H. Pieper Shotgun

[KatieVT]

My grandfather has an old shotgun that his grandfather gave him. Knowing that I'm interested in researching old firearms, he brought it up from his childhood home to show me.

It is double-barreled shotgun with two different chokes. It is marked H. Pieper on both sideplates with engravings of pheasants. On the flat between the barrels, there is stamped "Laminated Steel". Serial number is 57452 T12 and matches in three places. On the underside of the barrels, "871*" is stamped along with "7 1/2". It seems to be in very good condition.

What I'm wondering is: First, is there anyway to narrow down the date of manfacture based on the serial number? I've found two ranges of dates for H. Pieper - 1840 to 1905 and 1880 to 1898. Which one is correct?

Secondly, it is my understanding that laminated steel is the same as damascus steel and, thus, cannot be shot with today's normal shotgun shells, correct? He will not be shooting it, so don't worry.

Thirdly, what do the markings "871* (star)" and "7 1/2" mean?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Ron James]

Henri Pieper and Cie ( son ) 1866 untill 1898 when his son took over, it then became Ancines Etablissements Piper in 1905. I know of no records that can pin point the manufacture date. Yes, laminated is Damascus steel. Ther are those that shoot these old guns with reduced black powder loads. IMO even this is unsafe for welded cast iron. That is just my opinion and others may have other views.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have a 16 ga Pieper SxS exposed hammers. Beautiful old gun, but damascus (laminate) steel.
Marked Diana and Belgium.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Henri Pieper made some amazing arms, including an electrically fired rifle in 1883! It seems like ALL the early weapons I've found, from Drillings to shotguns, rifles even volley guns are date marked on top of the barrel, for the patent at least.

If I read my research correctly, 1866 to 1895 was when the H. Pieper name was used, then 1896-98 it was Henri Pieper S.A.. After 1898 it was 'ETABLISEMENTS PIEPER', then in 1905 'LES ANCIENS ETABLISSEMENTS PIEPER'

However, it seems EACH of the iterations of the company stamped "H. Pieper" on their shotguns, up until 1957.

I even found one 1899 Remington marked 'H. Pieper.'