doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Old double barrell gun with Photos

I was referred to this site by Tom Gresham at Guntalk.com
I'm trying to find information about an old gun my father received as a gift about 40 years ago.
I've tried to research it best I can in books and the internet without any luck.
It has an inscription on both sides of the gun that looks like: C. Bolton & Co. On the top between the two barrels it's ingraved: London. Under the stock is a small door with a space for storing something. It's a caplock I've been told, with two triggers. I have some pictures I could email if you need a look. Not sure if I can attach photos here.
If anyone has an opinion on the history of this gun please respond.
I'm really anxious to find out more about this relic.
Thanks,
JK

JK
Email me the pictures and I'll post them for you sometime this evening.
steve_thornhill@hotmail.com
Steve

JK
Here's the pictures you sent. I can tell you right now, you'll need to post those proof marks though if you really want help.
Steve

Here is a picture of the guns proof marks.
Steve

birminham proofs...

There were at least 5 Bolton's in the Birmingham gun trade. Several fit this gun. They were around from the late 1790's to the early 1830's.

The small door is a patch box most likely.

Pete

Or a cap box.

Thanks for your response, Steve in Austin has been really helpful with my research on this gun that has been in my family for about 40 years when it was given to my father, a physician, as a gift.
I'm not looking to sell it, only have it insured properly and maybe get it restored.
After finding out about the Birmingham proofs I wrote to the curator of the museum there, he sent this information:
Dear Sir
In our view what who have is the end of the company by George Bolton who died in 1806 prior to this being proved. We opened in 1813 and the proof marks were in use in the format shown between 1813 and 1855. J.H. appears to have taken over dad�s business but still used his name. We are sure its G not C.
Regards
David Evans Curator
He also sent information about George Bolton and his son, J.H., Which I tried to attach unsuccessfully.
If anyone knows more about this manufacturer or where in SC or close by, I could get it restored please let me know.
Thanks,
John K.

A couple hundred bucks insurance should cover it.

Sorry but it's not worth the money it would cost to restore it to it's cheaply made original glory.

It's good to know that in this troubled world there are several things that never change. Death, taxes and negative comments from jOe.
Glad we could count on ya jOe!
Steve