William Briggs (1832-1889) was a well-known gunsmith in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in the mid to late 19th century. This shotgun was built from a modified musket barrel and still has the "V/P/eagle head" proofs near the nipple and "M/4" and what looks to be a "7" at the breech. The right barrel flat has "WILLIAM BRIGGS NORRISTOWN. PA../PATENT. AUG. 18 1859 11" on the right. The barrel has a post front sight and ramrod ferrules attached to the bottom. It is fired using a simple under hammer mechanism. The stock is also metal and has a deep brass patch/cap box. In the 1880s Briggs was advertising himself as a "Practical Gun Maker" specializing in breech and muzzleloading guns.

Fine with a mix of original brown lacquered finish and dark brown patina, mild overall wear, loose front ferrule, and aged patina on the brass. Mechanically fine. This is certainly a nice example of a "practical" and simple way to convert a musket barrel into a shotgun.