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.
Bridge Gun Co. "Laminated Figure Belgium" 12 ga. SxS Shotgun
Although it is our intent to provide an accurate description of our items, the buyer/customer acknowledges and accepts that due to the nature of these used and antique firearms, there is no expressed or implied warranty. All sales are on an 'as is' and 'as you see it' basis, and are thus final.
Further, we offer our antique firearms as art display (wall hanger) pieces only, and they are not meant for functional use. In purchasing, the buyer/customer waives any and all right to make claim against the seller for use beyond this purpose. Where the buyer/customer decides to use the firearm(s) for its original purpose, we insist that the buyer first employ a reputable gunsmith to inspect and verify its functional and safe condition. We further insist that the buyer/customer always use the appropriate vintage ammunition and powder loads (or equal) that were available and contemporary to the age and original intended use of the firearm—we care about your safety.
PAYMENT: Purchases can be made by certified or USPS check(s), whereby shipment will occur promptly upon receipt; personal and corporate checks will also be accepted, but where shipment will occur promptly after the transfer and receipt of funds. Make all checks out to SalmonEagle Corporation. We also accept payment(s) through our Pay Pal account. We will be putting in place credit card transaction in the near future.
PACKAGING & SHIPPING: To better provide the buyer with an overall investment determination of their purchase, we have chosen to charge a flat packaging and shipping (ground only) rate of $ 35.00 per item, which includes insurance incremental to the value of the auction or purchase price. We will reduce this rate to a $ 15.00 charge per additional item, in cases where multiple items are purchased and can be packaged together.
RETURNS: We do not accept returns as a general rule, unless the wrong item was mistakenly shipped—we will cover the cost in such cases. Were we to decide to accept returns, on a case-by-case basis only, and at our discretion (with an attempt to satisfy our buyer/customers), the return shipping and insurance costs will be the buyer/customer's burden.