Antique GEORGE ALLEN British Single 8 Bore PIGEON GUN 1850s Muzzleloading Percussion Shotgun

Product Description

Antique GEORGE ALLEN British Single 8 Bore PIGEON GUN

1850s Muzzleloading Percussion Shotgun

Here we present an antique, Beautifully Engraved George Allen Percussion “Pigeon Gun”, made circa the early 1850s in Birmingham, England. George Allen worked as a gunmaker in Birmingham between 1848 and 1864 and was known for his exceptional quality and high grade “Pigeon Guns”. In earlier years throughout Europe and across North America, shooting live pigeons released from traps was a high-intensity, big-money game. Blue Rock pigeons are fast, unpredictable, and remarkably hard to kill.  Dropping one from a 29-yard rise, inside a ring with a low, close fence, requires fast, accurate shooting. Box-pigeon shooting was the forerunner of trap shooting as we know it. The early Grand Americans used live birds rather than clays, and this was only abandoned in the early 1900s because birds became too expensive and hard to get—it was also outlawed in England by 1917. Unsurprisingly, many people are unaware of this history, and it’s also where the term “clay pigeon” comes from.

When it took root in England somewhere around 1792, they obviously used flintlocks. These guns were initially single barrel shooters, though they changed to double barrels as time passed. These evolved into percussion, then cartridge guns, and eventually into the high end side-by-sides.

This single barrel gun has a 35 inch barrel in 8 gauge. The lock, barrel tang, butt plate, and trigger guard are finely engraved with English scroll and with game birds and hunting dogs.

The overall condition is very good. Original patina. The action is excellent. The bore is smooth and patinated. The stock has a handsome grain. Birmingham proofed. A fantastic piece!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 35 inches.

Caliber: 8 Bore

LOP: 13-3/4 inches.

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

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$2300
#230752