most likely case colored.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, the left side of the left barrel has mild erosion, both barrels have a few tiny bumps from marks on the outside of the barrel set. Reaming is seen in the chambers of both barrels.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 55% of its current metal finish. The barrel set has heavy handling rub wear, the muzzle looks to have seen some life in a scabbard. There are a few spots of light erosion and shallow bruises. The receiver, its components and forend components have a dull black and gray patina, a small amount of dark coloring is seen by the firing pin scallops. The screw heads are still highly serviceable with light tooling. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. With the action open and closed, there is no perceivable play in the barrel to receiver fit. The overall fit and finish is sharp, this is a very well made shotgun, please see our pictures. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a vintage leather sling, showing discoloration and shallow surface cracks. It is generally strong and is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This shotgun was made by the Makers of Firearms in Liege, Belgium, using Acier Cockerill steel. It has Italian proof and date marks, alongside the Belgian marks that were sharply stamped about 100 years ago. The period in which this shotgun was made is known as the Golden Age of Belgian firearm workmanship and rightfully so. This shotgun reflects strict adherence to Liege’s demanding form, the engraving is top notch, the fit and finish of the metal is spot on and the stocks are free of major damages. With the included leather sling, it looks VERY European and will do well next to any of your fine European shotguns. Please see our pictures and good luck.
