Make: C.G. Bonehill. Imported by Navy Arms.

Model: Belmont Interchangeable Hammerless Grade D (1D1H) Special

Serial Number: 555

Year of Manufacture: 1887-1890 / Antique

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2" Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Double Trigger Shotgun with Extractor.

Barrel Length: Approximate 30 3/16" Finest Damascus Barrels

Choke: The right choke measures .000, CYL. The left choke measures about .020, MOD. Both are fixed. The muzzles have lost some of their roundness.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a metallic bead at the front of the serrated rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered hard rubber buttplate, and splinter forend with Deeley Release and a triangular horn tip. There is a diamoned shaped horn inlay in the round bottom of the semi-pistol grip. There is an initials plate on the belly of the buttstock. There are scattered handling marks and compressions. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4" and 14 1/8" from the front of the triggers to the rear of the buttplate, respectively. The drop at comb measures 1 1/4" and the drop at heel measures 1 5/8". Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued over Damascus and Case Color

Finish Originality: The barrels have been reblued. The receiver is original.

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is light scattered corrosion down the length of the bores, generally concentrated toward the muzzle end. There are several minor dents. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 6/10.

Weight: 7lbs 2.6oz

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered handling marks and light intermittent oxidation. There is some finish loss on the muzzle but the rest of the barrel has strong blue. Some of the Damascus pattern is visible under the blue. Most of the case color on the receiver has muted with some vibrant case color reserved in the protected areas. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tooled marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. The proofs have been reapplied. The engraving is crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition as refinished antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is solid with no play. The shotgun’s action automatically returns to “SAFE” when the break-lever is actuated and functions properly when manually set. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: C.G. Bonehill of Birmingham was a prolific late Victorian maker, and the Belmont Interchangeable Hammerless Grade D Special reflects the competitive innovation of the 1880s gun trade. Manufactured between 1887 and 1890, this antique 12 gauge boxlock embodies the era’s drive toward durable hammerless actions paired with attractive Damascus barrels and practical field dimensions. The approximately 30 3/16 inch Finest Damascus barrels, Cylinder and Modified choke pairing, and extractor system align with the sporting needs of the day, offering a balanced game gun built for driven shooting and formal field use.

This example retains roughly 50% of its metal finish, with the barrels reblued over Damascus, allowing portions of the pattern to remain visible beneath the blue. The receiver shows muted case color with stronger tones preserved in protected areas, and the engraving remains crisp with clear markings throughout. The bores are mostly bright but show light scattered corrosion and several minor dents, rating 6 out of 10, and the muzzles have lost some roundness. The walnut stocks remain structurally sound with honest handling wear, horn accents intact, and proper fit. With solid "clip lump" patented lockup, functional safety, and classic late nineteenth century lines, this Bonehill Belmont presents as a refinished but well preserved Victorian sporting double that retains strong antique character and mechanical integrity.