Can anyone help me to identify this 12 ga Leige shotgun and help me to determine the age?
The date code small cursive letter is either an r (1939) or the later t (1960)
Here is a lot of info.
http://damascus-barrels.com/files/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.pdfGoogle J. Saive. You will see a couple for sale.
Factory 2 3/4" chambers, Cockerill steel, smokeless powder proof. I'd bet on 1939. Not sure Saive was still around in 1960, and it would be a little strange to have the "smokeless powder" stuff on the barrels that late.
J had several O/U made by Joseph Saive and in 1962 L. Peeters take over the name and company. To see exactly what Mod it is I need more and better pictures.
Marc.
"Royal" is trademark of Charles Dewandre who was in business 1855-1932.
Joseph Saive was in business from 1893 to 1962 at which time the firm was liquidated. It was taken over by Louis Peeters. I am not sure how long Peeters remained in business.
The barrels weighed 1.578 kgs or 3.478 lbs at time of proof.
Pete
Pete, Peeters gunshop is still working, if I good remember Peeters was once a member of the Belgian team at the olimpic games in Trap shooting and ended with a 3th place.
Marc.
Marc,
Thanks. I was not sure. He is not well known here.
Pete
Thanks for the input on my new pet. I will post additional pictures this evening.