Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun, 1885-1900

By the late 19th century, brass shotgun shells began to appear. These were more durable than paper, reusable, and offered better sealing against moisture. The Winchester Repeating Arms Company introduced brass shotgun shells in 1877. Brass shells were loaded with black powder, but as smokeless powder became prevalent, brass shells adapted to use these new propellants.
Post Reply
User avatar
smithy
Site Admin
Posts: 163
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2024 2:15 pm
Location: Fayetteville

Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun, 1885-1900

Post by smithy »

To be honest, the wood stock carvings alone might have been what drew me to this one. It's a beautifully crafted late 1800s black powder shotgun, but it's definitely in need of repair and reconditioning. The blend of utility, artistry, and historical context make a late 1800s Wilmot shotgun with a carved stock a fascinating piece of firearm history.
wilmot12g.png
wilmot12g.png (455.68 KiB) Viewed 46801 times
carving.png
carving.png (676.58 KiB) Viewed 43961 times
I bought it cheap but it's not functional and noticeably missing a trigger. After we unboxed it we also learned the lock with missing trigger was also not functional and without spring.
onetrigger.png
onetrigger.png (819.93 KiB) Viewed 43962 times
I've heard the advice that if you see a used dual barrel shotgun with only one trigger, you should RUN AWAY! The reasoning is that a previous gunsmith likely disabled the second trigger for some issue. I understand the logic, but I'm obviously not convinced by that argument. :D
User avatar
smithy
Site Admin
Posts: 163
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2024 2:15 pm
Location: Fayetteville

Re: Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun, 1885-1900

Post by smithy »

Here is what we know so far:
  • Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun
  • Manufacturer: Henri Pieper / Anciens Etablissments Pieper
  • Serial Number: The serial number is between 5,500 and 6,000
  • Gauge: 12 Gauge with a 2 3/4 inch chamber
  • Action: Side-lock, break-open, double-barreled with external hammers and extractors.
  • BELGIAN ROYAL DAMASCUS / CHOKE BORED" on the barrels with additional Belgian marks.
  • Barrel Length: 28 inches
  • Chokes: Fixed Full and Modified
  • Sights: A steel peg front sight on a serrated rib.
Stock:
  • Two-piece engraved walnut with a Prince of Wales style stock, splinter forend, and a serrated plastic buttplate. Features floral engraving and a stag with glass eyes on the buttstock.
  • Initial condition showed scratches, dents, and a crack in the buttstock but no chips. Length of pull is 14 inches. Condition was rated as Fair.
  • Mechanics: The action was not functioning properly due to a missing left trigger. It had not been fired at this point.
Validation Notes:
  • The description matches typical features of Henri Pieper's shotguns from that period, including the use of "Wilmot Gun Co." as a trade name for export markets.
  • The mention of Belgian proof marks and the "BELGIAN ROYAL DAMASCUS" indicates the barrels are likely made with a twist or Damascus steel method, common for the era but not safe for modern ammunition.
User avatar
smithy
Site Admin
Posts: 163
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2024 2:15 pm
Location: Fayetteville

Re: Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun, 1885-1900

Post by smithy »

We started with a quick acid bath and that helped us better see the markings.

After inspecting the barrel after cleaning I'm now skeptical these are real Damascus barrels. We're going to pin this for now and try to etch the barrels at a later time.
barrel.jpg
barrel.jpg (481.39 KiB) Viewed 43967 times

If you enjoy the process of researching marks stop reading and seek out one of these shotguns. There are a high number used for hours of fun. :)
marks.png
marks.png (579.39 KiB) Viewed 44773 times
User avatar
smithy
Site Admin
Posts: 163
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2024 2:15 pm
Location: Fayetteville

Re: Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun, 1885-1900

Post by smithy »

HP (Henri Pieper)
  • The "HP" mark on an 1800s Wilmot shotgun signifies that it was made by Henri Pieper, indicating its Belgian origin and potentially its quality and reliability
HP.png
HP.png (42.92 KiB) Viewed 43986 times

LD Mark
  • The "LD" stands for "Liège Double," indicating that the shotgun was manufactured in Liège, Belgium,
LD.png
LD.png (29.78 KiB) Viewed 43986 times

Proofed at Liege Mark
  • Usage started in 1893
  • On barrels of muzzleloading guns that have passed a re-enforced black powder proof.
  • On barrels of breechloading shotguns after final black powder proof.
  • Introduced to designate arms proved in conformity of German Proof Law of 1891. Now represents definitive black powder proof except for muzzle loaders
Proofed-at-Liege.png
Proofed-at-Liege.png (14.52 KiB) Viewed 44772 times

Provisional Barrel Proof Mark

The Provisional Barrel Proof Mark, specifically referred to as the "Provisional Black Powder Proof" mark, signifies that a firearm's barrel has been tested for strength and integrity using a non-destructive proofing process.
Provisional.png
Provisional.png (18.93 KiB) Viewed 44766 times
  • Usage start: 1852
  • Replaced mark no. 5 for provisional barrel proof
  • Mark for optional superior provisional proof. The mark was seldom requested
Why are there two Provisional Barrel Proof Marks per barrel?

A shotgun would have two Provisional Barrel proof Marks on each barrel if it was in the early stages of manufacture and undergoing testing to ensure the barrels do not have hidden defects. Provisional proof is specifically designed for shotgun barrels before they are fully finished, to check their integrity under controlled overpressure conditions. Each barrel might receive these marks if they are tested separately or if the manufacturing process requires verifying the quality of each barrel independently before further assembly or finishing work. This process helps prevent the continuation of work on barrel blanks that might have structural weaknesses or other issues.


12 Gauge Mark
  • Nominal gauge designation applied to shotguns given black powder.
  • Mark used 1898-1924
12G.png
12G.png (44.19 KiB) Viewed 44728 times

The Perron Mark
  • Proof of breeching system
  • On the chamber or lock on muzzle loading which has passed final black powder proof.
  • On barrel locking system or chamber if the lumps are part of the barrel after final black powder proof
perron.png
perron.png (12.02 KiB) Viewed 44726 times


Bore diameter in millimeters (18.2)
  • Stamped in .2mm gradations until 1894 then switched to .1mm steps
182.png
182.png (36.69 KiB) Viewed 43986 times

Choke by Design
  • Although not a choke in the modern sense, the difference in bore size could affect the pattern and range of shot spread, providing a rudimentary choke effect where the barrel with the smaller bore (17.6mm) might give a tighter pattern than the one with the larger bore (18.2mm).
176.png
176.png (96.99 KiB) Viewed 43986 times

Proof and Inspector Marks
  • We haven't fully validated but currently believe that the last two are inspector marks. Both are signified by a star over alpha numeric designations.
  • These may indicate the inspector M. Champiomont.
ACstar.png
ACstar.png (58.2 KiB) Viewed 43986 times
fstar.png
fstar.png (64.16 KiB) Viewed 43986 times
User avatar
smithy
Site Admin
Posts: 163
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2024 2:15 pm
Location: Fayetteville

Re: Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun, 1885-1900

Post by smithy »

Henri Pieper was a significant figure in the firearms industry, particularly in Belgium during the late 19th century. Henri was born on October 30, 1840, in Soest, Westphalia, Germany. He received technical training in Soest and Warstein (locations) before emigrating to Belgium in 1859. After moving to Belgium, Pieper worked in Herstal, Verviers, and Liege, eventually settling in Liege where he began his career in arms manufacturing. In 1866, Pieper established his own firearms manufacturing company in Liege, initially named "Henri Pieper." His business quickly grew, particularly after he purchased a barrel factory in Nessonvaux, which contributed to the production of some of Remington's finest double shotguns marked with 'HP.'
Henri Pieper.png
Henri Pieper.png (70.33 KiB) Viewed 43962 times
To learn more about
viewtopic.php?t=61
Post Reply