[gorknoids]

I'm hoping for some input from the historians among us. This Damascus-barreled double 12-ga was made by the Wilmot company in Belgium sometime between 1893 and 1923 according to the proof marks. I'm just curious to hear any other facts about the company or the line of shotguns they manufactured. Here's what she looks like. Some detailed metal engraving isn't really visible in these pics, but you can get an idea from what is visible. It's like the Tattooed Lady at the circus.

[Hawg]

From what I can find Wilmot Arms Co. was a trade name of Henri Pieper a well known and respected gun maker in Liege.

[gorknoids]

Originally Posted by Hawg

From what I can find Wilmot Arms Co. was a trade name of Henri Pieper a well known and respected gun maker in Liege.

Thanks, Hawg. I didn't know what city it was, and that'll help in a big way!

[Hawg]

Originally Posted by gorknoids

Thanks, Hawg. I didn't know what city it was, and that'll help in a big way!

Maybe, maybe not. There were hundreds of gun makers in Belgium and anybody that was anybody operated out of Liege. Also a lot of smaller makers nobody ever heard of were from Liege. Google Henri Pieper and you'll find a lot of information on him but you won't find much on Wilmot Arms. What little bit I have found was scattered here and there and it seems to be that Wilmot was a trade name Henri used for export trade. At any rate that's a fine looking shotgun and is obviously a quality piece. Belgium guns are known for engraving even among the cheap knock offs but they're not that extensive and that carving is exquisite. Is that wood lacquered?

[gorknoids]

It really DID help. I found a sister to this one for sale on Cheaperthandirt, and I'm waiting for a reply from the guy selling it. From the one picture he posted, it appears to be the same gun, and the serial numbers are only off by about a dozen.
The wood is laquered, but worn through where it should be. Normal wear/tear stuff.

[Hawg]

I'm glad it helped. I was afraid it would raise more questions than answers.
I couldn't tell from the pics if the wood was lacquered or if it was maybe ebony. That would have been super cool if it had been.

[orangello]

That is a really beautiful gun, congratulations!

[Russell62]

I have just resently been given a wilmot double barrell shot gun that looks exactly like your pictures, if you find any info. please let me know. thank you.

[gorknoids]

Russell, I know this is a Hell of a long time after you posted your reply, but I'd love to see a couple pics of the one you have. More than that, I'd love to discuss buying it from you.

[twoolddogs]

Gorknoids: As stated by Hawg above, Wilmot Gun Company was a trade name used by Henri Pieper. Pieper operated in Liege, Belgium 1866-1898. This website gives some significant details of Pieper and his guns: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://www.littlegun.be/arme%2520belge/a%2520a%2520site%2520belge%2520fr.htm

Click on Artisans Identified and scroll down to the "P's". Information on Pieper and his successors makes interesting reading.