Original British 10 Bore Double Damascus Barrel Hammerless Shotgun by W. & C. Scott & Son Serial 28712 with Crystal Indicators and Burl Butt Stock - circa 1880

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice upmarket British-made Double Barreled shotgun, probably intended for the large U.S. import market. This example in 10 bore was made by the famous makers W. & C. Scott & Son, and is an early "Hammerless" design, where the hammers are inside of the lock, a large step forward in the evolution of the modern shotgun. It is maker marked clearly on the barrel strap along with the company address:-

W. & C. SCOTT & SON. MAKERS &. PATENTEES. 10 G'T CASTLE STREET REGENT CIRCUS LONDON.

W. & C. Scott started in 1834 and were well known for their better class shotguns. The name changed in 1858 to W. & C. Scott & Son and in 1897 they merged with P. Webley & Son to become the World famous WEBLEY SCOTT REVOLVER & ARMS COMPANY LIMITED. This means that all W. & C. Scott & Son marked guns are definitely considered Pre-1899 Antique Firearms by Federal Law. The action features engraving throughout, and the left side of the action is marked as follows:

PATENT
BLOCK SAFETY
HAMMERLESS

Additionally, both sides of the action have a PATENT CRYSTAL INDICATOR, introduced in 1875, which allows the user to see whether the internal firing pins are cocked or not. There is even a safety on the rear receiver strap, that automatically engages when the action is broken open. Definitely a highly advanced shotgun for the time! We believe that this lovely upmarket example from this company was made probably around 1880, when the U.S. Export market was booming. The barrels are definitely "Damascus" forged, which gives a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. The finish on the barrels is faded to a gray patina, but the forging lines are still readily apparent in some areas and very attractive.

The bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive "black powder" proof, seen on late 19th century guns. Both barrels also are marked 11B / 12M, and NOT FOR BALL. In this case, "10B" stands for 11 Bore, or gauge, which is about 0.775", and "11M" stands for 11 muzzle choke, so the end of the barrel is only 0.751" in diameter. This is why it says "not for ball", as using a 10 gauge ball would destroy the barrel, and be very dangerous. This type of notation was used by British proof houses during period 1875 to 1887, after which a new system was put into use, which allows us to definitively set a time period for this shotgun.

The use of a "choke" in the barrel was intended to help with the spread of shot, and came into use during the last decade of so of the 19th century. The shotgun is also serial number marked with 28712 on the bottom of both barrels, on the fitting for the fore stock, and on the receiver "watertable" inside the hinge joint, so no parts have been lost or swapped out over the years. There are additional Birmingham "viewed" proofs on the table, as well as several patent markings from W & C SCOTT & SON. , including some from the USA.

This lovely upmarket DOUBLE BARREL 10 Bore Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing handling and only light use. It does not show any signs of previous restoration or refinishing, and basically looks to have been cleaned many times over its life, but never saw heavy service. It is all iron mounted, and features lovely ornate engraving on almost all of the hardware, particularly the frame and side action locks, which show "bank note" designs throughout. The original finish has faded, but the engraving and markings are still quite crisp.  The action still functions correctly, breaking open using the rear lever with the ejector presenting strongly. Opening the action resets the safety and cocks the internal hammers, which show through the indicator windows. Moving the safety forward allows both sides to dry fire. We checked the bores, and they are both in great shape, showing little use.

The shotgun has a great checkered "pistol grip" style butt stock made from beautiful "Burl" walnut with a ribbed horn butt pad, and the fore stock is checkered as well. Both still retain strong checking and show no damage. There is an oval silver escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock, which now is tarnished to a dark blue brown color, and is not marked with any type of monogram. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads.

A fantastic antique hammerless shotgun by a Legendary Maker of British shotguns, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1880
Caliber: 11 bore (0.775") with 12 bore (0.751") choke - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 47 Inches
Action type: Hammerless
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever