Make: W. Richards Trade Name, Belgium

Model: Damascus Barreled Side by Side External Hammer Shotgun

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1874-1898

Gauge: 12 Gauge Black Powder Only

Action Type: Break-Open Side-lock Side by Side Hammer Shotgun with Extractors, Double Triggers.

Barrel Length: 30 ?”

Choke: Left: Modified Right: IC Fixed.

Sights / Optics: Front bead fixed to the barrel rib. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with round bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered resin buttplate. The stocks have heavy rub marks, compressions, scratches and nicks. The checking is defined but nearly smooth on the forend. The LOP measures 13 5/8" and 14 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate respectively. The plate is heavy worn with the checkered smooth in some areas and dull everywhere else, but there are no losses or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Laminated Steel (Damascus), Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are dull with erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bores each rate a 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. About none of its case coloring remains. The frame has turned to patina. The barrel’s damascus pattern is strong throughout with some thinning toward the muzzle and intermingled with spots of corrosion. There are scuffs and scratches throughout. The screw heads are moderately worn. The markings are semi-clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good condition for an antique. 

Mechanics: The action functions properly including extractors. The barrels lock up to the frame with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. We do not recommend shooting Laminated Steel barrels. 

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Belgian breech-loading double-barrel shotguns, forged in the legendary workshops of Liège during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stand as a testament to European craftsmanship and ingenuity. These break-action firearms, often with elegantly paired side-by-side barrels, ranged from utilitarian hunting tools to opulent works of art adorned with intricate hand engraving and ornate designs. Early models featured striking Damascus barrels and external hammers, later evolving into hammerless mechanisms and durable steel barrels that aligned with technological advancements. Revered for their reliability, accessibility, and timeless beauty, these shotguns became a favorite among sportsmen worldwide, offering a blend of form and function at a competitive price. Today, they captivate collectors with their rich history, aesthetic allure, and the romance of a bygone era, though care is essential when handling early examples crafted for black powder rather than modern ammunition.