The Armstrong & Co. 12-gauge side-by-side is a traditional sporting shotgun bearing the name of the well-known Newcastle-upon-Tyne gun and sporting-goods firm Armstrong & Co. Established around 1890, Armstrong & Co. operated as gun and rifle dealers and manufacturers, supplying sporting arms during the late Victorian and early 20th-century period.
This particular example, serial number 29467, is of Belgian manufacture and features barrels produced by F. Dumoulin & Cie of Liège, with the Armstrong & Co. name prominently inlaid in gold on the finely patterned top rib. Chambered in 12 gauge with 70 mm (2¾") chambers, it features a traditional boxlock action, double triggers, top-lever opening, side-by-side barrels and walnut stock and forend. The barrels carry extensive Liège proof markings, including Belgian smokeless-powder proof, reflecting the established gunmaking industry for which Liège was renowned.
Presented in honest period condition, the shotgun retains considerable character, with aged metalwork, attractive walnut furniture and the distinctive gold Armstrong & Co. rib marking remaining clearly visible. Its combination of an English sporting-gun retailer's name with Belgian F. Dumoulin manufacture makes it an interesting example of the international sporting-arms trade of the early 20th century.
Features:
- Action: Break-action, boxlock
- Configuration: Side-by-side
- Trigger: Double trigger
- Chamber: Marked 12-70 – 70 mm / 2¾"
- Manufacturer: F. Dumoulin & Cie
- Retailer / Trade Name: Armstrong & Co.
- Barrel Marking: F. DUMOULIN & CIE LIEGE
- Proof House: Liège, Belgium
- Proof Marks: Belgian definitive proof and smokeless-powder proof
- Country of Manufacture: Belgium
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Period: Post-1924
