Antique Unmarked (Presumably European) Percussion Halfstock Sporting Fowler, NVSN, 12 ga.,
28.5" 2-stage round-to-octagon twist barrel has turned rings at juncture, brass bead front sight, 2 platinum bands and a gold poincon (missing) at scroll-engraved breech.
Back-action sidelock has engraved scene of pheasants, sporting hammer and platinum blowout plug in nipple bolster. Iron fittings include trigger guard with scroll-engraved long tangs, shotgun buttplate with engraved upper tang, 3 ferrules retaining the hardwood ramrod with brass tip.
Walnut halfstock has checkering and an oval German-silver inlay at wrist, matching oval barrel key escutcheons and nose cap. Made ca. 1840s-60s. Condition is very good retaining strong twist pattern and thin brown tone to barrel, else dark gray gunmetal having good edges and engraving. Stock is sound and smooth showing mild age and use wear, fine checkering, and what may be a 2.75" patch of filler under nipple. Hammer screw and nipple are modern replacements.
Action is crisp, clean smoothbore shows light roughness.