Hi
My grandfather supposedly bought this gun from the Canadian department store Simpsons (later Simpsons Sears) Thanks to you guys I have figured out most of the marks on the gun, I would like to have help finding a date other than the generic 1898-1924 time frame. So far I have figured out that it is a belgium made 16ga and I have identified proof marks from one of the prior threads. Can anyone help me with an exact date, a manufacturer or a estimated value? Thanks Mearns
Bore and Choke 1898-1924 CHOKE 16.2
16.9
PROOF MARKS d=70 d=70
18.9 19.0
Weight of Barrel after Smokeless Proof 1892-1924 P 1K360.8

[img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/kKTv54T[/img]

Side of the barrel says: "amtlich vierfach geprueft u. eingeschossen mit staerkster ladung rauchlosen pulvers" which translates: "officially quadruple examined and shot in with strongest load of smokeless powder"

The way the chokes are illustrated on barrel can help with date.

There may be a date code(letter) on barrel flats also that would give proof date.

Okay that narrows it to 1910-1924 Getting narrower. Thanks Here is a better picture of the barrel flat.

https://ibb.co/cXQ8ctH

The AOD in circle is the barrel guy or steel I can’t remember but will look. Others will let us know what that is just has slipped my mind. May be ACD acier cockerill dumoulin? Can’t remember.

Amtlich Vierfach Geprüft und Eingeschossen mit Stärkster ladung Rauchlosen Pulvers

Czech version - Uredne Ctyrnasobne Zkousena a Nastrelena Nejsilnejsim Nabojem Bezdýmného Prachu

The text was just Belgian advertising assuring the end user that their cheap wares would withstand the National Proof Test of the end country. It was only used for a few years.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Too, that diameter stamp was also only used for a short period.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

There are a few more marks on the rib valley between the barrels. These are spaced out 77 1 P S

So I guess to conclude this, it is pretty much a no-name department store gun from Belgium made between 1910-1924, and probably holds little value other than personal sentimental value. It kicks like a mule......

Um, yes the Department store(or importer probably) as typical did not want any names or marks to point to an actual maker. Although on the frame somewhere on under the buttplate might be a clue.

I would want to say that that powder test advertising ceased around WWI and for sure after WWI all this price-point importing from Belgium ceased and makers, dealers, whatever in the U.S. of A. had to source locally.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Considering your account of the path taken by the longarm, I do find it hard to believe considering the Belgian Powder test advertising in German on a Anson & Deeley Body Action platform destined to Canada. I would say it was a WWI trophy and brought back to Canada. Interesting too is that not only does it have a Greener Crossbolt & side clips, but an added lockup from the toplever?

There are initials in the well of the frame, but I cannot make them out from the fotos.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

I don't know how to post pictures in the thread, but I tried to take a few better photos through the magnifying glass of the barrel stock. https://postimg.cc/gallery/Sz6ftvw It is quite possible that Grampa brought it back from WWII and the story from Sears was fabricated. Yes interesting twin triggers rather than a barrel reset. https://postimg.cc/PPrmRJtR

The marks from these areas will point to a mechanic or subcontractor that contributed much of the effort.




The marks in this well on the top of the floorplate may be that of the frame filer, actioner or maker.


Serbus,

Raimey
rse

The >>77<< you note is an assemble number to keep the components together as the Gesteck/Parts Kit travels from one shop to another

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

The encircled >>ACD<< is probably for Acier Cockerill Delcour-Dupont.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

I don't think I can get any better photos of those marks, pretty undecipherable even with a jewelers lens. But on the receiver maybe IGIN or forward slash /GIN

If you move the toplever you should be able to see more of the characters or just take the floorplate off to view.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse