Manufacuring SXS shotguns is a highly specialized skill, requiring special tools, equipment and training. I doubt that there were any SXS s-guns made in the US before the late 1800's when the large companies began manufacturing them after the cartridge craze had caught on. Many gun smiths imported guns from England and had their name engraved on them, or engraved it their self. I'm betting you will find English proof marks on the bottom of the barrels. With the Cove name it should bring a slight premium to collectors of western memorabilia....LK
That is what Oliver Winchester did up into the 1880s- imported side by side shotguns from Great Britain and sold them under the Winchester name. He was more concerned about producing Winchester rifles during the 1870s and 1880s.
