Help with gun identification.

[BrianK]

Just at a friend's house and he showed me the shotgun he picked up at an auction We've never seen anything like it Please help.

 

[Mark W]

That’s an interesting design. I’ve never saw anything quite like it.

 

[BrianK]

That’s an interesting design. I’ve never saw anything quite like it.

 

[BrianK]

Me either, no name anywhere, didn't try under forearm screw was stuck. I figured someone here would have an idea before I worked on the screw. It's in very good shape. If you notice the shell is exposed till fired. Safety is the bar on top that slides back to block the hammer when cocked.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

That may be a one off priceless piece

 

[AckleymanII]

Damascus barrel?

 

[BrianK]

Damascus barrel?

No sir

 

[Tim Slater]

It's like a Rolling Block and a Werndl had a child together.

 

[762willdo]

Is that the extractor under the upper screw head?

 

[Ray123]

Interesting design of the old pivot breach block type breech loaders. Early models were paper cartridges, but this has and ejector and recess for a brass cartridge head...some old models were reworked and fitted to take brass cartridges. I have no clue what it is.
But...No serial number, no background check, perfect ghost gun...or zip gun for old guys. The WW2 "disposable" 45 cal Liberator comes to mind.
Let's shoot it! I could shorten the barrel, make some parts, add a brake... it'd be fun, guns ain't just for lookin at...ya know?

 

[pintopete]

Ethan Allen
Hallowell
Zulu
Pheonix

Similar to those above, but not the same. I’m just guessing but the screws and pics remind me of a trap door, but later perhaps. Interesting that it is not Damascus.

I sent your pics to a friend who actually knows this stuff, unlike me! LOL

 

[ebb]

Since no one can prove otherwise , it's a priceless John M Browning prototype.

 

[BrianK]

Is that the extractor under the upper screw head?

I believe, also the safety.

 

[acloco]

It is a SideTrapLock action?

 

[pintopete]

BrianK, any proof marks or other alpha - numeric marks anywhere?

 

[Ggmac]

I believe an early pin fire . How long is the barrel ? Flare gun ?

 

[BrianK]

BrianK, any proof marks or other alpha - numeric marks anywhere?

Haven't taken the forearm off yet but no visible marks.

 

[BrianK]

I believe an early pin fire . How long is the barrel ? Flare gun ?

I didn't measure it, would guess 26. Never heard of pin fire.

 

[BrianK]

I didn't measure it, would guess 26. Never heard of pin fire.

Ist not a pin fire, just looked that up. Firing pin

I didn't measure it, would guess 26. Never heard of pin fire.

Just looked up pin fire. This firing pin hits center of shell. In first pic notice under screw on the hammer is the firing pin mechanism. When the hammer reaches fully closed the peice you can see slams into the notch on the receiver and kicks out the other end of it which is the pin.

 

[Ggmac]

Ist not a pin fire, just looked that up. Firing pin
Just looked up pin fire. This firing pin hits center of shell. In first pic notice under screw on the hammer is the firing pin mechanism. When the hammer reaches fully closed the peice you can see slams into the notch on the receiver and kicks out the other end of it which is the pin.

Okay, now I see . Very innovative design, complicated , scary sort of . No chance of a second strike if first hit doesn’t fire it I guess .