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, 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, 03:01 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, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

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

Caliber ?

Fernando K · 3rd September 2019, 04:23 PM

Hello

Does the barrel have a test punch?

Affectionately

David R · 3rd September 2019, 06:10 PM

Approximately 12 bore, but hard to tell with an old barrel. According to my gunsmith it had proof marks and etc, but now worn away to illegibility.

Spottedbull · 31st December 2019, 04:47 AM

As a newbie to this site, and a lover of all things "black powder" I think this old girl is a thing of beauty!

fernando · 31st December 2019, 11:22 AM

Yes indeed.
... and welcome to the forum, Spottedbull

,

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	#6
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.

3rd September 2019, 04:23 PM	#9
Fernando K Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 669	Hello Does the barrel have a test punch? Affectionately

3rd September 2019, 06:10 PM	#10
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	Approximately 12 bore, but hard to tell with an old barrel. According to my gunsmith it had proof marks and etc, but now worn away to illegibility.

31st December 2019, 04:47 AM	#11
Spottedbull Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Maypearl, Texas USA Posts: 10	As a newbie to this site, and a lover of all things "black powder" I think this old girl is a thing of beauty!

31st December 2019, 11:22 AM	#12
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Yes indeed. ... and welcome to the forum, Spottedbull ,