Expert: DR. ROBERT LERCH - 1/15/2009

Question
dear Sir,I have a 36" double barrel made in england and I am wondering if you can help me out on this item,I know it was made betweeen 1841-1861 and its in V.G.C.I would appreciate it if you could put me on the right track.
Thanks James

Answer
Hollis & Sheath, a partnership of John Hollis and Isaac Brentnall Sheath formed in Birmingham, England in 1844. Their 12 gauge hammer guns were made between 1849-1861. An average used gun is $500. They use a black powder load with lead shot, so you will need a gunsmith to check the gun and tell you the load before you can use it, and then you will have to load your own shells.