I recently puchase an old hammer gun in 12ga with 2 1/2" chambers. The gun is marked Richard. However, I can't find any information on a Belgian maker by that name. I will post photos this evening. It is a rather nice gun with some interesting stock work. It has very small brass studs inserted into each diamond in the pattern on the grip and forearm. Also a floral design is worked into the "checkering" (if you can call i that) and the base of the grip. It has some fairly nice engraving and overall the gun is very slender.
I know it is a Belgian gun so I don't need the usual negative comments on them. I am just looking for any info on the maker and what the remainder of the unidentified proof marks are.
I believe it is only proofed for BP and not meant for modern powder. I am wondering though aboutthe optional superior provisional BP proof.I saw that if there are two of the EL marks this was for superior poofing. Do they have to be side by side or can they be one below each other like on mine?
Also does anyone know when serial numbers were first started as a general requirment? The gun has them on the barrel and the action.
Below is a drawing I made of the underside of the barrels showing the proof marks. I have identified some, but not all. Any help would be appreciated.