Broken forend latch

[Paul Kung]

Hello all,

I have an old French hammer double gun where the forend release lever is broken (presumably the internal spring failed or something similar). What's the best way to get the forend off with as little damage as possible to the gun?

Many thanks,
Paul

[Jim DiSpagno]

Pictures please so we can see

[Paul Kung]

Attached some pictures. The gun is a rotary underlever from around 1870. I can't see anything keeping the forend "captive", but it refuses to budge when I pull on the lever, which is why I assumed it was broken. Any help would be appreciated.

[Jim DiSpagno]

Might be loaded with years of crud etc so maybe a little KROL penetrating oil or the likes of.