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Old April 28, 2009, 01:33 PM   #1
abfs
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old shotgun identification

I have an old shotgun I am trying to find some info about. It is a double barrel, 12 guage with side hammers and double triggers. It appears to have damacus barrels and had etched reciever markings. The only writing on the shotgun and the letters "HLACo" on both sides of the receiver. The number "15" is stamped into 3 places n the shotgun; the receiver under the barrel mount, the barrel under the barrel mount and on the forearm under the barrel. THere is a symbol stamped into the reciever also, but it is hard to see.

Ring any bells to any of you???

Thanks

Joel
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Old April 29, 2009, 06:49 AM   #2
Harley Nolden
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Take a #2 graphite pencil and color over the obscure markings. This will make them readable.

A photo would help

Harley
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Old April 29, 2009, 10:35 AM   #3
abfs
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Here are a couple of pics. It is in pretty rough shape. The stock is broken and there are zip ties holding it together



Joel
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File Type: jpg 102_0929.jpg (249.3 KB, 278 views)
File Type: jpg 102_0936.jpg (244.2 KB, 222 views)
File Type: jpg 102_0940.jpg (229.5 KB, 201 views)

Last edited by abfs; April 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM.
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Old April 29, 2009, 11:03 AM   #4
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A few more pics


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File Type: jpg 102_0945.jpg (232.1 KB, 142 views)
File Type: jpg 102_0951.jpg (241.6 KB, 140 views)
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Old May 10, 2009, 11:02 AM   #5
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I still can't find anything out on this old shotgun. Anyone else had any luck?
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Old May 11, 2009, 07:51 AM   #6
J F Cooper
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All I can Say is you have a $50 Wallhanger, I can't make out the proof marks.. JFC
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Old May 11, 2009, 08:05 AM   #7
Harley Nolden
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This shotgun has many similaities as many other shotgun. I'm going to take a guess that is is a Hardware Gun, and imported through Crescent or Folsom gun compaines back in thelate 1800's or early 1900's. As Mr cooper has indicated that it is a Wallhanger.

You can find Hardware Guns in the net, go to search and look for Cresent or Folsom firearms companies.

I would definetly not shoot it. If it is Damascus it would make it a right hand looser. Even if it is fluid steel or what ever, I doubt that it will withstand the current day pressures. The stock also appears that it would not handle modern day pressures.

HJN
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Old May 11, 2009, 04:17 PM   #8
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The visible proofs appear to be the older British "scepter" style, which would date it as far back as the 1860s; I can't really make out the lettering on the sideplates, though. Is there any way you can get a closer picture?
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Old May 11, 2009, 06:13 PM   #9
4V50 Gary
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I checked in Blackmore's Directory of London Gunmakers and there's nothing close.
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Old May 11, 2009, 09:05 PM   #10
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Acording to the Blue book, they might be Birmingham proofmarks, but I can't find a manufacturer with those initials.

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/P...Proofmarks.pdf
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Old May 11, 2009, 09:43 PM   #11
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H.L.A. Co would be my guess with the way the "O" was written after the C so I Googled that and got a hit for Henry Leigh Arms Company. Scrolled down and saw this web page.....
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/pdf_dat...e33477bc698ef7

Hope that helps.... I love old shotguns and own several myself but it's not like I knew anything about yours. I just happen to spend about three quarters of my day doing research work, yeah, they pay me to google stuff
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Old May 12, 2009, 06:32 AM   #12
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W.W. Greener said in his chapter on "spurious guns" that Belgian makers would send guns to Birmingham for proof so as to not give away their cheaper source with Continental proof marks.

Any road, it looks like the OP and Dixie have the same brand shotgun.
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Old May 12, 2009, 10:19 PM   #13
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If the Damascus barrels (plainly marked) do not discourage firing the gun, the large areas of rust certainly should. Further, it looks like welding where the standing breech joins the water table; if so, the gun actually broke at some time and was repaired.

It is a wall hanger. Period. If you like having all your body parts still attached.

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Old May 18, 2009, 04:58 PM   #14
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No dought it is a wallhanger, I am just trying to find the orgin and info on the old thing. It is in BAD shape, I haven't even thought about firing it!! LOL



I will try to get a few closer pics when I get back from vacation


Thanks to all

Joel
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