Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing This thing needs some work

Some years back, we found this gun in my grandfather's granary. Nobody knew it even existed and we have no clue how long it sat in there. It is in terrible shape but I have plans for it. This is obviously not something I would dare try to shoot but I would like to get it fixed up enough so I can hang it over my fireplace. It's rusted so bad that I cannot find any markings on the barrel, stock, trigger or anywhere else. It will break open but only about 1/2 an inch. One hammer is missing and you can see that the trigger guard is broken.

Does anyone have a clue as to what this thing is? If so, where should I concentrate on to find any markings? Since I have zero experience with restoring weapons, this will be going to a gunsmith at some point but I'm just looking for any advance info someone might be able to provide.

Looks Belgian, also similar to Husquvarnas. Proof and other marks on Euro shotguns are usually found on the barrel bottoms.

There's an example in this thread:

http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=254618#Post254618.

http://www.google.com/search?q=husqvarna+shotgun+pictures&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

[Does anyone have a clue as to what this thing is?]

Yep - It R A Wallhanger. .

While I'd most likely apply some Naval Jelly to the metal for the rust, and Howard's Feed 'N Wax for the wood, to make it look a bit better, I wouldn't otherwise waste one cent on a gunsmith/restoration.

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Many parts for those, and complete for parts, on GB. Like said, not worth repair, but as you want, a "look good" redo would be easy.

I think a person has to judge for himself/herself whether something is worth it to restore or repair, and especially so in an instance where a family "heirloom" is involved.

A lot of folks will "poo Poo" the information that is obtainable on U Tube regarding gun restoration, including that put on the site by Midway USA. Nevertheless, Midway did a series of videos on restoring on old double barrel shotgun and placed them on U Tube. You might want to view them for tips on what might be possible for your gun.

I would wipe it down and hang it above the fireplace, would
make a good conversation piece.

Now that you guys mention it, I kinda like the idea of doing the restore myself and hopefully I can clean it up enough to at least determine the maker of the rifle. I will then look for the proper hammer and try to fix the trigger guard. It will take some time to figure out the best way but you guys have given me some good starting points. I just want to make this thing look as nice as possible and have a story to tell at family reunions and stuff.

I'll check out the youtube vids and see what I think.

Oh, one more question that will help define my lack of gun knowledge. Is that an "English Stock" on it?

For the metal, immersing it in diesel fuel for about 48hrs. can do wonders. -Al

Dixie Gun Works may have a hammer that will work.

I have one like it in very good condition. Mine belonged to my wife's grandfather and is a Husqvarna model 17 look alike sold through Shapleigh Hardware Co. St Louis. It is a cheap Belgium made shotgun either made by Henri Pieper or Crescent Arms depending on year of production. My FIL gave it to me along with two boxes of American Eagle paper shells made in Kansas City. He thought his father had bought it around 1910 or earlier.

If you are referring to the butt-stock, yes.

I do not believe it to be a Crescent. It looks Belgian to me.
If you want, send it to me. I'll pretty it up on the cheap with the understanding it will not be shot, ever. I would even remove the ends of the firing pins. I'll also put some sort of hammers on it.

that thing's gonna look awesome when it's done - post pics of what you do as you go for those of us who like gun porn.

but be careful with it - i seriously doubt you'll find many parts to replace anything broken.

seriously. it's gonna look totally boss.