This is a 16 gauge & .38 cal. barrels - 30" in overall length including the breech plug. These bores dimensions appear ideal for our 16 gauge wads and .375 round ball with a .015 patch. The barrel bores are in shoot able condition with no dark pits. The barrel is proof marked with European proof marks, probably London, on the bottom of the breech, the barrels were exported to North America from England.
The tail of the lock plate, and hammer are engraved with a floral pattern. The percussion hammers are 1870-1880's style with a European influence on the architecture. Stocked in walnut the butt does have a few mild stripes of figure, but is essentially straight grain which is ideal for such a combination bore shotgun/rifle. The wrist and forearm are both checkered to provide a secure grip. The barrels are fitted to the stock with a single captured key. Put the locks at half cock, and drift the wedge key. The barrels can then be removed for easy cleaning. Instead of a capture slot, a groove and pin prevent the wedge key from being completely removed from the stock, which prevents loss of the fitted key. This shotgun has a 14” and 13" trigger reach, which should fit today's average size shooter well. It weighs 10.8 pounds. Stocked straight, it could easily be used by a right or left hand shooter. The brass trigger guard has a engraved bow and grip rail. The trigger guard is threaded to the front trigger plate, and a single screw mounts the grip rail to the stock. The ramrod is fitted with a large brass loading tip.
The front sight uses the broad band and a flat wide barrel rib seen on English SXS and combination guns. The barrels are 30" overall in length. With the research done the name J. E. Evans, 226 South. St. Philadelphia. makes one believe this firm may have been an importer as well an assembler rather than just a manufacturer. The building on the left
is the location 200 South 325 West St. Philadelphia, PA.
(Taken in 1891 - Phila.
Bulletin Newspaper)
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I
remain, Yr Svt. Elmer Pope I'm the original Elmer (damnit).
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