New to me SXS

I just acquired a nice old percussion, 12 ga. SXS that is marked Atwell on the rib close to the breech. The seller bought it in an estate sale at Friendship. Supposedly, the owner passed away and his estate was being sold. The story goes that the gun is American made and was hunted with up until the time of the owners health problems. I've done a few Google searches but can't find a reference to Atwell made shotguns. Has anyone run across the name? I'll try and get some pictures up soon. I'd really like to have an idea of the approximate date of manufacture. Its in good shape and was well taken care of. It doesn't rattle, the hammer springs are strong, the hammers stand equally and the triggers are nice. With 32 inch barrels, it might just be a turkey gun!

Got pictures?

Many European companies made shotguns under whatever label the buyer wanted. Atwell could have been a local merchant in some small town in America. Who knows? What gauge? hotoSmile:

I'd love to post pictures but no joy so far.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/DSCN00351_zpsvcvmtpxa.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/DSCN00301_zpsgkppmqfd.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/DSCN00291_zpsf11pqvvc.jpg http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/DSCN00331_zpszsbiami3.jpg

Are there proof and witness marks on the underside of the barrels? Makers marks on inside of the lock plates?

There are some proof marks on the underside of the barrel. Haven't had the locks off.

I'll try to post proof marks. http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/proof1_zpsnho9hpus.jpg http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/proof1_zpsnho9hpus.jpg http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/proof1_zpsnho9hpus.jpg

That's about the best I can do. The marks are well worn.

riverrat43 said:

I'll try to post proof marks. http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/proof1_zpsnho9hpus.jpg http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/proof1_zpsnho9hpus.jpg http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/Riverrat43/proof1_zpsnho9hpus.jpg

That's about the best I can do. The marks are well worn.

Click to expand...

The gun is of British manufacture of the late percussion period most likely a export gun , No British makers name Atwell not even in the provincial gun makers .
Feltwad

I saw a very similar shotgun at the Alabama long rifle show on Friday. The owner didn't have any information about the gun but it was in shootable shape.

What time period are we speaking of?

Eric....yes, This is the one you looked at I believe, I bought it.

The British proof marks were used for many decades but I would say the late percussion era 1850 but we were exporting muzzle loading shotgun to the states has late has 1900 If the name Atwell is of a American seller then if he was not a gun maker or smith he may have been a ironmonger.
Feltwad

I have a similar 14 ga. No name anywhere. A thought tho, some retailers marked or had merchandise marked with their name even in that time period but on a smaller scale like Sears marked their Ted Williams, Wesrern Auto used Revelation.

I agree 40. Feltwad, are the proof marks British? Dog Gone if I could tell what they were.

riverrat43 said:

I agree 40. Feltwad, are the proof marks British? Dog Gone if I could tell what they were.

Click to expand...

The proof marks are Birmingham date 1855-1904 number 12 is the bore size
Feltwad

I thought the price for the gun was a steal, I just didn't need it.

Felt...thank you for all the info. Can’t wait to shoot it. Eric, I thought the price was good too and the seller would not budge a nickel!!! Lol