For your consideration is this Antique Wells Fargo Belgian made Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, 22" barrels with fixed front bead sight, serial number of 599, circa late 1800s. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. Shotgun is engraved on the top rail, "Wells, Fargo & Co. 24". External hammer Coach guns are historical firearms with two hammers on the outside, one for each barrel. These shotguns require manual cocking of each hammer before firing a shot, an early safety measure. Those used by Wells Fargo agents, had external hammers. The history of the Coach gun is intrinsically tied to the Wild West, and no conversation about it would be complete without mentioning Wells Fargo. In the 19th century, Wells Fargo guards relied on these guns to protect their coaches during long and dangerous journeys. Founded in 1852 to provide "express" and banking services to California, which was growing rapidly due to the California Gold Rush. By the end of the Gold Rush, Wells Fargo was a dominant express and banking organization in the West, making large shipments of gold and delivering mail and supplies. The Tombstone Weestern Heritage Museum label is marked, "WELLS FARGO SHOTGUN On Barrel rib "WELLS, FARGO & Co. 24" "TUCSON ARIZONA", museum code, "G35". Museum display pointers are affixed on the sighting rib. This 12ga side-by-side shotgun has scroll engraved receivers marked, "W. F. & Co. EXPRESS" on the left side, "RICHARDS" engraved on the stock plates". Sighting rib is engraved, "TUCSON ARIZONA" at the break, "WELLS, FARGO & Co. 24" along the sighting rib mid-barrel. Walnut stock is well preserved showing rich patina throughout, rich patina adorning the barrel and receiver but otherwise shows a well preserved condition. Barrels are 22"L, overall length is 39", weight is 6lb, 14oz. This is an exceptional early and seriously powerful frontier shotgun in particularly fine and visually appealing condition that is worthy of the finest western firearms collection. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.