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Post by teakmtn on Dec 14, 2016 22:37:17 GMT -7
I picked this up this last summer. Over/under 54 caliber smoothbore. Italian made. Fun to shoot, the two hammers make for easy sighting. The upper barrel shoots high but the bottom barrel is dead on at 25 yards. Anybody have any ideas as to the time frame? Due to the over/under barrels it fits very nicely under a belt or a sash. Doug T.    |
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Post by Badger on Dec 15, 2016 13:53:26 GMT -7
That is a GREAT piece ! I love that gun. Any more maker info besides being Italian made?
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Post by teakmtn on Dec 15, 2016 17:30:08 GMT -7
Yep it's pretty cool. Feels great in the hand.
As far as more info, under the bottom barrel is stamped; on first line = IBALE ; second line = GAFFINI (not real sure of the first letter) ; third line = _ _ ONE (looks like the first two letters may be ER.
Actually, no where does it say "made in Italy", I just assumed due to those names. I could be wrong. There are no other marks, no proof marks, etc…
I have not taking it apart either, so, there may be more information under the locks. Also, the photos don't show it but the barrels may be Damascus and the butt cap is carved horn.
Doug T.
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Post by Badger on Dec 15, 2016 18:14:48 GMT -7
It just keeps getting better. Damascus barrels too? Showing me this is like driving an ice cream truck past a Weight Watchers meeting. You're just teasing us with goodies. But seriously, that is a beautiful pistol. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by TurkeyCreek on Dec 16, 2016 8:48:51 GMT -7
That is one tough pistol Brother! Perfect for a late fur trade era trader or trapper! Are you shooting .530 prb in it?
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Post by teakmtn on Dec 16, 2016 12:51:42 GMT -7
Regarding the Damascus barrels, you can click on the photos and get a better look. They look like Damascus, but the insides do not show any signs of Damascus. And if I recall correctly, there is such a thing as fake Damascus, where they would wrap wire around a barrel, work it into the surface and it would look like Damascus. I don't know, someone smarter than me will have to sort that out.
I do shoot a patched 530 ball with about 30 grains of 3f. I haven't tried shot yet, but think that would be the perfect combo. Shot in the top barrel, which is the front trigger, then patched round ball in the bottom barrel, which is the back trigger.
A previous owner had soldered on a couple of ramrod pipes on the side between the barrels. The fellow I got it from is a talented gun builder and removed them and I can't tell they were ever there (the ramrod pipes). The triggers, halfcock and fullcock are super crisp, no corrosion around the nipples, just the lightest bit of normal wear marks and dings on the walnut stock. Just a real nice 150plus year old original piece.
And yes I believe an 1835/1840 Trapper would be quite proud to have it tucked into his belt. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Well, at least until someone can give me more definitive information as to it's possible year of manufacture, etc…
I'm hopeing Lloyd Moler or someone else with experience and knowledge will chime in with offer of opinion and/or a direction of research.
Doug T.
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Post by idmountaineer on Dec 28, 2016 16:08:01 GMT -7
That is an awesome piece.
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