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amazon shotgun

chuckles7
i bought a very nice 12 gauge side by side shotgun over the weekend, but I'm having trouble finding any information about it. It states amazon on the barrel there is very little additional information. It is choked full and modified and has a nicely engraved nickel receiver. I believe it is chambered for 2 3/4 shells, nice fit and finish, etc. the dealer thought it might be spanish, but all the markings are in english. the barrels say "nitro proof".
any help would be greatly appreciated.
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3 comments

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  • Ned Fall
    I can find only one reference for a shotgun named AMAZON. That is for a "Trade Brand Name" shotgun. A "Trade Brand Name" shotgun is one made by a major maker usually for a wholesaler or retailer who chose the name to go on the gun. However the refernce mentions no seller. The reference reads "AMAZON Manufacturer Liegeoise D'Arms a Feu" who was a Belgian maker located in Liege,Belgium. To confirm this take a look at the bottom of the barrels under the forearm for Belgian proof marks consisting of the letters "ELG" in an oval with a crown over that.
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  • chuckles7
    thanks ned. i'll have to look for the stampings on the bottom of the barrels. any idea about value, or age?
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  • Ned Fall
    If it is indeed the Belgian made shotgun that I think it is, then the maker was in business between 1866 and 1925. I have no serial number-year made tables for this maker. However most of these Belgian made guns were imported between 1880 and 1914 when World War One cut off exports from Europe. A word of caution. Belgian made guns of this period were designed for the ammunition in use then which was black powder and lead shot loaded 2 1/2 inch shells. They also have damascus barrels. The guns were not designed for modern high pressure smokeless powder loads or steel shot 3 inch or magnum shells. I don't consider them safe to shoot with any modern ammunition. Value? Value will depend on the guns condition, the amount of original finish remaining on the metal and wood as well as the mechanical condition. A prime example that appears to have come out of the factory yesterday afternoon might bring $150 while a rusty rotten incomplete piece of junk fit only for parts salvage or a fire place poker might bring $10. Most I have seen sold on the various auction sites have old for between $50 and $100.
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