In House Shipping:
Make: ACME Arms Trade Name for F. Dumoulin & Co., Belgium
Model: Damascus Barreled Side by Side External Hammer Shotgun
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1894-1915
Gauge: 12 Gauge Black Powder Only
Action Type: Break-Open Side-lock Side by Side Hammer Shotgun with Extractors, Double Triggers.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Left:Modified Right: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: Front bead fixed to the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with round bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have heavy rub marks, compressions, scratches and nicks. The rear of the forend is cracked. The left side of the wrist has a significant crack that has nearly broken the stock in two pieces. The LOP measures 13 3/4" and 14 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate respectively. The plate is heavily worn with erosion throughout. Overall, the stocks are in Poor condition.
Type of Finish: Laminated Steel (Damascus), Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright to dull with erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bores each rate a 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. About none of its case coloring remains. The frame has turned to patina. The barrel’s damascus pattern is mostly muted with spots of corrosion and rust intermingled throughout. There are scuffs and scratches throughout. The screw heads are moderately worn with strong slots. The markings are semi-clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in poor to fair condition given the condition of the stock and rust but remains mechanically sound.
Mechanics: The action functions properly including extractors. The barrels lock up to the frame with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. We do not recommend shooting Laminated Steel barrels.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Belgian breech-loading double-barrel shotguns, forged in the legendary workshops of Liège during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stand as a testament to European craftsmanship and ingenuity. These break-action firearms, often with elegantly paired side-by-side barrels, ranged from utilitarian hunting tools to opulent works of art adorned with intricate hand engraving and ornate designs. Early models featured striking Damascus barrels and external hammers, later evolving into hammerless mechanisms and durable steel barrels that aligned with technological advancements. Revered for their reliability, accessibility, and timeless beauty, these shotguns became a favorite among sportsmen worldwide, offering a blend of form and function at a competitive price. Today, they captivate collectors with their rich history, aesthetic allure, and the romance of a bygone era, though care is essential when handling early examples crafted for black powder rather than modern ammunition.