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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5 |
I've got most of an old side by side, but don't know much about it. All I can find are the words on the barrel "Modified Diana", "Belgium", "Laminated Steel", and the serial number. This is supposed t have 2 hammers, but don't have them. A local dealer said it was a Browning & said to look it up on there website, but couldn't find anything. Can anybody help?
Thanks, Brian feathercast@yahoo.com
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,781
Member
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Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,781 |
Only similairity to Browning, is it came from Belgium.. I think that one was made by Henri or Nicolas Pieper of Herstal Belgium..MDC
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 93
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 93 |
Well...Diana is a grade of Bowning Superposed fame as in pigeon, pointer. diana and midas grade guns. So at least for the Superposed O/U the name Diana is indicative of grade, and a beautiful grade at that.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
Brian, Welcome to the bbs. I hope you continue to drop in. MD is correct as always. The modified Diana was a registered trade mark of Henri Pieper. It has nothing to do with the later Diana grade produced by FN, unfortunately for FN. Here is an original Diana. This is based on Pieper's 1881 patent. Essentially, Henri Pieper invented the Demi-Block or Chopper Lump method of joining barrels to the breech. This one has 2 or 3 crolle damascus, a much higher grade than twist.   He later revised it to the Modified Diana and received a new patent in 1892. Notice the difference in joining the barrels to the breech. This one has twist barrels.  Laminated Steel means the barrels are not made from fluid steel, but rather from a steel ribbon that has been wrapped around a mandrel while red hot and forge welded, beaten with an hammer on an anvil. Laminated steel barrels were the cheapest, ie lowest grade, available at the time. I would let it sit on the not very knowledgable dealer's shelf. You can purchase a gun in much better condition. Look for one with Krupp barrels and both hammers.  The very highest grade of Pieper guns has some gold inlay work.  Pete
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
Note that although Pieper did not coin the name, both of these guns are built on a "Mono-Block" system, not the Demi-Block or Chopper Lump method. Pieper did inded build guns on the Demi-Block principal, just not these. On the upper gun "Diana" the block is bored on a slight taper & tubes inserted from the breech, which is the reason for the step.
On the lower gun "Modified diana" the tubes are stepped down & inserted into the block from the front. They only extend back about halfway through the block & may be threaded in.
Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5 |
Thanks guys. The one I have looks like the one in the bottom picture, except it doen't have the 1892 between the barrels. I would like to restore it, because the barrels are in good shape, & so is the receiver. Firring pins still look good & move, & triggers are still OK. I would need the guts, hammers & sideplates. I am looking forward to building the stock, I already have the walnut. Can I still get those parts?
Thanks, Brian
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
Brian,
The short answer is no. The long is that it is simply not worth the money you will invest. If you want to take on a project gun, my advice is to start with one that does not need as much mechanical work.
Pete
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5 |
Pete, I got 2 questions. What is to much to invest? Less than $100, & I could live with it. But even if I could get it going, could I shoot 2 3/4 low brass? And as far as a project gun, do you have any ideas where to find one, should I just post on here for a project? I'm not very knowledgable as far as a gunsmith, but I can do the woodwork. I guess there is more than 2 questions!!
Thanks for your time.
Brian
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,604 Likes: 12
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,604 Likes: 12 |
Brian,
The 'guts, hammers & sideplates' will have to be made from scratch by someone with incredible skill and will cost a LOT of money. It could run into the thousands of dollars.
If you are INCREDIBLY lucky you might be able to find parts that will work but won't really fit and will never be original.
This gun (sadly) as described has reached the status of wallhanger and is probably better for parts in some other restoration. I have one 'just like it' hanging over my fireplace.
Mike
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,604 Likes: 12
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,604 Likes: 12 |
Brian,
I forgot two things.
First, welcome to the site. You will get more honest and helpful answers here than anywhere else on the web.
Second, if you are really looking for a project I can suggest pawnshops and junk stores. Until my latest infatuation with modern guns I prowled them with a passion. You'll have to pass on dozens of junkers until you find one worth saving but the search is half the fun.
Best regards,
Mike
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