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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32 |
I've been on the lookout for a damascus shooter for a couple of years now, and today I ran across this Canadian Belle hammer double 12 gauge with 29-1/2" barrels, cheap enough to take a chance on at least. I've been able to determine that these guns were made between 1905-1914. Not at all a high quality gun; there are tool marks everywhere that is not visible when the gun is closed and even a couple on the exterior. That being said it's in good condition, locks up tight and everything works as it should. The bore is bright, but not suspiciously so and there is a bit of pitting in near the muzzle. There seems to be plenty of meat in the chambers and barrels, but I will measure the wall thicknesses carefully before firing it. It seems to be chambered for 2-3/4 inch. I'm not sure that I trust my reading of the proofs (my eyesight ain't what it used to be) and I'm having trouble finding information about these guns. Any information that you can provide would be helpful.  
'One night as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph I had an epiphany...'
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460 |
It dates to 1893-1897 and without NON POUR BALLE it should have no choke. It does NOT carry smokeless proof.
I see no maker's mark; anything on the action flats?
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32 |
Thank you! The only marking on the exterior is 'United Arms Factories Liege' located just below and in front of the hammers, and 'Canadian Belle' marked on the top rib just ahead of the chambers.
Last edited by Tinker Pearce; 07/23/16 11:58 AM.
'One night as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph I had an epiphany...'
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32 |
Oh, and it turns out that almost all the 'pitting' near the muzzle was dust that vanished when I ran a patch through it.
'One night as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph I had an epiphany...'
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460 |
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32 |
Thanks- I thought those markings must be an anglicization of FAUL, but wasn't certain.
'One night as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph I had an epiphany...'
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32 |
It dates to 1893-1897 and without NON POUR BALLE it should have no choke.
It is marked 18.2, which comes to .716 inches, corresponding to a modified choke. I measured the muzzles this morning with a dial caliper and they are both .713 inch.
'One night as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph I had an epiphany...'
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460 |
The controllers at the Banc D'Epreuves Des Armes a Feu De Liege seemed to enjoy messing with gun for U.S. export  The usual c. 1900 Belgian 12 gauge bore would be 18.4 mm = .724" Conversion table: 1 millimeter = 0.039 inches http://www.convertunits.com/from/mm/to/inchesMARKINGS 1878 - 1897 - NON POUR BALLE = choked (at least .2 mm = .008") unrifled bores. 1898 - 1910 – Bore in mm (22 cm from breech) and muzzle (choke constriction) appear next to each other after ‘choke’ 1910 – 1924 – Bore in mm is over muzzle dimension For instance: a 12g barrel with 18.3 & 17.8 has a .720" bore & a choke constriction of .700 or .020” (Modified). If marked only with one number & the word ‘Choke’, then it indicates bore size only and has at least .2mm (.008") of choke.
Last edited by Drew Hause; 07/23/16 04:54 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 32 |
The controllers at the Banc D'Epreuves Des Armes a Feu De Liege seemed to enjoy messing with gun for U.S. export They do seem somewhat whimsical in their application of marks...
'One night as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph I had an epiphany...'
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 388 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 388 Likes: 1 |
I have heard it said that cheaper guns have heavy, drainpipe like barrels, where as expensive finely made guns have thinner barrels. So ironically the older cheap guns are safer 100 years on. Anyone have an opinion on that theory ?
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