Joseph Bourne Maker London SXS Black Powder

Hello, I purchased a Very nice shotgun today what is marked Joseph Bourne Maker London. The shotgun has heavy engraving all over it with birds, dogs and scroll work. I have not been able to find any information on it at all. The elderly man that I purchased the weapon from stated that he purchased it in the early fifties. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. photos can be supplied is needed. Thanks
Tom

Just because it's marked Bourne doesn't mean that he made it. He very easily could have been the retailer. It might not be English even!
Does it have English proof marks?

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Originally Posted by AkMike

Just because it's marked Bourne doesn't mean that he made it. He very easily could have been the retailer. It might not be English even!
Does it have English proof marks?

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Agree, the proofs mark will tell the tale. Value will be based upon a lot of things when it comes to SxS's. Is it a sidelock, a boxlock, or a percussion gun; are the barrels still in proof; are the barrels on the face; are the ribs still tight; etc. Joseph Bourne was a Birmingham maker and like many had a store front in London to claim they produced "London" guns. I am The proof marks will tell you whether actually Birmingham or London (both cities produced wonderful guns).

You say it is a black powder gun - cartridge or muzzle loader? If a cartridge gun, it is almost certainly proofed for a moderate 1 1/8 ounce max load and 2 1/2 inch shells. If black powder, then max 800psi loads. I would not use 2 3/4 inch rounds in it and never heavy 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 ounce loads.

Also, Belgian makers often produced copies of English guns though usually of much poorer quality. Richards was often copied and a friend has a "Webly Scott" proofed in Liege rather than a "Webley and Scott" proofed in Birmingham. Bottom line it could be a fabulous gun or a clunker and anywhere in between. Just need to do a bit more dective/evaluation work.

Myself and three others have looked the gun over for any other marking and have come up with nothing. I dont want to remove the stock or buttplate in fear of scratching the engraving or damageing the burl wood. The gun is muzzle loading black powder.

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Originally Posted by Red Leg

Agree, the proofs mark will tell the tale. Value will be based upon a lot of things when it comes to SxS's. Is it a sidelock, a boxlock, or a percussion gun; are the barrels still in proof; are the barrels on the face; are the ribs still tight; etc. Joseph Bourne was a Birmingham maker and like many had a store front in London to claim they produced "London" guns. I am The proof marks will tell you whether actually Birmingham or London (both cities produced wonderful guns).

You say it is a black powder gun - cartridge or muzzle loader? If a cartridge gun, it is almost certainly proofed for a moderate 1 1/8 ounce max load and 2 1/2 inch shells. If black powder, then max 800psi loads. I would not use 2 3/4 inch rounds in it and never heavy 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 ounce loads.

Also, Belgian makers often produced copies of English guns though usually of much poorer quality. Richards was often copied and a friend has a "Webly Scott" proofed in Liege rather than a "Webley and Scott" proofed in Birmingham. Bottom line it could be a fabulous gun or a clunker and anywhere in between. Just need to do a bit more dective/evaluation work.

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The proof marks under the barrels indicate that it is a 12 Ga. The other proof marks are a crown with the Letters CP or GP under the crown which indicate London Proofhouse Definitive Blackpowder proof for shotguns, muzzle loader barrels. The second proof mark is a Crown with the Letter V under the crown and indicated London proof house and view mark. Does this help. If needed I can send a few pics.

nice looking older BP gun...