3021

ANTEBELLUM SOUTHERN SXS SHOTGUN MADE BY FRANZ

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
ANTEBELLUM SOUTHERN SXS SHOTGUN MADE BY FRANZ
BITTERLICH, NASHVILLE TENNESSEE. Cal. 12 Ga. NSN. SxS Shotgun w/ 31.5" bbls. This exact gun is shown on page 222 of Pritchard & Ashworth "Confederate & Southern Agent Marked Shotguns". Iron mounted, back action locks are each marked "FR J. BITTERLICH / NASHVILLE, TENN". Typical of Bitterlich's Nashville made arms, iron mounts are unengraved & have a chaste elegance. Bitterlich was known subcontractor for the Confederate Ordnance in Nashville, one receipt (October 14, 1861) of special interest notes repairs of 124 double barrel shotguns for Terry Texas Rangers. CONDITION: good / very good overall & much better than most antebellum Southern shotguns. This gun has seen a fair amount of use, but has been well cared for. Stock has hand worn patina, checkering at wrist is almost worn flat. Traces of finish are still seen in the twist bbls. Metal overall is smooth & dark gray patina, good markings. Mechanically one hammer will not hold cock every time, but springs are strong, smooth bores w/ pitting. PROVENANCE: Ex-R.E. Neville; Ex-John Ashworth Collection. (01-17443/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.