Verney-Carron 1900?

[stevmoore]

I've been using this shotgun that I inherited from my great-uncle - but - is it to valuable to actually use? Or, is it just a good gun to continue to have fun with?

Attached are photos of the markings - from what I can figure out - it's a Verney Carron made in St Etienne. The 18.4 indicates a 12 gauge and the "Acier Diamant" is the type of steel used in the barrels ("diamond steel").

The interesting stamps are "hors concours" which translates on babelfish to "except contest" - does not make much sense...

The proof stamp includes the letters "B.A" and the phase "hors concours 1890 - 1900" appears as well.

A "2" is stamped between the barrels - I assume that this indicates it is a double barrel model. I could not find any other serial number other than the "C-2" that is also stamped on this thing.

I've attached photos of the markings. Any experts care to comment? thanks!

 

[Dave McC]

Verney-Carron is a name maker, but French guns are as complicated as French politics. Some are actually Belgian made. That bottom lever action is unusual. I saw a Clarke and Sons one recently that was similar.

Before you do anything, have a good smith look it over. Chances are it has short chambers, tight chokes and is unsuited for most modern ammo. It is an heirloom, so treat it as a treasure.

If it can be shot, Polywad has 2 1/2" loads for older doubles. Many of these are wondrously balanced, and quite fine shooters.....

 

[stevmoore]

thanks for the advice - a good gunsmith would be able to know whether this is something special. I'll try and locate one here in the Northern VA area

 

[Waterengineer]

Hors Concours

Stevmoore:

French cannot typically be literally translated for vernacular expressions such as "Hors Concours". The French have just as many, in not more, expressions than we here in the good ol' USA. Therefore, your literal translation while accurate is incorrect.

I just spoke with my daughter, who is a french major at Colorado State University (GO Rams!).

She suggests a more coloquial translation for Hors Concours = top of the game or top of the contest. While it may seem more logical to say Tete Concours (tete = head) this has a vernacular translation of "the top game"

What can I say we are talking about the French here.

Now. As far as the gun goes, personally, I would have it looked over, document the condidition, then park the gun, as a family piece. IF it is in working order, perhaps shoot in on that spacial occasion. It will make a nice piece to hand down. And it will be quite expensive to have repaired.

Dave McC is right aobut what to shoot through it.

There are plenty of todays guns to make a shooter.

Just my 2-cents.

 

[stevmoore]

Interesting. Well, based on your feedback, no more skeet shooting with this thing - I'll use my other shotgun for that. And, I'll find a local individual who can provide an assessment of the value.

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.