Anyone heard of a «Cavalier» brand shotgun?

[libraryguy]

Hi,

I just came across a late 1800's-very early 1900's single-shot break action shotgun. The gentlemen who showed it to me is around 90 years old, and he said it belonged to his own grandfather.

There are no markings on the gun except for a 3 digit serial number on the underside of the receiver and the word «Cavalier» on the left side of the receiver. There are no visible markings for gauge or length of shell, but it sure looks like a 12 bore.

The internet came up completely dry when I tried to research that one.

Anyone heard of that brand before?

Thanks!

[JustBen]

Sounds to me like a trade shotgun. I’d guess the proof marks are Belgian. Lots of Belgian gunmakers made runs of shotguns around those times under varying names and of varying quality. The proof marks will tell you a lot.

[libraryguy]

Thanks!

It is a possibility I had not even considered, but it makes perfect sense. That would explain the french brand and the english «full choke» marking.

[JustBen]

Any pictures?

[libraryguy]

Sadly no, I did not think of it when I had it in my hands.