Old double barrel shotgun
I have a side-by-side 12 gauge I was hoping someone could help me find more information on. It was manufactured by what appears to be Yanssen Sons & Co., but the first letter might not be a Y; unfortunately the . The barrel is labeled "Belgium fine damascus finish." There doesn't appear to be any other information on the gun. I know it's not much to go off of, but any information including age, country of origin, and/or value would be greatly appreciated.
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The Word Belguim tells you right away that your shotgun is of Belguim manufacture....Pull the Barrels and look under the rear Portion on the underside [called the water table]...You will in all likelyhood find an Oval with the letters E over LG in the center of the oval...It was probably made between the 1890's up to the Mid 1930's...Sold Mail Order, Catalogs, Hardware Stores...In Good Condition is worth $200.00/$250.00...I would'nt trust Shooting it as this is considered a Low Base Black Powder or DuPont Shoot Shell Powder load type of gun...Bulk powder was made to be a smokeless powder with the same power curve as Black Powder....If You insist on shooting it have it checked out by a compitent gunsmith...or hang it over the Mantle and enjoy it as treasured keepsake......best.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
The name on the gun is "Janssen". If you open up the action, there will be several things stamped on the water table, and on the bottom flats of the barrel. If you see a 65 (65mm) that means that it is chambered for 2-1/2" shells. 70 (70mm) indicates 2-3/4" chambers. Damascus barreled Belgian guns were designed for low pressure black powder shells only... do NOT shoot the gun with any modern made 12 gauge shells. Most of those old Belgin SxS scatterguuns were imported to the U.S.A. between 1890 and 1913 (WW I caused the complete collapse of the Belgian cottage gun making industry, and importation of those inexpensive guns). They were sold in hardware stores for about $6. They are only worth about $100 - $200 today, and most are appropriately used as mantle decorations.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Hi Kodiak & Burt.
I believe I have the same gun and it is indeed Janssen sons & co on left side. Mine also has "the interchangeabll" on the right side plate. On the top rib it has "belgium fine damascus". The top of left barrel has "choke bored". That is all I can see from outside. With hanguard removed, there is a number 2692 imprinted in the wood and it is also on the watertable. Both barrel have the number 17.0. Left barrel has choke and 18.0 over 18.0. Right barrel just has 18.2. That is all the numbers I see but it aso has all the belgium proof marks.
Moving to the stock end, it also has the number 2692. The wood is very nice walnut and appears to be hand cut.
Not sure about chamber but I have 2 5/8 all brass shells which chamber easily. Gun is very tight. I know it says damascus but I can see no damascus patterning such as on a Lefever I have.
I certainly intend to shoot mine when I get some brass shells loaded. I bought it at auction 6 months ago for 200 bucks.
Welcome to the forum, Kodiak and merry Christmas to all. Tom
<BR>Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who don't.<P>0
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