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!
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!