Just aquired a rare piece and looking for input. From my research it is called a "Cape Gun". Made popular for hunting in South Africa. It has a twelve gauge full choke shotgun barrel on the left and a .44 caliber rifled barrel on the right (front trigger) in a side by side configuration. My research has disclosed the following. Originally configured circa 1850-ish and still made today in modern cartridge applications. Percussion cap. 27 inch barrels. "FINE TWIST" inlaid in German silver in the bridge between the barrels just in front of the hammers. Some German silver inlay on both barrels at the breech, on the bridge between the triggers, and on the small plates holding the wedge pin in the stock. A dovetailed slot in front of the "FINE TWIST" lettering which is obviously for a missing rear sight. Bronze front bead sight mounted on the bridge at the muzzle. Missing the ramrod but the diameter of the ramrod mounts are approx 5/16". Both barrels are the same outside diameter and the gun/rifle is very heavy. It has a checkered walnut stock that is in amazing condition compared to the metal work. The barrels, hammers, and lock plates are heavily pitted from rust. The gun is not within reach and I can't remember the number of lands and grooves in the rifled barrel. Interior inspection shows great condition on both lock/trigger assemblies. The left (shotgun) hammer has a half and full cock feature. The right (rifle) trigger has a three position hammer (?). My research indicates that the gun COULD be as old as 1850 but as old as 1880. As percussion caps faded away I'm sure that this configuration did too. I also have found that German made guns typically had the shotgun barrel on the right, while Belgian and Austrian versions had it on the left (rear trigger). Typically the rifled barrel had a set trigger. This gun does not operate with a set trigger and both triggers will actuate the hammers in any position. The do not lock at half cock. There are NO readable markings on the barrels or lock plates. The barrels show some indication of numbers on each side but are unreadable due to the heavy pitting. Indication of typical engraving can be seen on the lock plates and trigger guard. I have no way of posting any pics at this time. I'll work on that. Any info about the history of these gun/rifles would be greatly appreaciated. I bought it at a yard sale with some other items at a "good price". It is not for sale. It might just be a "wall hanger" and conversation piece. But it seems to me that this configuration would have made a great weapon for mounted or dismounted cavalry as well as teamsters and smiths. Short and relatively long range projectiles all in one package. I know this is a sporting piece. But would be interested if anyone knows anything about their use or mention in the WBTS. Thanks in advance for any help. I check this board daily.

Keith in Virginia