William Moore & Grey Hammer Gun

Published on November 1, 2018
Duration: 4:22

This video provides a detailed aesthetic and historical overview of a William Moore & Gray underlever, non-rotary, hammer shotgun. The presenter discusses the history of the William Moore & Gray company, founded in 1808 and later partnered with William Gray in 1847. The shotgun is identified as a 12-gauge, likely originally a pinfire action, featuring external hammers and internal pins. While praised for its exquisite craftsmanship, including French walnut stock and scroll engraving, the barrels are noted to be pitted beyond saving, placing the firearm in a 'scrap pile' despite its beauty.

Quick Summary

The William Moore & Gray shotgun is a 12-gauge underlever, non-rotary, hammer-fired firearm, likely originating as a pinfire action. It features a French walnut stock, intricate scroll engraving, and Damascus barrels. Despite its exquisite craftsmanship, the barrels are significantly pitted, placing it in a 'scrap pile' category.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the William Moore & Gray Shotgun
  2. 00:03Shotgun Identification and Overview
  3. 00:13History of William Moore & Gray
  4. 00:29Aesthetic Overview and Craftsmanship
  5. 00:34William Moore's Founding and Apprenticeship
  6. 00:50Founding of William Moore & Gray
  7. 00:57Company Address and Current Status
  8. 01:16William Moore & Gray's Royal Appointment
  9. 01:34Shotgun Serial Number and Buttstock Details
  10. 01:59Stock Material and Checkering Condition
  11. 01:16Trigger Guard and Opening System
  12. 01:27Action Mechanics: Pinfire to Centerfire Conversion
  13. 01:40Engraving and Lock Plate Details
  14. 01:51Barrel Condition: Damascus Steel and Rust
  15. 01:54Forend Design and Latch Mechanism
  16. 02:00Overall Exquisite Craftsmanship
  17. 02:05Hammers and Barrel Pitting
  18. 02:17Shotgun's Fate: Scrap Pile and Restoration Potential
  19. 02:31Conclusion and Thanks
  20. 02:49Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the William Moore & Gray company?

William Moore founded his company in 1808, apprenticed to Mr. Manton. He later partnered with William Parker Gray in 1847, establishing William Moore & Gray. They were appointed gun makers to the Prince, signifying their historical importance in firearms manufacturing.

What type of action does the William Moore & Gray shotgun have?

This William Moore & Gray shotgun features an underlever, non-rotary, hammer-fired action. It is believed to have originally been a pinfire action, possibly converted to centerfire, indicated by external hammers and internal pins.

What are the key aesthetic features of this antique shotgun?

The shotgun boasts a fine French walnut stock with exquisite, though worn, checkering. It showcases beautiful scroll engraving across the top tang, lock plates, and action base, with the company name clearly engraved on the side.

What is the condition of the William Moore & Gray shotgun's barrels?

The barrels are made of Damascus steel but have suffered from rust, which has obscured much of the original etching. Unfortunately, the barrels are described as being pitted beyond saving, impacting the firearm's overall condition.

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