Original 19th Century U.S. Double Barreled Cape Percussion Combination Gun with Set Trigger and Flame Figured Stock - Circa 1850

Original Item: One of a kind. A combination gun is typically a firearm that usually has one rifled barrel and one smoothbore barrel, that is typically used with shot or some type of shotgun slug. While more modern styles utilizing cartridges were "over and under" designs, during the percussion era, most of these were side by side. Having ammunition ready for several different types of game definitely had its advantages.

This is a lovely well-used example of a "Cape Gun", a side-by-side version of a combination gun that were typically European in origin, however this example was made in the United States. These were at one time popular in Southern Africa, particularly the cape region, where a wide variety of game could be encountered. This is how they acquired their moniker, which continued in use even after they became more wide spread. While the British style of combination gun usually had the rifled barrel on the left side, the German and Austrian cape guns have the rifled barrel on the right side, which is fired by the front trigger. The front trigger is usually a set trigger as well, though there are definitely variations.

This American made example fits the pattern very well, and like the British examples has a 14 gauge shotgun barrel on the right, and a 0.63" rifled barrel on the left, which are just about the same size externally. We checked the gun thoroughly, but were not able to locate any maker markings on any of the metalwork, even under the barrels. There are not even any proof marks, which is a pretty big indicator that it was American made, as they did not have any type of proof houses like in use in Europe. The only marking we saw is M L R on the tang of the trigger guard. The metalwork on this originally looks to have been highly decorated in areas, however wear from cleaning away past oxidation has made any past designs faint. This is particularly evident on the barrel tang, trigger guard, and butt plate, as well as some other areas. The metalwork overall shows a gray patina with signs of past peppering. The stock however is quite lovely, being made from lovely "Tiger" or "Flame" figured maple, very common in those days in American gunmaking.

As with most "Cape Guns", this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. This however only appears to work for the left rifled barrel, whose lock will not hold at either half or full cock until the rear trigger is set. The right shotgun barrel lock can be put at half and full cock without setting the trigger, and is fired by a strong trigger pull of the front trigger. This way one set of triggers is able to work both locks, so long as the owner knows how the system works.

There are pipes for a ramrod under the barrel assembly, but none are included, and in this case there is a lovely brass-fitted ramrod present, which definitely looks to be original. It is wider at the front end for use with both barrels, and the rear end has a brass cover over an iron clearing worm.  We checked the bores, and the smoothbore barrel shows use, with some powder fouling and oxidation on the interior. The rifled barrel still shows clear rifling, with some fouling in the grooves, but overall is in very good shape, with the lands still bright. It saw use, but was well cared for and cleaned to make sure it did not oxidize.

The flame figured half stock is lovely, showing strong chatoyancy throughout, where the grain "flip flops" under the light. It shows wear from use including dings, small dents, and the like, but no cracks, repairs, or other major damage. The stock has a nice varnished finish on it at present, but it could possibly use some freshening up to achieve the best look.

A lovely example of a Victorian Era hunting gun, made in the United States for possible export to South Africa. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Shotgun Caliber: 14 Bore - about 0.696"
Rifle Caliber: 0.63" with 6 groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Lead Shot/ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 32 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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