doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Unidentified French/Belgian 16 GA SxS

I was recently gifted a 16 GA SxS and have been trying to identify its manufacturer and date. After some internet research I believe it is likely either a French or Belgian manufacturer (I'm guessing Mode a Paris). Based on the ELG proof, perron and(crown and star below the ELG) it appears to have been manufactured between 1893-1924. There is a greek beta symbol on the breech which according to one listing indicates it was manufactured in 1923. Also on the breech is an S with a star over it. The choke is 16.9/17.1. The only other markings are on the barrels, one says simply "Chevalier" and a marking on the other barrel says, "a Paris". I have pics but for some reason I can't attach them in this post.

Any help?

Here is how to post pics. Post all marks and , of course, your specific questions.

OK, look at Rockdocs post on the picture posting.

Anyone can post photos on this site. You just need children or grandchildren to show you how. In the meantime click on this link http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=148935#Post148935

Steve

C. Mod� Armurier Bt� 91, rue de Rochelieu Paris( Callens 1934? ), are you sure? Is the name atop?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

It's Belgian made with the proofmarks you describe. If it has 16 over a C inside a diamond, then it's prior to 1924. Probably does not have chamber length marked either, although it may. On that gun, if it's 16 over a C, then you may also find either 65 or 70MM on the barrel flats, right next to where the flats stop.

Chevalier is likely the name of the gun shop in Paris for which the gun was made.

Mine is a 1927




http://www.shotguns.se/html/belgium.html

Gentlemen, thanks for the primer on posting pics. I'll have to wait till I get home from a business trip on Friday to post the pics since their on my desktop at home.

Regarding the markings, I have a 16 over a C inside a diamond, I assumed this meant it was a 16 GA--not true? The only other numbers are a 592 stamped on each barrel as I recall. No other names, just "Chevalier" on one barrel and "a Paris" on the other.

Knight in Paris, huh? Yes, the Belgian, and British, mark would make it a 16 bore. Forward the images to me & I'll post them for you.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Note the 16/C in diamond means it has a 16ga Chamber (C). When proofed the actual bore diameters of this gun were 16.9mm (.665")
& 17.1" (.673"). The bbls were choked to some unspecified amount.
As stated by Larry the 16-C in diamond means oit was proofed no later than 1924. At this point the 16-65 or 70 in the Elongated C replaced the diamond mark. In this latter case the 65 etc following the gauge number is the length of the chamber in MMs. 65 = to about a 2 9/16" chamber & 70 a 2 3/4" one.

The post-1924 gauge and chamber length proofmark is the one furthest right in skeettx's photo. The script f in the photo is the 1927 date code to which he refers.