Don't know what I've got--but I like it

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Local gun show Saturday, found this little 16 hammer gun on dealers table--made a lowball offer he accepted. I think it is Belgium, but proof marks are hard to read. I cannot make out the inscription on the rib, but looks like
Joseph Bart???--doesnt look like Bayard. The barrels are fluid steel,just under 30"(75cm) and are choked cyl/full. Nice engraving on gun. Has a pivot lever to remove forearm, cheekpiece, and of course sling swivels. Wood in good condition, weighs 6lbs or less by feel. It is a little off face--small shim tightened it right up . Havent had a chance to shoot it yet, but feels exactly like my little 20 J Manton Belgium hammer gun. I'm into it for $300.

[Mills Morrison]

Cool looking gun

[Bill Murphy]

I don't know what you have, either, but you could be a bit more clear about the markings.

[Mark Ray]

I like the black powder fences.....that is a much nicer than average Belgian gun if it is indeed Belgian. It looks like it has been well used, and shows no sign of fatigue.

[charlie cleveland]

you got a bargain in that little 16 been a parker woulda been way more...charlie

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

Looks like $300.00 well spent. Will you be bringing it to Ernies?

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Bill, I have some pictures of the proof marks, but they are hard to see, I'll try and post them tomorrow. There is an L with an asterick above it on each barrel, I thought might stand for Leige. The also a double E or double figure 8, on each barrel, that shows up in search for Belgian proof marks. on the barrel flats is stamped Nicht Fur Kusfl--not sure about that last spelling, its very hard to make out. Also stamped ETT. Will post pics tomorrow.
Austin, yes will probably bring it.

[Brian Dudley]

Great looking gun for the money.

[Frank Cronin]

Nice score Harold. Looking forward to seeing it at Ernie's.

[wayne goerres]

That is a nice gun and I think it is a high end leigh gun. If it didnt have the cheek piece I would have guessed it was English.

[Victor Wasylyna]

That’s purdy ... not Purdey, just purdy. Great wood. Great buy.

-Victor

[Harold Lee Pickens]

A few more pic's. Cant seem to get much better quality pictures.

[Mike Franzen]

Great gun Harold. Bring it to the Southern. Someone will be able to id it.

[John Campbell]

It's difficult for me to see, but I believe it has German BP proofs. And Mr. Franzen is correct. The German Gun Collectors will be there, and most likely able to shed some light.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Anyone know what "NICHT FUR KURSL" would mean--not for ??. I cant make out the last letters even with a magnifying glass. And yes I do now believe this a German, not a Belgian gun--still havent shot it yet

[Frank Cronin]

Not for ball?

[Rick Losey]

not for ball was an early mark designating a choked barrel

[Daryl Corona]

Anyone know what "NICHT FUR KURSL" would mean-

From my somewhat limited German Harold I think it has something to do with corn kurls.... but I could be wrong, I often am.:bigbye:

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Aha, that makes sense, the gun is choked cyl/Full

[wayne goerres]

That resembles an Austrian proof mark in the upper right barrel flat all by its self. (in your photo).

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Interesting, hopefully the German Gun Collectors Guild will be able to ID it at the Southern. I went to their website, but was unsuccessful in registering--kept getting kicked back. I will google Austrian makers and proofmarks,

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Shot the gun finally at Hunting Hills Vintage shoot this weekend, and loved it. It is very light, and even 7/8's ounce loads at 1150 fps had a liitle bite to them. I am going to load up a few hundred 3/4 oz loads for it. That should soften up the recoil a little.

[edgarspencer]

Anyone know what "NICHT FUR KURSL" would mean--not for ?
I'm sure that's Kugel, for 'Ball'