Hello all, and Happy New Year!

This is my first post here, I've been lurking in the shadows for a while.

I have posted this on Doublegun BBS, but not much input this time.

I have just purchased my first double rifle, and have a few questions.

The gun is a bar action hammer gun, Jones underlever, Damascus, 28 inch barreled rifle, with stalking safeties.

It is chambered in 577 Snider (stamped only 26).

The side plates are inscribed "J. Braddell & Son"

The rib is inscribed "Joseph Braddell & Son Improved Central fire Bar Breechloader Castle Place Belfast"

This piece is of far better finish than any of the big name double rifles I have seen/handled, and appears to be of superior quality.

The gun has 100% coverage, and the butt plate is engraved like nothing I have ever seen.

I have found only the small amount of information available from InternetGunclub.com












I have contacted Braddell & son, and received the following:

In reply to:

---

Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately I can not be of much assistance as
all the early records of the firm were lost in a fire they suffered in one
of their workshops in the late 1800's. The serial number would indicate that
the date of manufacture would be about 1840-1855.
I am sorry that I can not be more help.
Charlie Costley
Joseph Braddell & Son Ltd

---

Estimated Date of Manufacture seems early to me.


Although proof marks are same as Shotgun, the 26 (denoting bore) and lack of cartridge dimensins etc. leave me out of my depth in aging this piece.

I hope that one or more of you may be able to help me with age etc.

Any info on manufacturer, or photos of other guns by him would be appreciated.


Now the sad part one barrel (right) has been crudely bored out to 20 gauge. Do any of our favoured Smiths line rifled barrels of this bore, or would it need to be sleeved to return it to true double rifle status?

Thanks

Mark


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Mark

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