Originally Posted By: Geo. Newbern
I've always thought the British single shot hammer-guns were elegant and that one might make a striking squirrel gun for a country squire like myself. I recently found one for sale on GI in 16ga. It has a 31" barrel and weighs in at 5lb 3oz. It is a J.V.Needham of Birmingham and the serial number looks like 1830. Anyone have an idea about date of manufacture, damascus type, or anything about the maker???











I made a less than list offer and I've bought it but don't have it in hand just yet, so I have no pictures of the proof marks. Any information would be appreciated...Geo



It would seem to me that you are a bit more fond of squirrel than I am!
Back when my knees didn't hurt so much, I used to use a single for snowshoe grouse hunting. The notion that you would actually be sucessful in this endeavor was silly enough that you could probably have carried any gun you liked, including a snub nose .38 revolver, but, my single was an Italian folding "Companion" 12 gauge, imported by Galeif, and with a 30" full choke barrel, it was useful as a balance pole while walking in snowshoes.
At least it was hammerless. Not that it would have mattered.
It was mostly an exercise in getting out of the house and getting some mid-winter exercise, but, I did have a grouse explode from a snowcave right between the tips of my snowshoes on several occasions.

I don't ever remember taking a shot.

Enjoy the new to you gun.


Best,
Ted