W&H Hudson Belgian-Made Antique Side-by-Side Hammer Shotgun – Underlever

This is an attractive late-19th-century Belgian-manufactured side-by-side sporting shotgun retailed or marked W&H Hudson. The gun is built in the classic exposed-hammer configuration with double triggers and an underlever opening system, a style widely encountered on European sporting guns during the black-powder era.

The shotgun features side-by-side barrels with a raised rib, external rebounding-style hammers, double triggers, long splinter-style forearm, and a straight-grain walnut stock. The wrist and forearm have period checkering with decorative beaded borders, giving the gun considerably more character than the very plain Belgian utility doubles commonly imported into the United States.

The lockplate is visibly marked “W&H HUDSON.” The barrel rib also appears to carry a “BELGIUM” marking. Belgian manufacture is consistent with the overall construction and style. Many guns of this type were produced in the Liège gunmaking district for export and were subsequently sold under the names of American retailers, distributors or importers rather than the actual Belgian maker.

This example remains in particularly respectable condition for its age. Both external hammers function, the action operates properly, and the gun locks up tight. The barrels have developed an even brown/gray aged patina with no major external dents or significant pitting evident in the photographs. The action and lockplates likewise retain an attractive untouched aged finish rather than appearing aggressively polished or refinished.

The walnut furniture shows normal handling marks, scratches and finish wear expected from a sporting arm well over a century old, but remains quite presentable. The checkering and decorative border work remain readily visible. Overall, it has the honest appearance collectors generally prefer on an antique field gun.

FREE SHIPPING! ANTIQUE, SHIPS DIRECT!