Rich collector alert: antique Scottish shotgun

**Woodsheal** · 26th August 08, 12:48 PM

A VERY fine, old double-barrelled percussion shotgun, made in Edinburgh ca. 1840. Drool...!

**McFarkus** · 26th August 08, 12:59 PM

That's a beauty - a work of art! And I'm not even a gun person

**Spc. Scott** · 26th August 08, 01:03 PM

That is a beautiful gun. If only I were rich hehe.

**JRB** · 26th August 08, 01:16 PM

Wow! That is gorgeous. It's amazing how pristine it is. I'd buy it but I already have a few at home just like it.

Oh to have a vulgar amount of disposible cash.

**Howard Clark** · 26th August 08, 07:11 PM

It is remarkably inexpensive, given it's condition and age, and what it is. You are looking at many, many hours of someone's life there, likely more than one individual.

I always look at stuff like this in terms of hours, not money. It is cheap. The same gun, built to the same standard, today, would be much, much, more money.

**auld argonian** · 26th August 08, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by JRB

Wow!

Oh to have a vulgar amount of disposible cash.

What was that memorable line that the store clerk had in the movie Pretty Woman...?

"Sir, when you said that you wanted to spend an obscene amount of money, were you thinking merely offensive or truly profane?"

"Truly profane,"

"Thank you, sir."

It is a really remarkable piece, though. I mean it'll never ever be fired again but the only word that I can think of that sums it up is graceful.

A firearm that's graceful? ...but that's what it is...

Best

AA

**Jock Scot** · 26th August 08, 09:26 PM

If only I knew then(1950/60's), what I know now! Would'nt we all, I suppose, but I can remember those woderful works of art,complete with leather cases,turnscrews,nipple wrenches,wad punches,powder flasks,bullet moulds etc.,being sold for a couple of pounds,and just the muzzle loader on its own would not find a buyer!I kid you not, there were thousands,not all high quality I grant you, of muzzle loaders just scrapped. Ho Hum!

A A, did I miss something in the write up? Why can't it be used? I have and sometimes still do, use these wonderful works of art.

**Birddog** · 27th August 08, 02:13 AM

While most black powder rifles from the 19th century can still be shot on a routine basis (with BP only!), from what I have heard from gunsmiths is that even with black powder, apparently the damascus barrels just don't "age" as well as regular steel, and become too soft. Think I have that right. I know I have been told when looking at a Damascus barrel that they should never be fired, but they may have been referring to a modern, smokeless load. That is a truly beautiful piece. And yes, AA, a firearm can be graceful. Take a look at some of the Pennsylvania and Kentucky rifles; you almost never see wood so beautiful any more on a firearm. I saw a Penn rifle that was modern custom made with a stock of maple that would have made Stradavarius proud.

**Mipi** · 27th August 08, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by Howard Clark

It is remarkably inexpensive, given it's condition and age, ...

Maybe, we should be careful regarding age???

**David Thornton** · 27th August 08, 05:18 AM

This is my every day shotgun. It is a 1909 Charles Ingram, and according to company records was a high grade custom piece. I have turned down many offers for this piece. So, old guns, properly vetted can and should be used.

A lot of modern shooters shot damascus barrels, with appropriate loads. By that I mean loads that generate less than 5000 pounds of chamber pressure, so no modern stuff. My concern here would be the bore. If it was proofed as a 12 gauge, but measures as a loose 11 gauge, some internal metal may have been removed by honing or polishing. Simply, it may be out of proof and that would mean no safe firing. But, if the wall thickness is adequate, there is no reason to be afraid to shoot appropriate loads.

David