looking for info

[mason]

hello, I just picked up a mid 1800s 12 guage percussion shotgun. The markings on the barrel state "W Wood and Son, London" I cannot find any info on this maker or retailer. Does anyone know of any resource books to find this info? The gun shoots very well for the age.

thanks
Mason

[Jester]

The only W.Wood and son I have heard of is, or was, an iron foundry in Berkhamshire, UK in the mid 1800's. You might check that avenue
Good luck.
A lot of metal working companies used to dabble in gunsmithing with all different types of metals back then, looking for the newer better metal for gunmaking.

[carnivore]

Mason be very careful shooting modern loads in that gun to be sure it's not demascus steel

[Guest]

Good point,you dont want to shoot modern loads out of damascus barrells.The high pressure of todays loads could cause the gun to explode due to the higher pressure.Please take the gun and it checked out before you shoot any more with it.No one would to find out the gun blew up when you fired it.