Make: Belgian Trade Gun (Marked “Damas Birmingham”)

Model: Side-by-Side Sporting Hammer Shotgun

Serial Number: 1884

Year of Manufacture: Antique (Manufacture Date Unknown; Pre-1899)

Gauge: Originally 28 Gauge, Now Fitted with .410 Briley Insert Tubes (Chambered for 2 ½” and 3” Shells)

Action Type: Break Action, Side-by-Side Double Hammer Shotgun

Markings: The top rib is marked “DAMAS BIRMINGHAM” with elegant gold inlay. Matching gold bands encircle both chambers. The barrel flats are stamped with traditional Liège proofmarks, including the Perron, ELG in oval (definitive black powder proof), bore and chamber dimensions, Belgian controller’s stamps, and the serial number “1884.” The Briley choke tubes are marked “.410 MOD” and “.410 SKT.”

Barrel Length: 30”

Choke: Briley Thin Wall Choke Tubes – One Skeet, One Modified (Installed)

Chamber: The Briley tubes are chambered for 3” .410 shells

Sights / Optics: Brass bead front sight fixed to the rib

Stock Configuration & Condition: The shotgun features a straight English-style wrist and checkered walnut stock with an oil-rubbed finish. The wedge-retained forend is also checkered. There is a small chip on the forend, light flattening in the checkering, and scattered minor marks from honest handling, but no cracks or repairs. Two sling swivels are mounted—one beneath the barrels, the other on the belly of the stock. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the front trigger to the back of the checkered hard rubber buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Patterned Damascus / Case HardenedFinish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The original 28 gauge bores show pitting and fouling consistent with black powder use. In this writer’s opinion, they rate 6/10. The Briley .410 tubes are bright, clean, and smooth. In this writer’s opinion, the tubes rate 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains strong Damascus pattern and good contrast across the barrels.Leading us to believe this piece  retains over 85% of its original finish. The locks, hammers, and trigger guard have light scroll engraving and a soft gray patina. There is scattered finish wear, a chip in the forend, and mild wear to the checkering, but the action remains tight and the mechanics are sound. The screw heads show moderate wear. All markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action is tight, the hammers cock and drop properly, and the Briley tubes fit and function as intended. As with all antique firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: Included with this shotgun is a complete Briley conversion and accessory kit:

Briley Titanium Series 10-M .410 Insert Tubes (Chambered for 3” shells)

Briley Skeet and Modified Thin Wall Chokes

Briley Choke Wrench

Briley Brass Installation Hammer

Synthetic Gun Oil

Original Briley invoice (dated 2021, total value over $700)

Our Assessment: This is a remarkably refined example of a 19th-century smallbore side-by-side shotgun, combining Belgian proofed craftsmanship with the trade name “Damas Birmingham” and premium modern enhancements. The beautifully patterned Damascus barrels are bordered with gold bands at the chambers and a gold-inlaid rib, echoing the high-grade sporting guns of the Victorian era. What sets this gun apart, however, is its modern usability—thanks to professionally fitted Briley .410 insert tubes, this antique can now reliably fire modern 2 ½” and 3” .410 shells.

This gun is more than a relic—it’s a living tool. Its graceful lines, crisp engraving, and classic checkered straight wrist stock embody the best of traditional sporting arms. Yet it’s also a practical sub-gauge shooter, ready for the clays course, the dove field, or a walk through the uplands. Between its elegance, functionality, and complete accessory package, it’s a rare and desirable piece.