Dear Jim,
Re. your questions;
It's not that brass barrels were more able to cope with pressure, just that for coaching and exposed to all weathers, they didn't rust like iron tubes.
With these bores being short and wide, it isn't really a matter of pressure, but they still kicked when loaded with a good few pistol balls!
Walnut (European ) is stable and that is the main asset in stock -making. Strong and tough, but beech is better able to withstand splitting, (but not as nice to look at!)...........Butcher's blocks were beech mostly.
English coaching guns could be single barreled as well, built very lightly and short as you note. I always regret Not buying a Griffin coach -gun. It was about 14 bore with a cut-out stock.
These were often carried together with a boxed brace of pistols when traveling.
If a (single) butterfly sling swivel was fitted, it could mean coach use, or even horseback. These were attached at or near the rear sidenail.
Many old houses had one hanging behind the back door, complete with a note saying it was loaded. :-)
A wonderful and interesting old arm......and a very colourful history!!
I am a bit surprised that only one highwayman was documented as meeting his demise by this means, but maybe news traveled fast, even then!!
Best regards,
Richard.
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