Old Gun Question
My neighbor has a gun he was given when a relative passed, and I was hoping I could find some info on it for him
It's a .410 Side by Side with exposed hammers and dual triggers.
on the receiver is the name American Gun Company, N.Y., serial number 15498.
I know the gun was made by Crescent Firearms co, owned by H&D Folsom. Crescent made guns for a variety of retail vendors who then stamped their own name on them. Many of these vendors were hardware stores and a Crescent is often referred to as a "hardware store" gun.
Obviously, I was able to find some info on it, but my real concerns are approximate value and whether or not the gun can be safely fired. Some of my research indicated it may not be. I know Crescent made these guns between 1895 & 1930, but if I can get a more accurate age estimation that would be great ,too.
He also received a Ruger Bearcat .22, s/n 74235. Any info on that gun would be appreciated also.
Thanks.
GH1[:)]
It's a .410 Side by Side with exposed hammers and dual triggers.
on the receiver is the name American Gun Company, N.Y., serial number 15498.
I know the gun was made by Crescent Firearms co, owned by H&D Folsom. Crescent made guns for a variety of retail vendors who then stamped their own name on them. Many of these vendors were hardware stores and a Crescent is often referred to as a "hardware store" gun.
Obviously, I was able to find some info on it, but my real concerns are approximate value and whether or not the gun can be safely fired. Some of my research indicated it may not be. I know Crescent made these guns between 1895 & 1930, but if I can get a more accurate age estimation that would be great ,too.
He also received a Ruger Bearcat .22, s/n 74235. Any info on that gun would be appreciated also.
Thanks.
GH1[:)]
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The Ruger was made in 1966. 0 -
You've already found out about all I can tell you but: Your gun was made in1897 by Crescent Fire Arms Company of Norwich,CT (1892 to 1931) not 1895 to 1930. The sellers did not stamp the name on the gun, Crescent did. And although H & D Folsom owned Crescent , if the name is AMERICAN GUN CO. the gun was made for and sold by the Supplee Biddle Hardware CO. (abbreviated) of Philadelphia,PA and if the name is AMERICAN GUN COMPANY (written out in full) then the gun was made for and sold by Sears Roebuck & Co of Chicago,IL. While some refer to these guns as "Hardware Store" guns I prefer the name "Trade Brand Name" shotguns. These guns were made using the technology and metallurgy of the times when they were made and designed for the ammunition in use then. Many will have damascus barrels designed for black powder and lead shot loaded 2 1/2 inch shells. The were not designed for more modern 3 inch shells loaded with modern high pressure smokeless powder or steel shot. I don't recommend that they be fired using modern ammo. The gun may still be fired using appropriate ammunition burt since I can't see it to determine its condition, I have to say no. If you intend to shoot it, have it checked out by a good gunsmith first. Value? Value will depend on the guns condition, the amount of original finish remaining on the metal and wood as well as the mechanical condition. A prime condition example in .410 bore that appears to have come out of the factory yesterday afternoon might bring as much as $150 while a rusty rotten incomplete piece of junk fit only for parts salvage or as a fire place poker might bring $10. For some reason unknown to me a .410 gun is in more demand and might bring as much as $200. 0
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