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RARE ECLAIR AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN "FIRST AUTO SHOTGUN"

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
RARE ECLAIR AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN  FIRST AUTO SHOTGUN
SERIAL NUMBER N/A BARREL 25 3/4" CALIBER 16 GUAGE MANUFACTURED 1890. Believed to be the very FIRST semi-automatic shotgun ever produced with patents applied for and granted in 1889. This pre-dated John Browning application by 6 years. Invented and produced by brothers Victor Clair & Benoit Clair. The shot gun was produced at Saint Etienne France with highly figured 2 piece walnut stocks that are incredibly finely checkered. Vivid Damascus barrel with blade front sight. The high polish blue receiver is marked "CLAIR FRERES BTES S.G.D.F. A ST ETIENNE" on top rib at rear of receiver. The left side of the receiver has a monogram of 8 flushing arrows with "ECLAIR" on top and "AUTOMATIQUE" on underside. A tube magazine under the barrel is estimated to hold 5 cartridges. The only known other example is housed at the Liege Arms Museum. This example is a recent discovery and is in near pristine condition. ANTIQUE