A percussion breech-loading shotgun built in 1850 on the Nickerson patent by Joab Hapgood of Shrewsbury and Boston, Massachusetts, a maker active from 1826 to 1864. C.V. Nickerson of Baltimore received Patent No. 8,690 on January 27, 1852, so this gun predates the grant by two years and may be the patent model. It runs about 44.5 inches overall with a round barrel of roughly 28.75 inches including the chamber, bored around 16 gauge (.664 inch). The bore is bright and very good with some roughness; sights are a front bead and a standing notch.

Pressing a button ahead of the rear sight lets the barrel assembly slide forward on a steel plate to expose the breech; a latch under the forend holds it shut for firing. The octagonal receiver holds the chamber, and its top flats, lock and both tangs carry light engraving. The lock is marked J. HAPGOOD; the hammer appears to be a replacement. A study piece for the collector, not a New Jersey hunting gun.

Key features

• Nickerson patent percussion breech-loader, made 1850
• Built by Joab Hapgood, lock marked J. HAPGOOD
• About 16 gauge, 28.75-inch round barrel
• Sliding barrel assembly exposes the breech
• Hammer appears to be a replacement

The gun ships to a New Jersey FFL dealer, who checks your FPIC on pickup.