Ethan Allen 10 Gauge Hinge-Breech double barrel shotgun. Several hundred were made circa 1865-1871. Overall length is 48". Barrels are 30". This gun features an unusual breech block that is unlatched by the lever on its right side. It then swings to the left for loading and unloading. There were three grades with this gun appearing to be the middle grade with checkered stocks and border engraving on the action. The bores are fair with light pitting toward the muzzles. Barrels show approximately 98% of their Damascus pattern and are marked “fine stub twist". The remainder of the metal has smooth blue/gray patina. The breechblock is marked “Ethan Allen& Co. Worcester Mass / Allen’s Pats Nov 9. 1858. Sept 18. 1860 Aug 23. 1865. Buttstock has a checkered wrist and semi-fancy wood. There are no cracks or chips. The forend is checkered and has a small chip on the bottom center at the action. The action functions correctly. Do not fire modern loads in this shotgun with its Damascus barrels. They were designed for black powder shells only. This shotgun is a must for the Allen collector or for anyone who likes unusual actions.