Used by market hunters in the 19th and early 20th centuries to take large numbers of waterfowl with a single shot for commercial harvesting operations, the Punt Gun derives its name from the small boats, or "punts," to which it was mounted. The hunter would maneuver his punt slowly into optimum position and aim to kill as many birds in one shot as possible. This practice depleted stocks of wild waterfowl in the U.S., and was banned in most states by the 1860s, with this practice of market hunting outlawed altogether in 1918 by a series of federal laws. This example is unsigned, with no visible markings, and appears to be of British origin. Round browned barrel with large percussion bolster, back action lock, trigger guard with engraved acorn finial, and walnut stock with leather pad on top of the comb and leather buttplate. Overall length: 7 feet 2 1/2 inches. The inside of the smooth bore measures just shy of one inch.