This rare pinfire shotgun dates to c. 1852-1871 and was manufactured by Caron of 20 Passage D'Opera in Paris. Caron was a gunmaker to Napoleon III. This interesting design features a lever at the breech that then allows the barrel to be twisted and slid forward for reloading. The browned Damascus twist barrel has a post front sight, and "Inver Caron a Paris, Arq. du S.M. l'Empereur" signed on top. The latch has an integral notch sight. The transition point on the barrel, "mule ear" lock, and furniture feature oak leaf and acorn engraving. The lock is also signed "Invon Caron" in a banner. Serial number "4" is on the lower tang. "SP" is marked on the wrist escutcheon. Includes an invoice from Jackson Arms on March 26, 1968. Pictured in Jackson Arms Catalog No. 25 from 1968 as item no. 550. Provenance: Jackson Arms; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very good with 90% of the refinished brown remaining on the barrel and mostly smooth gray patina on the lock and furniture along with crisp engraving and some light oxidation. The stock is good and retains most of the ebonized finish and has mild scrapes and dings, a thin crack by the breech on the left, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine.