Belgian The T M R S Co Goose Gun 8 Gauge 36″ SXS Hammer Double Shotgun, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3325
LSB#: 230912WS004
Make: We were not able to find any information about the “T M R S Co.”, but the proof marks are Belgian.
Model: Hammer Double Goose Gun
Serial Number: 7
Year of Manufacture: 1910-1924
Gauge: 8 Gauge
Action Type: External Hammer Top-Break Double Barrel Shotgun
Barrel Length: 36”
Choke: Left: Extra Full (1mm constriction), fixed. Right: Cylinder Bore, fixed.
Sights/Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the rib and a smaller silver-colored mid-bead. The rib is textured to reduce glare.
Weight: 14 lb., 11.6 oz.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated brown rubber Pachmayr White Line recoil pad. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are small cracks at the rear of each lock plate. There are more notable cracks extending down and back into each side of the wrist from the top tang. The checkering is smoothed, but visible. The drop at comb is approximately 2″, drop at heel 3″. LOP measures 15″ and 14″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 14 1/8″ and 13 1/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has wear at the heel and toe, it has hardened slightly with age. Overall, the stocks rate in Good-plus condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued and Bright
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 5 or 6 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The barrels have scattered finish wear and thinning, some exposing the laminated steel patterning underneath. The frame is bright throughout, but does show scattered erosion which has been polished. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, some are worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock to the receiver with no play. The triggers are crisp. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is an interesting early 20th century field gun. Produced in Belgium, it is a monster of a goose gun, chambered for 8 gauge shells with 36″ laminated steel barrels. We coiuldn’t find any information about the T M R S Co. marked on the lock plates, but the workmanship seems good for an early 20th century Belgian gun. It’s entirely possible this was a commercial hunting gun, or maybe there was just someone who didn’t mind lugging a 14 pound gun around for goose hunting. This would be a neat addition to a European sporting guns collection and once the action and barrels have been inspected, it may prove to still be suitable for dropping some geese. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
