P. Drissen & Cie. Smoothbore Fowler, In the White 34 ½” Single Shot Muzzle Loaded Shotgun, MFD 1845-74

Hei Flott perkusjonshagle, i normalt god stand. Lykke til Make: P. Drissen & Cie. Model: Smoothbore Fowler Shotgun Serial Number: NSN Year of Manufacture: The company was registered with the Liege proof house from 1845-1874. Caliber: The muzzle diameter is 0.71”, or 12 Gauge Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzle Loading Percussion Smoothbore Fowler Shotgun Markings: The underside of the barrel band, underside of the forward trigger guard piece, forward portion of the lock plate, rear of the barrel, lower tang and top of the butt plate are marked “PD” with anchor inspection mark. The rear left side of the barrel has a faded “E / LG” in oval. The rear of the hammer is marked “*” over “D”. The lock plate is marked “P. DRISSEN & Cie. / LIEGE”. The lower tang is marked “W” over “JD”. Barrel Length: 34 ½” Sights / Optics: The front sight is a cylindrical post, fixed to the barrel. Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is European hardwood with a forward barrel band and contoured tip. The stock has a filled repair forward of the band latch, in front of the lock plate, aft of the upper tang, above the hammer, around the left side metal bracket and areas around the butt plate, please see our pictures. The wood aft of the barrel band has chip losses, the left side of the stock aft of the barrel has a thin un-repaired crack. The stock has scattered light to moderate depth marks and has been re-varnished. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the metal butt plate; the plate has pitting and scattered marks in Fair condition. The stock rates in about Fair overall condition. Type of Finish: The metal is in the white, the hammer looks to have been case colored. Finish Originality: The barrel looks to have been sanded down. Bore Condition: The smooth bore is dark. There is pitting and moderate depth erosion. Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 1% of its metal finish, represented as faint case coloring on the hammer. The barrel looks to have been sanded down at some point, the lines of the part-octagonal portion at the rear have uneven form. The surfaces are shifting to mid to dark patina with pitting and surface oxidation, please see our pictures. The ram rod’s securing loops look to have been re-soldiered onto the barrel at some point. The nipple looks to be a modern replacement. The screw head slots have moderate to heavy tooling. The markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition. Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a correct length ram rod, which has some slight bending and oxidation, as photographed, in about Good condition. Our Assessment: P. Drissen was recorded with the Liege proof house from 1845 to 1874, having made an assortment of firearms. This is a 0.71” (12 gauge) single shot muzzle loading fowler shotgun, aptly named for taking fowl at a distance, with its 34 ½” barrel. This is a very interesting piece that has had some repairs to the stock but remains a head turning display item. Please see our pictures and good luck.