Thanks Gentlemen. I did a little research on the web and found a some information. As Doc noted the "Not For Ball" stamp indicates a manufacture date between 1875 and 1887. The number stamps 14 and 14B apparently denotes that bore diameter nine inches from the breech is that of a 14 gauge; and the 16M stamp means that bore diameter at the muzzle is equivalent to a 16 gauge bore, in other words the barrels are choked. At any rate a 14 gauge shell fits perfectly in the chambers, so it is indeed a 14 gauge. Interestingly the barrel markings on this gun are exactly the same as the markings found on a WC Scott barrel set, so would my gun have been made by that firm and marketed under a trade name (it is not a low quality piece). I'd been lead to believe that JN Scotts was a trade name used by Simmons Hardware Co of St. Louis with the gun named after the manager of their sporting goods department, JN Scott. In checking the web I was surprised at the number of postings regarding JN Scotts shotguns, (all were hammer guns); but some did reference a St. Louis address on the rib. Any thoughts? Interestingly, while checking I found a for sale posting listing a 12-bore JN Scotts double at Quality Arms in Houston, TX and was astounded with their $4500 asking price! The gun is hammerless and virtually identical to my gun except for bore size. Mine is in better condition; although the fact that it is makes perfect sense; where would one find 14 gauge shells to be able to actually use the danged thing?
