Need Help Identifying Shotgun

[carlfromsouthafrica]

I also need help identifying an inherited 12GG s/s shotgun please. I was lead to believe that the gun is a Wesley Richards that belonged to a Scotsman. The licence in my possession was issued in 1945 in the name of the 2nd owner. The serial number is 93, but there is no manufacturer's name. I am hoping that somebody may recognise the stamp mark between the firing pins (resembles a WB) as that of a particular manufacturer. I attach some photographs in a separate response lower down.

 

[JMP]

CarlfromSA I can't help identify it but the pictures you have are tiny. If you have links to bigger pictures it might help those who might be able to help you.

 

[Jim Watson]

I was able to blow up the picture of the barrel flats enough to recognize Belgian proof marks. It is not a real Westley Richards, but there were a lot of knockoffs and counterfeits.

 

[RJay]

Sorry to say, If it had been a real Wesley Richards it have been so marked on the barrel.

 

[carlfromsouthafrica]

I posted some larger and clearer pictures. Have a look. I am convinced the stamp between the firing pins is associated with a specific manufacturer, just not sure which one or where to go and research identifying markings.

Somebody told me that the lack of manufacturer's name between the barrels could be explained as "guns ordered in bulk and imported from an overseas manufacturer, allowing the local distributor to stamp his own barrels". Sounds highly unlikely to me.

 

[Jim Watson]

The best internet source on obscure European guns I know is
http://littlegun.be/

OK, look at the bottom picture in the right column at
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/18490292
"Possibly Charles Braekers & Cie"

http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/artisans identifies b/a braekers charles and cie gb.htm

Why yours is not fully marked, I don't know. Maybe sold by a small dealer who did not want the actual builder's name but couldn't come up with a stamp for his own trademark, either.

 

[SDC]

The mark between the firing pins looks like an arrow through an apple to me, which was a logo used by Max Fliegenschmidt of Liege, Belgium, before 1908.

 

[RJay]

I do believe SDC is correct, however regardless of who manufactured it, it is a unmarked Belgium shotgun.

 

[James K]

And not a Westley Richards.

Jim

 

[carlfromsouthafrica]

Thanks to all that replied and contributed. At least it gives me some further direction to research. Much appreciated.

 

[carlfromsouthafrica]

I believe JIM WATSON is spot on with Charles Braekers. The nature of the proof marks, their placement/positions and most other design details are identical to the gun in the link he sent me. SDC, I believe the mark between the firing pins is a very ornate CB. Thanks JIM.