BRIDGE GUN CO. (SN 1971): This is an antique exposed hammer side-by-side double-barrel shotgun, with 30” long (18.2 mm) choked 12 gauge Belgian laminated twist barrels, with “LAMINATED FIGURE BELGIUM” inscribed on the upper rib. The inscription implies that this shotgun was manufactured by Henri Pieper, before his son Nicholas took over the business in 1889 (see History). The barrel proof marks indicate a post-1893 manufacture date, while the bore stamp narrows this down to the year 1898. Antique—no C&R or FFL required.
HISTORY: Shotguns with the label ‘Bridge Gun Co.’ were made by numerous Belgian gun manufacturers—Henri Pieper (and probably his son Nicholas Pieper), Anciens Etablissments Pieper, Crescent Fire Arms Co., Harrington & Richards Arms Co., and J. Stevens Arms Co.–all for the Shapleigh Hardware Co. (1843-1955). The Pieper companies (1884-1957) appear to have produced most of these firearms, including those with the inscriptions “BELGIUM”, “LAMINATED STEEL BELGIUM”, “LAMINATED FINISH BELGIUM”, and “LAMINATED FIGURE BELGIUM,” on the upper barrel rib according to literature by Joe Vorisek. Henri Pieper turned over his business in 1898 to his son Nicholas, and the Anciens Etablissments Pieper company was established later in 1905.
CONDITION: This firearm was disassembled (where possible); the metal components have been cleaned up (where possible), then greased and oiled; the wood components have been cleaned (not stripped or refinished), and then reassembled. It is in relative working order with exception of the firing pins; the hammer-locks and break action all function, and the springs are all strong. The barrels close properly, but are a little loose to the action; however, the interior of the barrels are remarkably bright and clean, and are in good condition given their age. This collectable firearm is not for shooting, at least without a good look over from a reputable gunsmith, and then only with low pressure black-powder or subsonic loads—it’s a wall hanger (art piece), not a daily shooter. You see what you get, it is being sold ‘as is’ without an expressed or implied warranty—see the payment, shipping, and handling instructions.
