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Double barrel percussion cap musket

_TZ__TZ_ Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
Hi. I recently acquired this piece, described to me as a percussion cap musket, double barreled. It is approx. 4 feet long from the butt to the tip of the barrel. The barrel itself is 30 7/8 inches long. I hope this is the right place to get information about this type of weapon. I know next to nothing about guns, so id like to get some help in identifying what exactly this is and what time period it is from. Below are links to some pictures I took of the piece.

http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g1.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g2.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g3.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g4.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g5.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g6.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g7.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g8.jpg
http://ii-0-ii.com/ebay/gun/g9.jpg
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Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It would be identified as a double barreled, muzzle loading shotgun, rather then a musket. It has what is called a back-action lock.

    Generally these were used as sporting firearms for hunting. It could have been made/used anytime from the 1820's to the 1870's.

    It doesn't give the appearance of being a very expensive high quality firearm when new. It's present condition would be considered, at best "Fair". Value would be minimal.
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  • nyforesternyforester Member Posts: 2,575 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Is there any marking on the barrels or receiver ?
    Abort Cuomo
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It needs a ramrod and barrel wedge to hold it together and the front tang screw protruding into the triggerguard replaced or cut flush.
    This is what we call a decorator or wall hanger to mount over the fireplace.
    The shotgun has a hooked breech. One of the hooks on the barrel plugs is missing, making the gun unsafe to shoot even if the barrels were found to clean up well.
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  • _TZ__TZ_ Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Interesting..thanks for the replies.

    Why does it look like there was never another hook on the barrel? To me at least, I don't see any sign of something having snapped off in that area. Maybe I just don't know what to look for though.

    The only writing I could find is what I showed in the last picture I linked, which is on the side plate by the triggers. I can't really make out what it says.

    So does this piece actually have any value? Would it be worth cleaning up and 'fixing' to look good on a wall or would should I just sell it as is? Is the repair worked worth the effort if I were to eventually sell it? I got it cheap enough to go either way I think.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by _TZ_
    Interesting..thanks for the replies.

    Why does it look like there was never another hook on the barrel? To me at least, I don't see any sign of something having snapped off in that area. Maybe I just don't know what to look for though.

    The only writing I could find is what I showed in the last picture I linked, which is on the side plate by the triggers. I can't really make out what it says.

    So does this piece actually have any value? Would it be worth cleaning up and 'fixing' to look good on a wall or would should I just sell it as is? Is the repair worked worth the effort if I were to eventually sell it? I got it cheap enough to go either way I think.



    Some folks collect firearms in "Relic" condition, mostly as decorators. Considering the present condition of the shotgun, that's the best you could hope for, IMHO. Definitely! don't be putting any time/effort/money into it. My 2?.
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The breech plugs are threaded to seal off the breech ends of both barrels. The hooks extend rearward to key the barrels into rectangular holes in the tang. They also serve as bolt heads to allow
    removal with a wrench.
    Unless I'm incorrect, there are two retangular slots in the tang to engage two hooks.
    One may have broken off in an attempt to remove a rusted breech plug.
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  • nyforesternyforester Member Posts: 2,575 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Probably worth $100 as a wall hanger in a camp or saloon.
    Abort Cuomo
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