Folsom, Crescent, American Gun Co. & Tradename Information

scayden · **Joined:** Sun Feb 12, 2017 12:32 am **Posts:** 16

Drew Hause wrote:

scayden: Pete Mikalajunas posted several ads from the Norwich City Directory which only list the "Industrial Building". There are listings for officers of Crescent Fire Arms Co. also
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=278742

"The Bulletin" archives very likely have an address, and possibly pictures of the building.
Please let us know what you find.

Thanks Drew! After reviewing the thread, it looks like the address may be 10-20 West Main St. in Norwich, Ct. I will check out that location next time I'm in the area, but I'm thinking a trip to the Norwich town hall/library might be needed.

Drew Hause · **Posted:** Fri Jun 08, 2018 5:27 pm

Wm. Enders tradename shotguns
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=469952

Pine Creek/Dave · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2019 10:08 am

Gentlemen,

Very interesting, thanks for the information.

Pine Creek/Dave

btmac · **Joined:** Wed Aug 21, 2019 1:13 pm **Posts:** 1

Hello shotgun detectives.

I've read through this thread and several others and could use some help. I'm trying to ID the model or SN of this shotgun. I ran into it after I purchased a house for remodeling. I'm not necessarily interested in the value or year, but would rather try to ID it so I can find replacement parts to refurbish the item. A friend said he might want it as a wall mounting in their hunting lodge. I might fix it up a little first.

The stamp says Washington Arms. I believe it's one of the Crescents, but I can't find this exact model so I can find parts. Next to the name might be a set of numbers. 3 digits. Possibly C03, OO3, CO8 or any of that type of combination. I haven't been able to find any pics or catalog entries that are close enough to this model to call it a match. The curvature of the hammer and notch on the trigger seem unique, at least from what I can find.

Thanks for the help!

Drew Hause · **Posted:** Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:58 pm

It is a Hopkins & Allen Forehand model. Scroll down about 1/2 way here
https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewto ... 5&t=447782

segdoh · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2020 7:51 am **Posts:** 9

Ned Fall wrote:

I would like to clear up a couple of misconceptions if I may. H & D Folsom of New York City did not make guns They sold them. H & D Folsom was a very large retail and wholesale sporting goods dealer, an importer and distributor of firearms. H & D Folsom owned Crescent Fire Arms Company of Norwich,CT (1892 to 1930+) They owned Crescent from 1893 until they sold Crescent to the Savage Arms Company in 1930. Crescent was the maker of all the guns. Since Folsom owned Crescent they could and did claim in their catalog that they made the guns. However all the manufacturing took place in the Crescent plant in Norwich. Sears Roebuck owned Meridian Firm Arms of Meriden,Ct from 1905 to 1915 but I'm not aware of Sears claiming to make firearms although almost all of Meriden's production was sold by Sears. As to those "Trade Brand Name" listed in the catalog (60 of them) that's not all Crescent made in the lifetime. I've been collecting "Trade Brand Names" for over thirty five years and have a list of over 550 names that Crescent made. It has been said that Crescent would make as few as 12 guns with some selected name on them as long as the buyer bought this minimum number and paid for die needed to stamp the name on the gun. Most of the names I have found fall into that class.

segdoh · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2020 7:51 am **Posts:** 9

How do I post my photos???

segdoh · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2020 7:51 am **Posts:** 9

Hi Im new to this site and would like to say hello to every one on this post.
I own a Fort Pitt/Crescent double barrel 12 gauge shotgun.I have been searching for info on my gun but have had no luck yet.My problem is, the shotgun I have has two shell ejectors.Im missing the push rods or pins that activate the ejectors.I have no clue what they look like or what they are actually called.Im pretty sure I wont be able to find any replacement parts,But if I could find a photo of the actual parts I will make them.Any help would be greatly appreciated.I have posted photos of the areas in need.

albanygun · **Posted:** Sat Oct 17, 2020 9:46 pm

You might find them here, cocking rods https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/meriden/shotguns-mer/hammerless-dbl

brunk41 · **Joined:** Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:01 am **Posts:** 2

Hello Drew and Ned...thank you for the information about Folsom, Crescent, etc. I stumbled upon this conversation and I couldn't be more appreciative of the background on these companies. I have 2 shotguns that I got from both of my grandfathers. One is a Vulcan Arms #250141 and the other is American Gun Co. (New York) #114342 (hammerless). I have been searching off and on for over 25 years for any information on either shotgun and I think you guys have been able to provide the most information to date. Can you tell me the manufacturing dates for both shotguns? Pics attached. Thank you.

Drew Hause · **Posted:** Wed Jan 06, 2021 6:44 pm

The is an estimated DOM chart in the 1st post on p. 1

Vulcan Arms Co. was a tradename used by E.K. Tryon, Philadelphia

albanygun · **Posted:** Wed Jan 06, 2021 6:53 pm

brunk41, unfortunately Ned Fall passed on a few years ago. I never met him but corresponded with him for many years starting back in the days where AOL had these groups and he was the expert on old shotguns. He was also a retired AF SMsgt and also published a listing of trade name shotguns. Nice guy!

brunk41 · **Joined:** Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:01 am **Posts:** 2

Drew Hause wrote:

The is an estimated DOM chart in the 1st post on p. 1

Vulcan Arms Co. was a tradename used by E.K. Tryon, Philadelphia

Thanks, Drew.

If I am reading the DOM charts correctly on the first page, the American Gun Co. Hammerless shotgun (Serial #114342) would be here:
1909 – 102,001 to 122,400
And the Vulcan Arms Hammer Double (Serial #250141) would be here:
1910 – 240,501 to 259,000

If those dates are correct... While I have never shot the Vulcan one since it has a cracked stock (it sits above the fireplace now), I have shot the American Arms gun. It was my mom's dad's and she said that she has shot it so it must be OK. Of course I haven't shot it in probably 30+ years. It sounds like with today's loads, it's best to just let it retire in the cabinet.

Thanks again.

Folsom, Crescent, American Gun Co. & Tradename Information

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