I recently handled a Maynard Model 1859 single barrel shotgun which was originally made for separate-primed .55 cal shotshells (and had a .40 cal rifle barrel as part of the set).
Since .55 is about 28 guage, I wondered if Dr. Maynard (MY favorite dentist), originated the 28 as a cartridge shotgun? Or was it available in pinfire or some other cartridge type before the early 1860s, perhaps in Europe?
I know there were .54 and .55 muzzle loaders galore in both rifled and smoothbore forms, but I'm talking early breechloader shotguns.
Anybody know anything of the early history of the 28?
