Rare Belgian 14 Gauge Pinfire SxS Shotgun W/ French Cam Lever,1850s Antique

SOLD FOR: $860

WOA#: WY240327LG013

Make: Belgian Made

Model: French Style SxS Pinfire

Serial Number: 5801

Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1850s

Gauge: 14 Gauge Pinfire Black Powder.

Action Type: French style cam underlever, side-lock, hammer fired, dual trigger, pinfire.

Markings: The entire frame and forend has fine french engraving. There are belgian proofs throughout with the serial number on both the barrel and frame.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Most likely both Cly at 17 mm

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a single forward bead sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece hand checkered wood with straight comb, straight wrist, steel buttplate, and engraved steel forend. The Checkering is sharp. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. The LOP measures 14.5” from the front trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Oil dipped damascus, white steel.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bores are gray.  There is some heavy erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate about 2/10.

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrel has gone to a deep patina. The steel frame and forend have aged nicely. There are light scratches and scuffs throughout. There is some minor pitting under the barrels. The buttplate has some light rust. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition for a firearm of its age.

Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The action is smooth and strong. The hammers function flawlessly.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Belgian made French style 14 gauge pinfire shotguns is a museum quality piece in immaculate condition. Little is known about this particular shotgun as it has no maker’s mark or name beyond the belgian proof marks and styling that place this gun at around the 1850s in age. This firearm sports a finely engraved frame and forend in the French styling with a French style under-lever cam locking system. The barrels are made of fine ribbon damascus that shows through the dark patina on the oil finish. This shotgun still retains functional hammers and a clean break. There is little rust or pitting on this shotgun which is amazing for an almost 175 year old shotgun. 14 gauge pinfire shotguns were very common in Europe, mainly France, at the time and most all sport the underlever design.

Overall, this Belgian made 14 gauge pinfire side by side shotgun is an amazing museum quality piece that would fit into any avid antique firearms collector’s collection. Please see the photos for more information, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.