Checkering and carving ... on a small shotgun

kahnjar1 · 29th October 2008, 07:15 AM

12mm equates to the English .410 calibre shotgun. Popularly described as a "Ladies Gun" in this size, but also used as a (very) small game gun. Not really of much use, as the amount of shot thrown from the small cartridge/muzzleload did not spread that well at anything over about 20 yards. More likely to wound game than kill.
My first impression of that carving was that it is a fish!
Another very nice piece Fernando. Really must try to visit your "museum" one day.
Stu

Pukka Bundook · 29th October 2008, 02:45 PM

Little light gun wouldn't tire you out carrying it around anyway!
Does it have Belgian proof-marks, Fernando?

It looks like it was once full-stocked, as the pipes are mounted on the barrel, with no under-rib.

Stu,
I think you're more or less right about the fish. This design was quite popular in Belgium and France, and is sometimes a fish, or sea - serpent, or a dolphin.
Sometimes teeth are added in ivory or bone.
On occasion, you see the "fish" is actually "swallowing" the stock...as in, the wrist of the stock appears to be protruding from the fishes mouth.

Although a small calibre, it would be good for knocking over the odd rabbit for supper!

Richard.

Ps,
The barrel looks like Bernard twist, ...a good quality Belgian damascus .

fernando · 29th October 2008, 07:48 PM

Thank you Tony, Stu and Richard

.

I wouldn't say that the stock has ever been longer, but surely the provision for a ramrod was a later addition to the barrel, with its two brass pipes of slightly different dimensions.
The trigger guard and caps case are in German silver which, together with the damascus barrel, denote a certain degree of quality, i would say.
Mind you Stu, the 12 mm caliber equates more to .50" range, to be precise.
Still i wait for your visit to my cave

I agree with Richard that this caliber was (and is) enough for small game ... not only rabbits but more certainly birds ... snipes and so ? i am no hunting expert

. However i remember going bird hunting with a friend, with a 9 mm cartridge shotgun his father has acquired in the Brussels exhibition.
So the carved figure would be either a dog, a lion, a bear, a fish or a dolphin

. I would by now easier 'swallow' a multi faceted monster, with a bit of all sugested animals

Thanks a lot for the hint on the Bernard twist, Richard.
Unfortunately there are no marks in this piece.
Thank you all again, guys.
Fernando

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29th October 2008, 07:15 AM	#1
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,805	12mm equates to the English .410 calibre shotgun. Popularly described as a "Ladies Gun" in this size, but also used as a (very) small game gun. Not really of much use, as the amount of shot thrown from the small cartridge/muzzleload did not spread that well at anything over about 20 yards. More likely to wound game than kill. My first impression of that carving was that it is a fish! Another very nice piece Fernando. Really must try to visit your "museum" one day. Stu

29th October 2008, 02:45 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Little light gun wouldn't tire you out carrying it around anyway! Does it have Belgian proof-marks, Fernando? It looks like it was once full-stocked, as the pipes are mounted on the barrel, with no under-rib. Stu, I think you're more or less right about the fish. This design was quite popular in Belgium and France, and is sometimes a fish, or sea - serpent, or a dolphin. Sometimes teeth are added in ivory or bone. On occasion, you see the "fish" is actually "swallowing" the stock...as in, the wrist of the stock appears to be protruding from the fishes mouth. Although a small calibre, it would be good for knocking over the odd rabbit for supper! Richard. Ps, The barrel looks like Bernard twist, ...a good quality Belgian damascus .

29th October 2008, 07:48 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you Tony, Stu and Richard . I wouldn't say that the stock has ever been longer, but surely the provision for a ramrod was a later addition to the barrel, with its two brass pipes of slightly different dimensions. The trigger guard and caps case are in German silver which, together with the damascus barrel, denote a certain degree of quality, i would say. Mind you Stu, the 12 mm caliber equates more to .50" range, to be precise. Still i wait for your visit to my cave I agree with Richard that this caliber was (and is) enough for small game ... not only rabbits but more certainly birds ... snipes and so ? i am no hunting expert . However i remember going bird hunting with a friend, with a 9 mm cartridge shotgun his father has acquired in the Brussels exhibition. So the carved figure would be either a dog, a lion, a bear, a fish or a dolphin . I would by now easier 'swallow' a multi faceted monster, with a bit of all sugested animals Thanks a lot for the hint on the Bernard twist, Richard. Unfortunately there are no marks in this piece. Thank you all again, guys. Fernando