Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. This shotgun was made in the mid-late 1800s in London. T. Howard and Co. is no longer around, and unfortunately, not much was recorded about the company. This piece was a very high quality gun in new condition. The barrels are made of damascus steel in a twist pattern, and the address line on the rib is inlayed in silver, although it is now tarnished. The side lever opening design of this gun was somewhat common in British guns of this era, but would later be replaced by the more common top-lever. The layout of the locks is known as a "back action," as the hammers and lock assemblies are set behind the receiver. This design was also common of early breech-loading shotguns, and would later be obscured by side-locks and box-locks.

This piece is in distressed condition. There is a significant amount of active rust present on both the receiver and the barrels. The color-case hardening on the receiver has been completely worn off, and is replaced by a dark patina. Some of the damascus pattern in the barrels is still visible, but it is significantly worn as well. There is a crack in the grip tang at the top screw between the hammers. This piece is not in operable or stable condition, which unfortunately affects its value. Given the condition of this piece, and completed auctions of similar items, a fair market estimation is 250-275 CAD. Please reach out with any questions.

Bo Stuck