As you can see, it is an Exposed Side Hammer, Back Action, Single Shot, 12 Gauge, Cartridge Shotgun. The barrel is 33.75 inches long and is octagon at the breech to the end of the forend, then becomes round. The gun is loaded by rotating the block clockwise. It appears to be of descent quality due to the tight fitting tolerances of the machined parts and stock.
The only markings on the gun are on the butt plate. An arrow exists on the top side of the plate and the letter 'B' exists on the inside of the plate as shown below:
There are no markings on any of the parts shown below:
There are no markings inside the lock as shown below:
I seem to recall seeing one of these in a magazine or book many years ago. However, I have not found one like it on the Internet and have not seen one in any books I have recently researched (books researched are at: Gun Books Researched).
We are curious what type of Shotgun it is (e.g. "rotating", "rotary", "swivel", "swing-out", or "flip-out" breech/block etc.), when and where it was made, and by what company etc..
Acquired Information
The Powder Room
The gentlemen at The Powder Room in Powell, Ohio examined the gun and provided the following information:
The National Rifle Association (NRA)1. Probably European
2. Probably dates to 1880's
On November 6, 2004, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was written a letter containing the above information. On May 27, 2005, Mr. John M. Taylor of the National Rifle Association Of America provided the following information in a written letter regarding the above gun:
The National Firearms Museum (NFM)
I have seen a shotgun similar to yours, but cannot recall the details. I believe you have a swing-out breech-style gun that was probably made in the 1870s, since cartridges were not fully established until that time. Other than that, there really isn't much information I can provide. You might redirect the photos, etc. to Philip Schreier, Curator, NRA Museum, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030. Perhaps he can identify it for you.
On July 5, 2005, Mr. Philip Schreier of the National Firearms Museum (NFM) was written a letter containing the above information. Any information received will be provided below.