Joseph Jakob Jacob Philadelphia 10 GA Percussion SXS Shotgun, 1860s Antique
Sold For; 2,680
LSB#: 200709ZP46
Make: Joseph Jakob
Model: Percussion Double Shotgun
Serial Number: None.
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1860s
Caliber: 10 Gauge
Action Type: Muzzleloading External Hammer Cap & Ball Side by Side Shotgun
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “JOS JAKOB PHILADA”. Each sideplate is marked “JOSEPH JAKOB”. The sideplates and hammers have decorative engraving. The trigger guard has a hunting dog scene. There is also engraving on the metal fixtures of the stock. The initial plate on the wrist has been marked, but is not legible.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: Cylinder Bore
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored bead at the front of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a beautifully figured walnut half-stock with checkered splinter forend and straight wrist, straight comb, smooth steel buttplate and an initial plate mounted to the top of the wrist. The stock has some scattered minor nicks, scratches and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The wood is slightly shy in a few areas, notably the rear of the bottom tang and around the buttplate, but this is likely due to simple shrinkage over the last 150 years. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ and 12 7/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some remaining blue finish, streaked with light wear and minor surface oxidation. The drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stock is in about Fine-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Browned Damascus Barrels, Case-Color Locks and Breech-Plug, Blued Guard
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with infrequent spots of light erosion. There is a shallow dent visible in the top of the left bore about 5″ from the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The barrel’s still have good color with some minor wear. The case-color has muted some. The blued parts show scattered spots of surface oxidation. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine-plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammers have half-cock safety positions. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Joseph Jakob, sometimes anglicized as “Jacob”, was a Philadelphia-based gunsmith in the mid-late 19th century. He would go on to be known as the “Purdey of America” for his fantastic breech-loading guns, but this appears to be an earlier piece made during the percussion era. Its 26″ 10 gauge barrels promise power, while the beautifully crafted stock’s figuring also makes it a gun with an appealing appearance. This is a fine shotgun from one of America’s great gunmakers and will surely take a prized place in a collection of American firearms. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This percussion shotgun CAN be sold in California.
