T.G. Schnaut Freehold NJ Percussion Double Barrel 14 G. 31 3/4” SxS Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1,324.79
LSB#: WY250313JR012
Make: T.G. Schnaut
Model: Exhibition Grade Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1830s (Antique)
Caliber: 14 Gauge
Action Type: Percussion, Side-by-Side, Double Barrel
Markings: The upper rib is inscribed in fancy old English script “T. G. Schnaut Freehold NJ.” The patchbox has a large silver huntsman inlay, with silver figures between the hammers and a hunter taking aim engraved on the trigger guard. Additional silver inlays include a deer on the right lock and a fox on the left.
Barrel Length: 31 3/4″
Choke: Both bores are Fixed Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The shotgun is fit with a brass bead front sight mounted to the solid rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a beautifully figured two-piece walnut set featuring a straight grip, large carved cheekpiece, and extensive relief carving throughout. There is a deeply engraved iron patchbox on the right side and a checkered forend. The stock rates in Very Good condition for age, with scattered handling marks and some softening of the detail from age. There are no major cracks or chips noted.
Type of Finish: Nickel Silver Furniture with Silver Inlays and Carvings
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are gray with scattered erosion. 6/10 Bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 0% of its original finish. The nickel silver furniture is profusely engraved and richly inlaid with silver figures, including a solid silver deer, fox, and huntsman. The metal surfaces show scattered age-related oxidation and patina. The rear of the trigger guard has a split near the spiral. The action, locks, and hammers show fine engraving and remain functional. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Good condition given its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, yet the fish-mouthed hammers have peened out over time. As with all antique firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. The left lock is missing a piece on the exterior.
Our Assessment:
This is a truly remarkable and likely one-of-a-kind American percussion double-barrel shotgun crafted by T.G. Schnaut of Freehold, New Jersey in the 1830s. Little is known about Schnaut beyond his brief period of activity in Monmouth County before his death in 1838, making this an exceedingly rare example of early American craftsmanship.
The shotgun features extraordinary detail, with engraved nickel silver furniture and no fewer than four solid silver inlays—figures of a deer, a fox, a huntsman, and a hunter taking aim. The quality and extent of the engraving, paired with the relief-carved stock and engraved patchbox, mark this as a true exhibition-grade piece. The 31 3/4″ barrels and elegant rib inscription further showcase the artisan skill involved.
For the advanced collector of early American sporting arms, this shotgun is an exceptional find. Firearms of this age, condition, and quality—especially American-made examples with this level of embellishment—are nearly unheard of. This is a crown jewel for any collection centered on 19th-century American gunmaking. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
