English Double Barrel Flintlock Fowler Shotgun

English double barrel flintlock fowler shotgun. Gauge unknown. Two - 34” Barrels. Barrel is marked on the underside with post 1813 Birmingham Proof Company proof marks and view marks (crossed scepters and crown mark, incorporating the letters BPC, together with the crossed scepters over a V.) Between the Birmingham marks is a “tombstone” mark of a number 1 over a bird. The significance of the marks is unclear. A possible explanation might be that a barrel maker (or a group of barrel makers) marked their barrels in this way before supplying individual gunmakers or retailers. Given the positioning of the marks, it appears likely that this was done at the same time as the proof marks were struck (quite possibly by the Proof House staff). There is also the word STURM stamped on each barrel. It is believed to be the mark of a private manufacturer, but no such manufacturer has been identified. The walnut stock features checkering at the grip. The barrels, lock plates, trigger guard, and buttplate are all steel. Much of the hardware is engraved with floral designs and other decorative motifs including a German silver inlay engraved “AB” at the grip. Includes the original ramrod. Manufactured 1813-1830. There was very little demand in England for flintlocks after that date. Condition The shotgun is mechanically functional. Both hammers cock and hold. Cosmetically, the shotgun is in good condition. The hardware has acquired a brown patina consistent with age. The bore has not been visually inspected (requires a borescope.) The stock shows signs of period wear (nicks, dents, scratches.) removing the barrels from the stock reveals an old repair made to the stock. A break in the stock was stabilized with a color matched epoxy. Enhancements The only enhancement done to this antique fowler was the addition of the German silver monogram plate. This may have been done at the time of manufacture or sometime after.