Roy,
It's a great shame there is no makers name. As you can see it is well built and the action has a very smooth click when cocking. They have taken the trouble to number all the screws and to put a taper on the dovetail is a nice touch.
The proof mark puts it at pre 1904 as far as I can work out. Those are the only two marks I can see - no load, barrel dia or chamber - no nitro proof. These marks could be hidden under the canvas covering. I guess all be can say that it is post circa 1860 (centre fire) and before 1904. Unless of coarse anyone knows any different??
Here in the Uk you can still use a punt gun of less than 1 1/2" to shoot live quarry. Mine is a little over that - and it isn't something you can do quietly!!! - so I guess a punt is an irrelevance. If a gun is over 2" dia it is no longer classed as a shotgun and has to go on a firearms certificate. The chap I bought it off has a photo of his father with the gun - apparently he used it last during his university years - unfortunately he hasn't managed to find it yet. I would guess this amy have been between 1st & 2nd World Wars.
Have you read the Chesapeak - they had great fun with punt guns in that book.
If you have the Galway Payne book I would love a scan of the punt gun details - have been looking for the book for a while but no luck yet. If you could scan it please send me a PM and I will supply e-m address.
John
PS Did you check out the video clip on the other half of this thread - 'more shoot photos'?
Last edited by Oldfarmer; 03/11/11 09:36 AM.
