Looking for info on a Smoothbore Black Powder Muzzleloader

[PhilR]

I have a Smoothbore Black Powder Muzzle Loader
It has no names on it to indicate the Manufacturer.
Top of the barrel is marked “Fine Twist”
Left side of the lock is marked “Field”
Underside of Barrel is Marked “H” between the 2 barrel tenons
Underside of Barrel at rear is marked with a proof mark and the letters SV
A little ahead of that is the number 7 and a little ahead of that is the letter BP
and the same proof mark is repeated.
I thought the proof marks might have been English but the marks don’t really look like a Crown and other than the BP which I assume means Black Powder I can’t find the initials SV.
48 inch Barrel
Inside bore Diameter approx .835 inches
I believe this measurement corresponds to an 8 Gauge/Bore
Overall Length 64 ¾ inches
Weight 15 pounds
Any information someone might have would be appreciated. 
Would this be considered a smooth bore Rifle or a Shotgun?
It does seem like a well made firearm.

Thanks,
Phil

[NDduckhunter]

Looks like it could be a market hunting gun. The hole in the stock may have been for a rope that would have been strung across a boat then through the stock, it helped to dampen the recoil and it sure looks left handed to me. Just a guess about all that and may be wrong. Very unique gun!

[rich pierce]

Looks like a market hunting gun. The hole in the stock may have been for a rope that would have been strung across a boat and helped dampen the recoil. Just a guess and may be wrong.

Or a lanyard to keep it in the boat!

[NDduckhunter]

Yes, could be, would be a bad day to drop your gun off the punt after the shot, lol.

[Pukka Bundook]

Very possibly re stocked this side of the pond, but an English fowling piece made by the Field company, who made a great many arms.
Yes, hole in this stock for a lanyard if used as a light punt gun. 7 bore. and Birmingham proofs.
The false breech should just knock off the barrel, and the breech pin shouldn't need removing to dismount the barrels.
The only thing that made me thing re-stock is the oversize escutcheons for the barrel keys, and the design around them.

[smart dog]

Hi,
Those are Birmingham proof marks from the early 20th century.  I am sure the gun was restocked probably over here from older British parts. 

dave

[Daryl]

Yes, could be, would be a bad day to drop your gun off the punt after the shot, lol.

Cool gun. That scenario is not far fetched. Years ago, Taylor and I were duck hunting on a local lake, in a canoe.
A few ducks swept across out beam and Taylor fired his 12 bore. That's when I opened up with a broadside with the 10 bore. Just about drove the opposite side gunnel
under water. It was close, too close.