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.
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

LD Mark

• The "LD" stands for "Liège Double," indicating that the shotgun was manufactured in Liège, Belgium,

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.

• 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

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

Bore diameter in millimeters (18.2)

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

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).

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.

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.'
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