Picked up this puppy (think it is a 12 Gauge) and trying to understand it markings and history. It will be nothing but a wall hanger. I can't explain it - but I really love its looks and feel. Anyway - any help would be great!

I have included some pictures - if you can help ID the markings - that would be wonderful.

The rectangle on the barrel says (I think): Laminated Steel

Thanks!

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I cleaned one of these guns up for a widow years ago. I found a good shotgun site somewhere on the web that explained all the correct markings a "real" one will have. Now, the bad news. This is one of them famous brand old guns that at least 2-3 dozen other gun companies made cheap copies of. I am probably wrong but to me the markings on your gun seem like one of the Belgium copies. I can't remember the site name but if someone like me can find something on the web it must be pretty easy.

Laminated Steel is another term for Damascus steel. I would jot shoot it unless you get it checked by a good gunsmith that knows what he is doing.

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Thanks Combat. I left this question on another Forum and they ID'd it as made in Belgian (per the top mark in your 4th photo). I figured it was fake - but, still like the look and feel.


Thanks Forester. My only intentions is to hang it on the wall.

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Just found some more markings...

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The ELG in an oval is Belgian proof. The thing tha looks like an SR 71in flight (it's actually a picture of the monument in a town square in Liège), is also Belgian. The 18.2 is the barrel diameter in millimeters. The star and N may be the inspector's mark (I'm not much up on Belgian proofs).

Thanks Cyrano - the entire barrel looks like a bunch of people with seals sitting around a table and someone says "go" while everyone grabs the barrel (at the same time) and tries to punch their marks.

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if you'll notice the spiral marking on the barrels...these are the joints characteristic of damascused barrels....as has already been said, DO NOT FIRE

If there's a rollmark, "Non Pour Balle" then, your Belgian shotgun is an antique.

The (Star over N) & (Star over M) are Belgian inspectors' marks.

The "fancy" letter L is a preliminary proof of barrels in the form of rough tubes

The Perron (tower) indicates inspection or proof of the breeching system. Considered a final proof

The (E over L G) is another Belgian final proof.

It's hard to read clearly, if the two letters in the first pic are (A L) then the manufacturer may be Arnold Lochet

18.2 is the bore diameter in millimeters

Thanks Babalooie. It is "A L" and I searched all over the puppy and couldn't find "Non Pour Balle." Thanks for your help.

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Glad I could help.

I would like to thank everyone for their help in identifying stuff about my shotgun - I created a website that reflects all my findings on: W. Richards Double Barrel Shotgun Findings

Thanks again!

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Nice web site. Looks great!

[QUOTE=VPNAVY;137846811]Picked up this puppy (think it is a 12 Gauge) and trying to understand it markings and history. It will be nothing but a wall hanger. I can't explain it - but I really love its looks and feel. Anyway - any help would be great!

I have included some pictures - if you can help ID the markings - that would be wonderful.

The rectangle on the barrel says (I think): Laminated Steel

Thanks![QUOTE]

Common marketing tactic in the early 1900's, use part of a famous makers name on the gun and it sells.

I've owned some English pieces in the past, Westly Richards among them and have seen W Richards for sale as is in LGS'. There is a noticeable difference in quality. I
have a Sears catalog circa 1900 that lists W Richards shotguns. All of the gun prices are very low. Fun to look at.

Thanks for the kind words.

Neat - love to see your catalog someday. Thanks again for the comments.

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