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Nitro Reliable

65mg
Can you tell me anything about a 12ga single shot Nitro Reliable made by Robinson Bro a& associates? As with many of these old shotguns this one has been in the family for years. Can you me when the gun may have been made and its approximate value.
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  • Ned Fall
    Your gun is what I call a "Trade Brand Name" shotgun. A "Trade Brand Name" shotgun is one that was made by a major gun maker and before 1940 for and was sold by a wholesale or retail sporting goods dealer who chose the name to go on the gun. There was no Robinson Arms Company. The gun was made by the Crescent Fire Arms Company of Norwich,CT (1892 to 1931) the largest maker ever of such shotguns making over 2.000,000 shotguns using over 450 known names. Who the gun was made for or sold by, I have no information (yet). As to age, look on the lower tang just behind the trigger guard for the serial number. Give me that and I can tell you when the gun was made. As to the value, the value of these old single shots is determined by the guns condition, the amount of original finish remaining on the metal and wood as well as the mechanical condition. A prime example 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 a fire place poker might bring as little as $10. A word of caution. These old guns were designed and made using the technology and metallurgy of the times when they were made. The gun may have a damascus barrel chambered for a 2 1/2 inch shell loaded with either black powder or early low pressure smokeless powder and lead shot. It was not designed for more modern high pressure smokeless powder or steel shot. I have to recommend that the gun not be fired but if you insist, please have it checked out by a good competent gunsmith first.
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  • 65mg
    Thanks for the info and advice. No intention of firing the gun just trying to do a little research for my father in-law. The number on the guard is A4164 the barrel is stamped with 4164. The company name really reads Robinson Bros. & Co.

    Could you tell me where to look for information on an old double barrel that has no markings at all?
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  • Ned Fall
    O.K. according to my serial number-year made tables, the gun was made in 1897. I did a little bit research and it could have possibly have been made for and sold by a Marcus W. Robinson, a dealer located in New York City from 1889 to 1910. No way of knowing for sure if this is correct. Where to look for markings? Look on the bottom of the barrel(s) under the forearm. Guns made in Europe will have proof marks stamped there. The letters "ELG" in an oval with a crown over that while English made guns will have either crossed scepters or crossed halberds (spear/battle axe) with a crown over that and letters in the intersections.American made guns will have no proof marks. Also look on the main frame for any markings.
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