Description:
General Specs: F. H. Clark & Co, Year 1860± , 18 Gauge approx., 4lb 12oz, LOP 14 1/4", DAH 2 1/2", DAC 1 5/8"
Serial Number: NSN
Designed to be carried all day ready for that perfect break of flushed game the F. H. Clark & Co. flowling shotgun is delightfully light weighing just 4.75lbs and, even with its 34" barrel, balances well in the hands. Evidently made to a very high standard beginning with the lockplate with three decorative scroll flourishes, the barrel starts at the breech with an octagonal chamber then transitions to a sixteen sided barrel (only nine facets are visible)to a wedding band then to the barrel proper, all in London made twist steel. The shotgun has a full length rib with a small area of loose solder showing near the fore end. The barrel has no choke and if we were to use a unit of measure for its gauge, it is approximate 18 gauge with a bore diameter of 0.635. The bore has some areas of moderate pitting but plenty of barrel wall thickness (0.043). All the metal work has a pleasing overall brown patina compatible with its age. The furniture is carved from European plain figured Walnut and is expertly fitted to the tangs and lock. The checkering at the wrist is in excellent condition and the keys, blow out plug and forend cap appear to be Nickel silver. This shotgun was manufactured in London and is so marked on its barrel. It was imported into America by Frederick Harvey Clark's, a company operating in Memphis, Tennessee for their new Gun Emporium. From a treatise published 1850 by Clark's is the following advertisement for the business and its offerings:
We have dealt, to some extent, in Guns for a number of years, and a close attention to this branch of our trade has convinced us that the assortment in our market has never been equal to the demand, and that the locality of out city- being in a game country, the inhabitants fond of hunting- with its wide-spread and increasing trade, makes the point for the establishment of a gun emporium on a large scale, in which will be found guns suitable for all kinds of game, in every variety of size, style, and price. Believing that such an assortment, sold at low rates, would command the trade of a large extent of country, we have been eighteen months shaping our plans to that effect, during which time we have made arrangements to obtain Shot-Guns direct from some of the best makers in England.
Established 1841, F. H. Clark and Company closed 1866.
This is a shotgun that has weathered some of America's most crucial historical moments, that it is still in shootable condition makes it a rare and important find. Vintage Firearms has a staff of master gunsmiths who could bring this gun back to its original state if so required; as is, this fowling piece is priced for its vintage condition.
A unique shotgun to add to your percussion collection or simply as a centerpiece to hang over a fireplace - this gun is ready for its next chapter to be written. Enjoy.
Barrel Length: 34" fine twist steel****
Chokes: Pre-choke era****
Bore Diameter: 0.635****
Wall Thickness: 0.043****
% Blue: 50%****
Sights: Single****
Action: Percussion hammer muzzle loader****
Receiver Condition: Mostly brown patina****
Screws: Excellent****
Engraving: Nice scroll on side plate and hammer, top and bottom****
Trigger Type: Single-crisp****
Trigger Guard Color: Long tang nicely engraved****
Stock Type: Straight stock nice European walnut plain figure****
LOP: 14 1/4"****
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 1/8"****
DAH: 2 1/2"****
DAC: 1 5/8"****
Cast: Neutral****
Checkering Condition: Excellent, original flat top checkering****
Butt Treatment: Decorative steel with engraved widow's peak****
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. Call us for full details, or to purchase. If you have any questions please call or email us. Thanks!
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
F.H. Clark & Co.
Model:
nsn
Caliber:
16 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher.)
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.
Sales Tax: Collected in AR, IL, KS, MI, PA, TN
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $125.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. We ship internationally with additional fees!
Item Condition: Used
Requires FFL?: No
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
