I picked up this J.B. Ronge Hammer Gun just before dove season.
What a 'hoot ' !!! First time hunting with a vintage hammer gun.
Doc Drew, if you're still around can you confirm that this is 'stars and stripes' damascus i.e. 'american flag'?
[img:center]20200905_182601_2 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

Here are some more pics... [img:center]http://20200904_140511_2 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

[img:center]20200904_140445_2 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

[img:center]20200904_140618_2 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

[img:center]20200826_150032_3 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

Nice Doug. Yes, it is an Etoile variant called "American Flag", with tiny stars within the scrolls. The pattern was developed by Ernest Heuse-Lemoine of Nessonvaux (and "Boston") specifically for the U.S. market

This is Bro. Walt's Crass 4E.



The lopin, from Sachse's "Damascus Steel"



Are the the tube maker's initials on the barrels just forward of the flats? If so, could you please post a close up high resolution image?

Drew, Cool, thanks for the confirmation and info. It's interesting that "American Flag" was made for the U.S. market, this gun was an 'import' from Europe by Simpsons with the required sling swivels attached. With all the engraving I'm curious if it was a custom piece for someone originally? I've perused your info on Belgian proof marks so hopefully I've captured the images you're looking for ....... JJ etc.

[img:center]http://20200908_090818-1 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

[img:center]http://20200908_090856-1 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

[img:center]20200908_090912-1-1 by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

Good stuff and thanks Doug!

'JJ' is Joseph Joiris of Nessonvaux who was a member of Syndicat des Fabricants de Canons de Fusil de la Vesdre.
I had not previously found a maker's mark on an "American Flag" tube so that is new information, and appreciated.

The gun is fairly late for a damascus gun; the L barrel 17.3 = .681" over 18.1 = .713" (muzzle constriction over bore 22 cm from the breech. 18.2 = .717" or 18.3 would be typical) was used after 1910. I suspect it is pre-WWI though. It does not carry Smokeless Powder proof, but that was not mandatory until 1924

Drew,

Thanks again for the wealth of information. I was curious about the approx. date of mfg. on this one. It's great to be back on the board and back in the field. I see that it's about 50 degrees in Salina, KS today with a low tonight in the 40's. Hopefully those migrating doves will make a stop here and I can get this old beauty back into action.
It is a lively little gun with 30" tubes,engraved steel butt plate @ 6lbs 10 oz.
[img:center]JB Ronge Full by Doug Fore, on Flickr[/img]

Cornell Pubs has a 1912 catalog reprint. I'll bet your gun is shown Doug. Argo could help with the French and Raimey with the German
https://www.cornellpubs.com/old-guns/item_desc.php?item_id=616

Very nice. It looks like French and then German i.e. Bockbuchsflinten = "Over and Under Rifles".. lol I'll get one on order. Appreciated!