Antique James Eaton Concord NH Underhammer 12 Gauge fowler

This is a 12 Bore (measures at 12 Gauge full choke at the bore), underhammer fowler with a 42 inch barrel with a very fine smooth bore that is dark with some very minor surface roughness.  The gun was manufactured by James Eaton of Concord, NH and is marked “J. Eaton Warrented Concord N H” on the top of the barrel along with “008”.  He is listed in Logan's book as one of the recognized Underhammer gun makers of note.  James Eaton stopped producing guns in 1843 when his company was purchased by M.C. Cutchins and A.R. Crosby.   The iron barrel retains much of what looks like an original brown finish with old vise marks from manufacturing visible and some scattered mild scratches.    The hand wrought iron frame and integral lock mechanism are mostly dark with some surface freckling.   The walnut stock is in very good condition and mostly solid with some light surface blemishes and contusions with several chips missing at the breech face especially on the left side.   The German silver stock furniture looks to be in excellent condition along with the brass butt plate.  The original brass tip wood ramrod is present and remains in very fine condition with the brass base split surrounding the worm screw.  The action which is part of the trigger guard functions well to cock and fire but we do not recommend firing this gun.   A great historic  New Hampshire  made gun that will look excellent on display.  Antique.