Percussion Coach Gun

David R · 3rd September 2019, 01:25 PM

On another thread there arose a discussion about Sawn-Off and other short barrelled Shot Guns.
Here is mine, bought last year at an Antique Arms Fair in the UK. I wasn't sure what I had bought at first, but the price was right and it was an attractive "Wall Hanger", a decorative piece and no longer functional. The consensus of opinion at the next meeting at the Royal Armouries was that it was made as a short gun, and fitted into the category known as Coach Guns. Not made as a hunting gun, but for defence from the drivers seat or the inside box of a coach. The defining feature was the made for purpose 18 inch 46 cm barrel.
It has had a hard life, and a lot of repairs and alterations. The lock was originally a flint lock, and there is a good likelihood that the stock is a replacement.

fernando · 3rd September 2019, 02:21 PM

Interesting. Could you show us a clearer picture of the lock plate front, David ?
... Just to see the modification work ...

David R · 3rd September 2019, 02:36 PM

Here we are, you can just see where another piece has been brazed in....

David R · 3rd September 2019, 02:37 PM

It has a new hammer, the old one long gone.

fernando · 3rd September 2019, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

It has a new hammer, the old one long gone.

Certainly the one that had to swapped for the modification

.

fernando · 3rd September 2019, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

Here we are, you can just see where another piece has been brazed in....

Yes; and the removal of the priming pan for a cap nipple. Certainly Looks like a private modification, not a military one; both taking place by the 1830's-1840's, right ?

David R · 3rd September 2019, 02:57 PM

It's a civilian piece originally rather than military, a shotgun rather than a carbine. One with a long and eventful life I would say.

fernando · 3rd September 2019, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

... a shotgun rather than a carbine...

Caliber ?

3rd September 2019, 01:25 PM	#1
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	Percussion Coach Gun On another thread there arose a discussion about Sawn-Off and other short barrelled Shot Guns. Here is mine, bought last year at an Antique Arms Fair in the UK. I wasn't sure what I had bought at first, but the price was right and it was an attractive "Wall Hanger", a decorative piece and no longer functional. The consensus of opinion at the next meeting at the Royal Armouries was that it was made as a short gun, and fitted into the category known as Coach Guns. Not made as a hunting gun, but for defence from the drivers seat or the inside box of a coach. The defining feature was the made for purpose 18 inch 46 cm barrel. It has had a hard life, and a lot of repairs and alterations. The lock was originally a flint lock, and there is a good likelihood that the stock is a replacement. Attached Images

3rd September 2019, 02:36 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	Here we are, you can just see where another piece has been brazed in.... Attached Images

3rd September 2019, 02:21 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Interesting. Could you show us a clearer picture of the lock plate front, David ? ... Just to see the modification work ...

3rd September 2019, 02:37 PM	#4
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	It has a new hammer, the old one long gone.

3rd September 2019, 02:57 PM	#7
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	It's a civilian piece originally rather than military, a shotgun rather than a carbine. One with a long and eventful life I would say.