I inherited this shotgun many years ago. I has been in my family since the 1950's or so. I have inquired on another site about it, but I heard this is the place to ask. Can anyone advise me on how to post a picture? It has St.Etinnes proofs with a crown over PT smokeless stamp. Thanks.

Email the pictures to me. I’ll get them up, for you.

Welcome, by the way.

Best,
Ted


tedjs@usfamily.net

Well, your files were way too big, or, corrupt, and I only took the time to manipulate this one. But, it will get us started:



This action was used all over France and Belgium for probably 100+ years. It was sold, in the white, as barreled actions to gunmakers all over France and Belgium. I have never figured out exactly who produced it, but, it is common as empty beer cans, and used for up to about mid grade continental guns. Very rarely, it is fitted with ejectors. I have never seen this action with a single trigger, but, I would imagine they are out there. Your gun is not rare, or, terribly valuable, except as a family heirloom, perhaps, but, these are typically wonderful hunting implements. Watch for short chambers and tight bores and chokes. It is probably time for a good gunsmith to strip, clean, and lubricate the old gun, unless you don’t plan on using it. That, would be a shame, as it appears to be a great little bird gun, from what I can see. Your pictures weren’t really clear enough for me to see the proof marks, and describe to you what they are telling us. A better photo of the action flats would help. Crown over PT is indicative of proof with power T, post 1900, and is a stout level of proof indeed. St. Etienne was where most French guns were proofed.

Best of luck with it. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Best,
Ted

Thanks Ted, this particular example is extremely valuable. It was handed to me by a great man. I used it as a kid for all types of small game hunting and in my memories eye it never disappointed. It is ever so slightly loose, but it is on face. There is no pitting in the tubes and the bluing on the barrels is perfect, it appears to have been rust blued. As far as I'm concerned, I wouldn't have a problem sending it to Turnbull's for a full restoration. All it really needs is the color case hardening redone. I coated the stock with tru oil when I was younger, I could do a much better job now. It has short chambers, I always used what was available off the shelf for ammo, which was 2 3/4 game loads. I will set up to reload proper, shorter shells for it. Thanks for the reply, this is a great and informative site. Thanks again.

An heirloom it is then. Most valuable.
I was just having a private conversation with a member, here, and told him I have a bunch of stuff that belonged to my dad that I don’t use, but, don’t get rid of BECAUSE it was my dad’s. It will likely end up in a dumpster after I’m gone. Having a gun your father gave you to use today is a very valuable thing.
It appears the metalwork has been blued. I had Turnbull case color a Charlin for me, back in the day, he did an outstanding job, but, as I’ve gotten older I appreciate guns with some character. I wouldn’t be opposed to having a good barrelsmith lengthen the chambers, but, 2 1/2” ammunition is much easier to find then it was 20 seasons past, excepting the last 12 months or so.

Use it in good health.

Best,
Ted