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PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING - Help us I.D. your shotgun

65K views 23 replies 14 participants last post by  RichHubb 
#1 · (Edited)
Please be aware that THE SAME NAMES may be found on vintage single and double barrel shotguns manufactured in Belgium, England in Birmingham or London, made in Belgium but marketed by a Birmingham or U.S. firm, or in the U.S. by Savage Arms, Harrington & Richardson, W.H. Davenport, Hopkins and Allen, J. Stevens, Iver Johnson, Crescent Fire Arms for H.&D. Folsom (then given a 'Tradename' and sold by local or regional dealers), and many others.

A serial number alone is of little assistance in identifying the maker or date of manufacture.

The patent dates on the action or barrel flats might be helpful, but also do not identify the DOM.
See Joe Vorisek's list of patent dates here
http://www.cornellpubs.com/free-files/S ... rtrait.pdf

In order to accurately I.D. your vintage shotgun, it is imperative that you post high resolution, full size, close-up images of EVERY mark. Marks can be accentuated with a grease pen or chalk:

On the barrel flats



just forward of the flats



On the action flats



the markings on the rib



and barrels



and both sides of the action, carefully and completely spelling any words on the locks or action.

PLEASE NOTE: In light of today's sophisticated cyberscams, it would be foolish for anyone to agree to download and post your images. Don't ask.

U.S. Gunmaker Research Sites

L.C. Smith Collectors Association
The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Lefever Arms Collectors
Lefever Firearms | Lefever Arms Collectors Association (lefevercollectors.com)

A. H. Fox Collectors Association
AH Fox Collectors Association

Parker Gun Collectors Association
The Parker Gun Collectors Association

Baker Guns
Baker Collectors

Tobin Arms
Tobin Arms

Meriden Firearms/A.J. Aubrey
Meriden Fire Arms Company

Remington Society of America
Remington Society of America – An organization dedicated to the collection and study of Remington firearms, ammunition and history

Dates of Manufacture Resources

NRA Serialization List
http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/s ... acture.pdf

U.S. and limited British http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/dates.html

L.C. Smith The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Ithaca Gun Co. Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.

Winchester
https://www.winchesterguns.com/cont...ence/winchester-firearm-manufacture-dates.pdf

Remington
Serials Shotgun - Remington Society of America

European date codes
Proof Date Codes

Tradename/Store Brand ID
store brand crossover list.pdf (nramuseum.org)

Gun Manufacturer's Codes, Markings and Trademarks


Foreign Proof Marks
Proofmarks

Husqvarna
http://www.rex.gl/search.html
HVA in general

There is a world of shotgun knowledge here on the ShotgunWorld ID & Value Forum, and many members are graciously willing to share the information they have accumulated through reference books and years of research. Be courteous, and do respond to questions posed by those trying to assist you in identifying your gun. If someone has been helpful, please acknowledge their effort with a "thank you".

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR VINTAGE SHOTGUN, PLEASE START A 'NEW TOPIC' FOR EACH GUN - DO NOT POST HERE
 
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#4 · (Edited)
Tips for posting quality images

Cell phones now have a 2048X1152 (2.4 MP) setting which is adequate for images to be posted on forums. Use a tripod or rest to steady the camera. If using a digital camera, be sure to set it on "Macro" mode.

For enhancing and cropping the image on the photo hosting site, it is important to minimize unneeded background in the original image ie. fill the view finder just with what you want to capture.

Toesies and carpet in the image, though certainly appealing, are unlikely to be helpful ;)



The images needed are close up and in-focus

Mostly background, tiny gun and toesies again

Musical instrument Wood Musical instrument accessory Hardwood Wood stain


Plenty of sun here in the desert, so I set up outside with the object in the shade of my neighbor's house, with the morning sun just clearing their roof and reflecting off my stucco. Direct sunlight gives too much glare, but the sun behind thin clouds works very well.

Use a dark grey solid background 10-12 inches behind the object which will give the image a 'floating in space' look




You do not need an internet hosting site to post images.

Find this tool bar at the bottom of the text box
Rectangle Font Circle Logo Auto part


Within that that tool bar find this icon
Rectangle Font Circle Brand Logo

Click it, find the image on your device, then drag and drop your photo within your post.

Click preview to be sure the image appears, and delete any duplicate images.
 
#10 ·
I have a Remington 1894 double barrel 12 gauge and am trying to figure out which grade it is and it's value. I has steel barrels with the word "Magnum C.12" stamped on the rib just above the chambers. It is highly engraved, moreso than any others I've seen by viewing pictures on the internet of 1894's. It has exhibition wood and a beavertail forearm. The gun's overall condition is 98 to 99%. The receiver is silver in color. The water table has the letter A stamped on it. I'm thinking this may be an A grade gun that was turned into a special order on the line of a DE grade. It has auto ejectors. Can anyone help? Based on what Remington has told me it was made in about 1903 to 1905.
 
#11 · (Edited)
PLEASE review the first and each subsequent post. There are a number of gentlemen here able and willing to help, but you must do your part by accurately describing the gun and any words/marks on the action and barrels.
It is imperative that you post high resolution, full size, close-up images of EVERY mark.
 
#14 ·
Long time reader, First time poster:
First let me say thank you to all the encyclopedic members out there, all of your input and knowledge has been a great resource over the years.
Now, here's my conundrum: I have acquired an early English Shotgun (between 1816 and 1855 mfg) through an estate purchase. It's in great condition but the wear on it has eroded the make. It's marked faintly London (see picture) along with the Birmingham Proofs. Those are the ONLY proofs on the entire gun, and I checked everywhere! It has dog and pheasant scenes on the locks, and gold inlay on the barrel bridge (see pics). There is Nimsky style paisley throughout all the metal. Damascus Barrel (looks like Twisted Steel). Butt Plate is Iron with no engraving other than the over the stock itself.
Any way to ID it? Value it? or Send me off into the sunset with a clue and a cliche?
Thank you!
Jared ~ Jim's Firearm Repair and Sales







 
#15 ·
I have a very old pump shotgun that shoots 2 inch 410 or 44 shotshell I'm not sure. It has a 26 inch wire Damascus barrel and is tube fed from front. No markings inside or out. Action looks like a primitive winchester model 12 receiver looks like 1894 lever. Not sure how to get pics up on here using galaxy phone.
 
#19 ·
Please be aware that THE SAME NAMES may be found on vintage single and double barrel shotguns manufactured in Belgium, England in Birmingham or London, made in Belgium but marketed by a Birmingham or U.S. firm, or in the U.S. by Savage Arms, Harrington & Richardson, W.H. Davenport, Hopkins and Allen, J. Stevens, Iver Johnson, Crescent Fire Arms for H.&D. Folsom (then given a 'Tradename' and sold by local or regional dealers), and many others.

A serial number alone is of little assistance in identifying the maker or date of manufacture.

The patent dates on the action or barrel flats might be helpful, but also do not identify the DOM.
See Joe Vorisek's list of patent dates here
http://www.cornellpubs.com/free-files/S ... rtrait.pdf

In order to accurately I.D. your vintage shotgun, it is imperative that you post high resolution, full size, close-up images of EVERY mark. Marks can be accentuated with a grease pen or chalk:

On the barrel flats



just forward of the flats



On the action flats/watertable



the markings on the rib



and barrels



and both sides of the action, carefully and completely spelling any words on the locks or action.

PLEASE NOTE: In light of today's sophisticated cyberscams, it would be foolish for anyone to agree to download and post your images. Don't ask.

U.S. Gunmaker Research Sites

L.C. Smith Collectors Association
The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Lefever Arms Collectors
Lefever Firearms | Lefever Arms Collectors Association (lefevercollectors.com)

A. H. Fox Collectors Association
AH Fox Collectors Association

Parker Gun Collectors Association
The Parker Gun Collectors Association

Baker Guns
Baker Collectors

Tobin Arms
Tobin Arms

Meriden Firearms/A.J. Aubrey
Meriden Fire Arms Company

Remington Society of America
Remington Society of America – An organization dedicated to the collection and study of Remington firearms, ammunition and history

Dates of Manufacture Resources

NRA Serialization List
http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/s ... acture.pdf

U.S. and limited British http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/dates.html

L.C. Smith The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Ithaca Gun Co. Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.

Winchester Winchester Dates of Manufacture

European date codes
Proof Date Codes

Foreign Proof Marks
Proofmarks

Husqvarna
http://www.rex.gl/search.html
HVA in general

There is a world of shotgun knowledge here on the ShotgunWorld ID & Value Forum, and many members are graciously willing to share the information they have accumulated through reference books and years of research. Be courteous, and do respond to questions posed by those trying to assist you in identifying your gun. If someone has been helpful, please acknowledge their effort with a "thank you".

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR VINTAGE SHOTGUN, PLEASE START A 'NEW TOPIC' - DO NOT POST HERE
Wow. This is work... thank you. Will do.
 
#20 · (Edited)
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR VINTAGE SHOTGUN, PLEASE START A 'NEW TOPIC' - Do Not Post On This Thread
Create Post | Shotgun Forum (shotgunworld.com)

Please note that a serial number alone is of little assistance in identifying the maker, model, or date of manufacture.

If someone provides helpful information, please be considerate of that effort and click on the thumbs up 'Like'
 
#22 ·
Please be aware that THE SAME NAMES may be found on vintage single and double barrel shotguns manufactured in Belgium, England in Birmingham or London, made in Belgium but marketed by a Birmingham or U.S. firm, or in the U.S. by Savage Arms, Harrington & Richardson, W.H. Davenport, Hopkins and Allen, J. Stevens, Iver Johnson, Crescent Fire Arms for H.&D. Folsom (then given a 'Tradename' and sold by local or regional dealers), and many others.

A serial number alone is of little assistance in identifying the maker or date of manufacture.

The patent dates on the action or barrel flats might be helpful, but also do not identify the DOM.
See Joe Vorisek's list of patent dates here
http://www.cornellpubs.com/free-files/S ... rtrait.pdf

In order to accurately I.D. your vintage shotgun, it is imperative that you post high resolution, full size, close-up images of EVERY mark. Marks can be accentuated with a grease pen or chalk:

On the barrel flats



just forward of the flats



On the action flats



the markings on the rib



and barrels



and both sides of the action, carefully and completely spelling any words on the locks or action.

PLEASE NOTE: In light of today's sophisticated cyberscams, it would be foolish for anyone to agree to download and post your images. Don't ask.

U.S. Gunmaker Research Sites

L.C. Smith Collectors Association
The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Lefever Arms Collectors
Lefever Firearms | Lefever Arms Collectors Association (lefevercollectors.com)

A. H. Fox Collectors Association
AH Fox Collectors Association

Parker Gun Collectors Association
The Parker Gun Collectors Association

Baker Guns
Baker Collectors

Tobin Arms
Tobin Arms

Meriden Firearms/A.J. Aubrey
Meriden Fire Arms Company

Remington Society of America
Remington Society of America – An organization dedicated to the collection and study of Remington firearms, ammunition and history

Dates of Manufacture Resources

NRA Serialization List
http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/s ... acture.pdf

U.S. and limited British http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/dates.html

L.C. Smith The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Ithaca Gun Co. Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.

Winchester
https://www.winchesterguns.com/cont...ence/winchester-firearm-manufacture-dates.pdf

Remington
Serials Shotgun - Remington Society of America

European date codes
Proof Date Codes

Tradename/Store Brand ID
store brand crossover list.pdf (nramuseum.org)

Gun Manufacturer's Codes, Markings and Trademarks


Foreign Proof Marks
Proofmarks

Husqvarna
http://www.rex.gl/search.html
HVA in general

There is a world of shotgun knowledge here on the ShotgunWorld ID & Value Forum, and many members are graciously willing to share the information they have accumulated through reference books and years of research. Be courteous, and do respond to questions posed by those trying to assist you in identifying your gun. If someone has been helpful, please acknowledge their effort with a "thank you".

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR VINTAGE SHOTGUN, PLEASE START A 'NEW TOPIC' - DO NOT POST HERE









 
#24 ·
Please be aware that THE SAME NAMES may be found on vintage single and double barrel shotguns manufactured in Belgium, England in Birmingham or London, made in Belgium but marketed by a Birmingham or U.S. firm, or in the U.S. by Savage Arms, Harrington & Richardson, W.H. Davenport, Hopkins and Allen, J. Stevens, Iver Johnson, Crescent Fire Arms for H.&D. Folsom (then given a 'Tradename' and sold by local or regional dealers), and many others.

A serial number alone is of little assistance in identifying the maker or date of manufacture.

The patent dates on the action or barrel flats might be helpful, but also do not identify the DOM.
See Joe Vorisek's list of patent dates here
http://www.cornellpubs.com/free-files/S ... rtrait.pdf

In order to accurately I.D. your vintage shotgun, it is imperative that you post high resolution, full size, close-up images of EVERY mark. Marks can be accentuated with a grease pen or chalk:

On the barrel flats



just forward of the flats



On the action flats



the markings on the rib



and barrels



and both sides of the action, carefully and completely spelling any words on the locks or action.

PLEASE NOTE: In light of today's sophisticated cyberscams, it would be foolish for anyone to agree to download and post your images. Don't ask.

U.S. Gunmaker Research Sites

L.C. Smith Collectors Association
The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Lefever Arms Collectors
Lefever Firearms | Lefever Arms Collectors Association (lefevercollectors.com)

A. H. Fox Collectors Association
AH Fox Collectors Association

Parker Gun Collectors Association
The Parker Gun Collectors Association

Baker Guns
Baker Collectors

Tobin Arms
Tobin Arms

Meriden Firearms/A.J. Aubrey
Meriden Fire Arms Company

Remington Society of America
Remington Society of America – An organization dedicated to the collection and study of Remington firearms, ammunition and history

Dates of Manufacture Resources

NRA Serialization List
http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/s ... acture.pdf

U.S. and limited British http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/dates.html

L.C. Smith The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

Ithaca Gun Co. Serial Numbers - Ithaca Gun Co.

Winchester
https://www.winchesterguns.com/cont...ence/winchester-firearm-manufacture-dates.pdf

Remington
Serials Shotgun - Remington Society of America

European date codes
Proof Date Codes

Tradename/Store Brand ID
store brand crossover list.pdf (nramuseum.org)

Gun Manufacturer's Codes, Markings and Trademarks


Foreign Proof Marks
Proofmarks

Husqvarna
http://www.rex.gl/search.html
HVA in general

There is a world of shotgun knowledge here on the ShotgunWorld ID & Value Forum, and many members are graciously willing to share the information they have accumulated through reference books and years of research. Be courteous, and do respond to questions posed by those trying to assist you in identifying your gun. If someone has been helpful, please acknowledge their effort with a "thank you".

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR VINTAGE SHOTGUN, PLEASE START A 'NEW TOPIC' - DO NOT POST HERE
Thanks, I'll definitely look into it more with all this info.
 
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