fancy engraved Paris-retailed double barrel shotgun by Alphonse Bernard of Liege - $550.00
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Fancy Paris-retailed double barrel shotgun by Alphonse Bernard of Liege. Serial number 8006. Bore measurement marked 17.2(mm) for either 15 or 16 gauge. Bottom of barrels marked "AL BERNARD/BREVETTE (patent, for his allongé, or lengthened damascus manufacture). Top barrel rib signed in script "F P Devisme a Paris" for the high end Parisian gunsmith and retailed Jean Louis François Devisme. He sold pistols and longarms to a wide-ranging distinguished clientele such as Emperor Napoleon III, Queen Victoria, and prominent figures during the American Civil War. 27-3/8" barrels show several small dings that can be seen inside the bores. Equipped with studs for sling swivels, the swivels themselves are not present. Metal parts are heavily engraved with full coverage floral patterns except for damascus-patterned barrels. Hammers are nicely shaped. Metal has an attractive medium brown patina overall. Very highly figured circassian walnut buttstock seems to have some small added pieces to the grain, possibly where there were voids in the fine quality wood. Wrist had a small carving and checkering, some of which is worn away, and most of which is covered by an antique wire and solder repair to a wrist break. Part of the crack is visible to the rear of the repair, and there are a couple chips by the triggerguard, one of which has wood filler. Mechanically good, sold as a collector item only, not warranted safe to shoot.
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