FN Herstal 16 Gauge Side-by-Side Anson & Deeley Boxlock, 26 Inch Barrels, Made in Belgium (1939)
This Belgian-made FN Herstal 16 gauge side-by-side was manufactured in 1939, just before World War II. It is an Anson & Deeley-pattern hammerless boxlock with a Greener-style crossbolt and a doll's-head rib extension. The 26-inch steel barrels feature a matted concave game rib, and the gun carries light factory engraving with period details. Walnut furniture with a semi-pistol grip and FN monogram steel buttplate, plus European-style sling swivels, round out a classic pre-war configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock is heavily damaged and is missing a significant amount of wood where it meets the receiver. In its current condition, it is unsafe to fire.
What’s Included
- FN Herstal 16 Gauge side-by-side shotgun (manufactured 1939)
This FN Herstal boxlock follows the Anson & Deeley pattern and incorporates a Greener-style crossbolt with a doll's-head rib extension, a classic combination for strong lockup in a pre-war field gun. It is a break-action, hammerless design with double triggers and a top-tang safety, chambered for 16 gauge with a 2-round capacity.
The 26-inch steel barrels wear a matted, concave game rib with a single front bead for a clean sight picture. The metal shows a traditional blued finish, and the shotgun is marked Made in Belgium, aligning with its 1939 production.
Factory embellishment includes light border and rosette-style engraving, complemented by sunburst-style screws on the hinge and tangs. These restrained details fit the period and FN's pre-war aesthetic.
The walnut stock and splinter forend feature hand-cut checkering. Furniture details include a semi-pistol (Prince-of-Wales) grip, an inlet oval escutcheon, and a steel buttplate with the FN monogram. European-style sling swivels are installed on the buttstock and on the bottom rib, and the length of pull measures 14.0 inches.