What is this and does it have any value?

First, Welcome to G&G. If possible a few more photos of any markings and the firearm out of the case may help. A quick search did not turn up anything on the name J W Edon, but I am sure we have somebody here that will (hopefully) know more than I do. I am guessing that what is there is a take down muzzle loader? Either way it does look nice. I realize this probably won't help but welcome anyway

There is a JW Edge shotgun for sale on Guns International for a whole lot of money.

Anything is help, thank you

Stickman said:

There is a JW Edge shotgun for sale on Guns International for a whole lot of money.

J.W. EDGE 12G for sale

J.W. EDGE 12G for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

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Guess I should get my glasses checked. That may well be JW EDGE

The one online is a dbl barrel. The one the OP has looks to be a single barrel by looking at the bead sight at the end of the barrel. I think.

Jan Rooney: stop by Introduction

share a few words about yourself;

Thanks,
Craig

Thank you for your responses so far. I'm clearing my mother's house and made this discovery in the loft. I've always found forums (and their members) fabulously useful, I found your forum first - so here we are. The gun has been in our home for as long as I can remember (I'm 63) it has a single, long barrel; the case suggests that when it was first purchased it may have had a second barrel. The firing mechanism works (you 'prime' it by turning a thing that looks like it was designed to be turned by a thumb. There is a firing pin that moves when the trigger is pulled. The case is lined with green baize. I think that I have located proofing marks on the barrel, but can't find any detail on the stock that would give any clue about it. The case top has brass trim on it (though that is currently tarnished). The underside of the case has some scratches (that could be removed by a gifted restorer).

Where could I find something to help me interpret the proofing marks?

They were made in Manchester, so I would think they used standard English proof marks.

blue fox said:

Guess I should get my glasses checked. That may well be JW EDGE

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Blue Fox is it the glasses or the Bourbon? Just kidding you. Yeah a fast look and hard to see. That is a double barrel shotgun but I didnt see the barrel set in the case. Looks like something in the slot but not the barrels.

There is a single barrel, the case makes it look like there may have been another barrel supplies but it’s not there. I can’t send more photographs for a week but will. I have done a bit of digging and Rdge traded from Russell Street to 1859

There is a single trigger and a single firing pin operated by the trigger. It appears that you ‘cock’ by rotating a lever. Will send more images. You are all so helpful. Thank you. My dad thought it was a ladies gun. Barrel is very long

rando said:

Blue Fox is it the glasses or the Bourbon? Just kidding you. Yeah a fast look and hard to see. That is a double barrel shotgun but I didnt see the barrel set in the case. Looks like something in the slot but not the barrels.

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I never did specify what type of glasses I needed checked.

Jan Rooney said:

Where could I find something to help me interpret the proofing marks?

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If you use white chalk lightly rubbed over the proof marks and post photos here when you can somebody here could probably help with that. Would love to see that fine piece of equipment assembled

i'd like to see the whole gun and various views of it.
most high end single shots were target [AKA Trap] guns.

Have continued to dig - it's a lot like JUST AS IT LEFT THE SHOP IN 1860 – HOLTS Highlights (holtsauctioneers.blog) When I'm next at mother's home, I'll send more photographs. I think that the case does contain a spare pin too, there's some other bits and bobs.

Welcome Jan!

As a serious history nerd and antiques collector, the only thing I can add to the discussion is don't try to "clean it up "! What you end up doing is destroying the value of the piece. That doesn't mean you can't use a damp paper towel to wipe the dust off or run a rag through the barrel. You can do that without destroying the value. What I mean is don't polish anything. Those scuffs are part of its history and the story it tells.

Sorry if I'm preaching to the choir but I've seen too many things get ruined by someone who just wanted to clean it up.

EDGE


John William [1830-1845]


Made percussion pocket pistols with folding trigger, and double barrel side-by-side, percussion pistols with belt hook. Shop in Manchester.