Richards Side by side shotguns

[S.S.]

I normally don't post in this forum because I have bi-focal glasses
and can't hit crap with a shotgun if it flies.
But I need some info.
A friend just inherited a couple of antique side by side 12 Ga. shotguns
and would like some info on them. They both have RICHARDS  BELGIUM
on one lock and SAXTON on the other. One of them appears to have
Damascus steel Barrels on it. The other has a strange lever where the
fore-arm should be, push it to the side and it drops the barrels for loading.
Both are RABBIT EAR hammered.

Help!

[Brushhunter]

Summer, I see that you posted this request for help more than a month ago and haven't gotten a reply.  It's a very interesting question in my opinion.  Far be it from me to recommend another forum here, but it has been a month--perhaps it would be ok to take the liberty of advising you to post your question in the Shotgunworld Gun ID and Value forum at

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/index.php?sid=6471a29eb623cb6149f6a92cdf68a27d

If I'm out of line with this Graybeard or Frog, I apologize.  Just trying to offer another source of help.  Some Belgian shotguns are of cheap make and not worth much, others are real prizes.

Hope this is ok in this instance, since it's been quite awhile since Summer's original post.

Brushy