The Brownson & Sloccum London Twist Percussion Shotgun

This week for Firearm Friday we are looking at an enduring relic of Victorian craftsmanship, the Brownson & Sloccum London Twist percussion shotgun blends artistry, history, and collectability into one elegant sporting piece.

The Brownson & Sloccum London Twist percussion shotgun is a fine example of a mid-19th century English sporting piece, and it holds particular appeal for collectors interested in transitional firearms of the percussion era. 

The firm Brownson & Sloccum is less widely known than London’s major names, but their guns exhibit the hallmarks of quality Victorian craftsmanship, making surviving examples both intriguing and desirable to enthusiasts.

The term “London Twist” refers to the Damascus pattern of the barrels, produced by forge-welding alternating strips of iron and steel before twisting them into a tube. This process created not only a durable barrel capable of withstanding black powder loads, but also a striking surface pattern that remains one of the most collectible features of percussion-era shotguns.

For collectors, the presence of proof marks is essential in understanding a gun’s authenticity and origin. A Brownson & Sloccum shotgun will typically bear London or Birmingham proof house stamps, helping to confirm both period and intended market. Careful study of these markings, as well as serial numbers where present, can help place the gun in the broader timeline of percussion development, likely dating it to the 1840s–1860s.

Locks are another point of collector interest, often engraved with the maker’s name and sometimes decorated with scroll or border engraving, which provides clues about the grade of the gun and the clientele it was intended for.

The condition of the Damascus barrels is of particular importance to collectors, as the twist pattern can become faint through refinishing or corrosion. A well-preserved London Twist barrel, showing crisp figure and minimal pitting, greatly enhances the desirability of the piece. Originality is another key factor—collectors value guns that retain their original walnut stock with period checkering, as well as intact butt plates, trigger guards, and ramrods. Even small details, such as the style of the percussion hammers and the engraving on the locks, are scrutinized when assessing value.

While Brownson & Sloccum may not command the same recognition as Purdey or Westley Richards, their percussion shotguns offer a window into the craftsmanship of the period and represent an attainable entry point for collectors of English sporting arms.

Examples in fine condition, particularly those with clear markings and well-figured barrels, are increasingly sought after in the antique arms market. More than just functional hunting pieces of their day, these shotguns now stand as tangible artifacts of the Victorian sporting tradition and the artistry of the British gun trade

Today, surviving examples of Brownson & Sloccum percussion shotguns are valued by collectors of antique firearms. The London Twist barrels, with their intricate patterns, often remain a highlight for enthusiasts, while the engraved metalwork and period styling provide a glimpse into the refinement of Victorian-era gunmaking.

Though no longer practical for modern hunting use, these shotguns stand as an enduring testament to the skill and artistry of 19th century British gunsmiths.

Our Brownson & Sloccum has recently been moved into our museum and is easily recognisable because of the “London Twist” damascus barrels.