What do I have here?

[umc180gr]

Hey all, I was looking over an old shotgun my dad has at home. Supposedly it was his great grandfathers or older. It is in pretty rough shape, it it looks to be a muzzleloader with caps. I can't make out any writing on it. Has anyone seen one like this, any idea how old it is and what value it might have? I dont know much about shotguns but I know its not an 870. Thanks for looking and providing any thoughts you have.

[Oldnamvet]

Yes, it is an old caplock muzzleloading shotgun. I would recommend that the first thing you do is be sure it is not loaded. A lot of old black powder guns were loaded all the time so they would be ready for action. Push a dowel down each barrel and note how far it goes in. Then lay the dowel next to the shotgun. If it doesn't reach near the breech, you have to assume that something is in there and it is most likely powder and shot. It may be old but could still be set off if someone "tinkered" in the wrong way with it. Looks to be just the thing for an interesting wall hanger once you find out if it is safe. Beyond that, I don't have a clue as to it's origin.

[scout26]

Yep, make sure it's not loaded, then take it to your local/favorite smith. even to be a wall hanger, it needs some work......

[Sniper X]

Something you sould NOT try to shoot for Gods sake! But it is way cool....hang it on the wall after making darn sure it aint loaded!

[umc180gr]

Thanks for the replies. Come to think of it, I have never looked down the barrel.:rolleyes: