Yes
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIRE MODERN AMMUNITION until a good gunsmith checks it out.
@ turn of the century, DO NOT USE MODERN AMMUNITION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About $100 or so. The damascus/twist steel barrels are generally considered unsafe to shoot with modern ammunition.
A shotshell.
If it is marked 'American Gun Company' on the sideplate, it would be worth $200 tops. Primarily considered as a mantle decoration and unsafe to shoot with modern ammunition. sales@countrygunsmith.net
It may have laminated barrels or short chambers which would not be safe with any but the lightest loads equivalent to shells that were available 75-100 years ago. Have it examined by an experienced gunsmith and follow his advice.
Ammunition, powder, metallurgy.
Yes for modern firearms.
Yes, but not steel shot
Before modern firearms that use cartridge ammunition were made, there were muzzle loading firearms. To fire these, you pour loose gunpowder down the barrel, ram a lead ball down the barrel, and then place a percussion cap (small metal shell containing a pinch of explosives) on the gun's nipple. This is a hollow metal stud at the rear of the barrel. The hammer strikes the cap, crushing it against the nipple. It explodes, and sends a jet of fire through the hollow nipple, igniting the gunpowder in the barrel.
Dixie
Stock , Barrel & Action