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Need Help with an OLD Double

INODNME
I have come across an old black powder made by P. Powell and Son. I would like some history of this side-by-side if possible. It is in pretty good shape although I would not want to fire it without a gunsmiths OK. The proof marks are a 15 on each barrel and three what looks like crossed rifles with maybe a crown on one side and possibly numbers in the other gaps.

Thanks

FM
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • CountryGunsmith
    P Powell & Son were located in the Cincinnatti OH area from c.1830-1870. Like many other gun dealers of the time they imported double shotguns from Belgium and England with their markings on them for domestic sale.

    I would imagine that closer inspections of the proofs would show Belgian origin. This is an example of what some call a 'Belgian Clunker' and is suitable mainly as a conversation piece over a fireplace.

    There is also a 'Powell & Son' gunmaker in England (since 1802) that makes best-quality guns. Although the names are similar, the guns are vastly different.


    Scrappy Doo sleeps with the fishes.
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  • rufe-snow
    I found a P. Powell and Son in one of my references. It was a firm located in Cincinnati Ohio in the 1870's & 80's.

    The proof marks you describe seem to be British. Possibly it was made for export/sale in the U.S. market by the Powell firm.

    If you shotgun does date to the 1870's/80's, it would be folly to even think about shooting it. Leave it over the mantle where it belongs.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • INODNME
    Thanks for the info guys. A little more description: Upon closer look the stock seems to have an offset to it (like you would set it up for a lefty) There is also a little brass button imbedded into the stock on the underside about two inches from the buttplate.
    Double hammer and double triggers. Cool[:)]
    Belgian... Hmmm...

    Thanks again.

    FM
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  • INODNME
    Thanks for the info guys. A little more description: Upon closer look the stock seems to have an offset to it (like you would set it up for a lefty) There is also a little brass button imbedded into the stock on the underside about two inches from the buttplate.
    Double hammer and double triggers. Cool[:)]
    Belgian... Hmmm...

    Thanks again.

    FM
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  • INODNME
    More info on the Double: I did some research on the proof marks and found them to be from the Birmingham Proof House. Interresting...

    Could one of you guys give a rough estimate of the value of this piece. It is not for sale but it would be nice to know how much is worth.

    Thanks again.

    FM
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by INODNME
    More info on the Double: I did some research on the proof marks and found them to be from the Birmingham Proof House. Interresting...

    Could one of you guys give a rough estimate of the value of this piece. It is not for sale but it would be nice to know how much is worth.

    Thanks again.

    FM




    If it does date to the 1870's/80's, it's a wall hanger. Cosmetics are the important thing, i.e. no rust, pitting, metal & wood all there and in good shape, etc. My 2?, $100 to $200. Top dollar is a stretch, unless it's super clean.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • He Dog
    I think Rufe-Snow is about right on target. Very fine condition doubles from that era go as high as $250 because decorators buy them to put over fireplaces. Condition is really the paramount consideration in values.
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