doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Info please on Belgium gun......

Just returned from the in-laws overseas. While there I was surprised with this lovely birthday gift, the 16ga I used when I was between the ages of 9 and 12. Wow....could not bring it with, but have pics. Would love to know any info. So far is is a belgium proofed gun, possibly a "forgeron" from the blacksmith stamp.....I am looking for more info, but experienced help is appreciated.

Joseph Cap prooved in 1926 http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20c/a%20cap%20joseph%20gb.htm
He used the Eagle and 'Compound Steel' trademarks.
The bore is 16.9 mm = .665", right choke constriction 16.4 = .646" and left 16.2 =.638".
Interesting 70mm chambers for a 16g of that time period, and looks to be a very nice BLNE.

It could not have been proofed in 1926 for a couple of reasons.
--They stopped using fractions in the barrel weights in 1924.
--The gauge & chamber length is in a diamond, again that stopped in 1924.
--The date code is a "b" which is 1923.

The barrels were done by Joseph Cap, the receiver bears the trade mark of Alphonse Forgeron.
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20e%20f/a%20forgeron%20gb.htm

Here is his registered trade mark from a calalog cover:


Unfortunately, I do not any of his catalogs, so I can not help with the model number.

Forgeron is also known to have used Cockerill barrels on his guns. Forgeron, while not well known here, was one of the top gun makers of Belgium when it came to quality guns. He did business through Europe, including Poland.



Some other Forgeron's





Pete

Thank you both for the info, it is neat to know it was made in 1923, and the chokes, and that it is a Forgeron for sure.
It has not been shot since last I did in 1972-73.....My father had left it in it leg of mouton since. He had the buttstock cleaned up before he gave it to me. The blueing is in excellent condition and the colors are about 60-70% I think. The fit and finish so beautiful.

Not that it will ever be for sale, but what could it be valued at?

Thought the Lettre Annale was an 'e', but could be wrong

That's a nice BL there...what a grand gift.
I love the unusual fences..lovely.
Will you have a problem getting it sent to you from overseas???
Hope note
cheers
Franc

La lettre looks like a "b" actually. It could be an e but I think it is a "b" due to the squigle.

Franc, it was a surprise. It sure brought back some memories.
My father gave it to me the day before we left. To send it here, I would have to locate an importer and obtain a license to export.

Those letters are often hard to decipher, but I'd agree with Pete on the date of production for the reasons he listed.

I know that sidelock Forgeron pictured above. Gorgeous gun. Used to shoot with its last owner (now deceased). He was a lawyer, in spite of which he had very good taste in guns.

It is too bad we do not have much information on "Forgeron", it would be tremendous to have info from a catalog.

What beautiful work, fit and finish. I feel blessed to have one in such a great condition.

Forgot to mention that I took the recoil pad off and there was 3 bored out ares in the stock with wooden plugs, under each plug was a piece of lead pipe. The gun is real butt heavy, the balance is somewhere under the trigger guard. The LOP is around 15". I am assuming this was done for the original owner???

Next trip I will take some of that weight out and see how it points for me.......

Nice fences...(I'm a sucker for a well-engraved fence...)