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

[smithy]

I'm not going to lie; I may have chased this one based on the carvings alone. It was cheap but not functional and noticeably missing a trigger. For me that typically means there is more to fix internally. TBD

[smithy]

Here is what we know so far:

• Description of the Wilmot Gun Co. 12GA Hammered Side By Side Shotgun:

• Model: 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.

Markings:

• SN & "LD" on the frame with Belgian proof marks.

• WILMOT GUN CO." on the receiver sides.

• 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.

[smithy]

My initial assessment upon receiving the gun is that I'm skeptical that these are real Damascus barrels even though they are engraved with that designation. More testing needed!

[smithy]

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

[smithy]

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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

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.

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• 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

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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

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Bore diameter in millimeters (18.2)

Stamped in .2mm gradations until 1894 then switched to .1mm steps

Choke configuration potential dates it 1910-1924