Awhile back I was poking around the Rodger's Cabelas and happened to walk in just as they were bringing in bunch of guns they had purchased from an estate sale. One of them that caught my eye was a beautiful condition side by side percussion shotgun. At the time they didn't have a price for it and I pretty much assumed that it was going to be beyond my budget, but I gave them my number and a few days later they called me back and let me know the price, a very reasonable, I think, $450. I put it on hold and this afternoon finally decided to pick it up. I haven't had a chance to clean it up much yet, and I suspect it is a 12 guage but the other one I own is a 14 so I could be wrong. I'll measure it later tonight and let you know the answer.
The manufacturer is listed on the barrel as:
Deane Adams & Deane (Makers to HRH Prince Albert No 50 King William Street London Bridge
The gun is really in excellent condition with beautiful engraving, gold name plate engraved with some intitials, and excellent wood, though the checkering is definitely worn down over the years. The original ramrod is with it also. I removed the right lock to check it out and the inside looks as nicely polished as the day it left the factory, no comparison to a Pedersoli muzzleloading shotgun I own. As far as I can tell this one would be a shooter if I swapped out the nipples and proofed it. I only own one other original percussion English Double, but it isn't anywhere near this fancy. Would this have been a pretty standard grade shotgun from this period, or would it have been above average? I am curious about the maker, I assume it is probably the company that became famous for the Adams revolvers later one, but I don't know much beyond that. I am guessing the vintage to be mid to late 1850's. If anyone has some information I would appreciate it. Here are some pictures, though they aren't the greatest.
Thanks for looking
Regards,
Alex Johnson
