This high end sporting arm was manufactured in France around the 1840s and is an interesting version of the "wender" system usually used on double barrel swivel breech rifles, shotguns, combination guns, and pistols. It doubled the firing capacity of the popular double barrel percussion shotguns without adding much bulk or weight. The breech collar is inlaid with "CNS DAMAS DE LECLERC" (left) and "BREVETE DU ROI." (right). Two of the barrels have LeClerc maker marks (see "Der Neue Stockel" p. 224). The locks have scroll engraving and are inlaid with "BLIN A NONANCOURT" in gold behind the hammers (c. 1840 per "Der Neue Stockel" p. 113). The furniture has coordinating scroll engraving. The trigger guard pulls back to release the barrels so they can be rotated allowing four shots in rapid succession. The stock has relief scroll carving and a trap in the butt. The trapdoor has "SD" on the inside.

Very good, with nearly all of the original gold inlay, generally crisp engraving, mottle gray and brown patina throughout, some light pitting and oxidation, one sight absent, some deformation at the muzzle, and the mid ramrod pipe detached but present. The slightly undersized wood is also very good and has some minor cracking and chipping between the locks and upper tang, scattered dents and scratches, attractive figure, and crisp carving. The trapdoor in the butt does not stay closed, but it is otherwise mechanically fine. This is a very unusual and ornate French shotgun.