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Chatham Arms Co

klw67
Hello,
I need to find some info on a Chatham Arms side by side, I can't find any numbers on this gun. But in between the 2 barrels on top it says Twelve Belgium. Just found numbers under left barrel 197. This gun has exposed hammers and 2 triggers and is in rough shape ( Surface rust). Where can I find info on this gun? Thanks, Kevin
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  • rufe-snow
    Probably Utility Grade Belgian shotgun, most likely with Damascus barrels. They were imported in great numbers from the 1890's until the German invasion of Belgium in 1914. Sears and other large importers/distributors sold them inexpensively between $10 & $20. Little interest/value to collectors, other then as a decorator/wall hanger. Unsafe to shoot with modern ammo.
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  • Ned Fall
    The only information I can find in two references for the name Chatham Arms Co is that the gun is a "Trade Brand Name" shotgun made by the Crescent Fire Arms Co of Norwich,CT (1892 to 1932) and it was made for and sold by the H & D Folsome Company of New York City a large wholesale and retail sporting goods dealer who also owned Crescent. It is possible that Folsome imported the gun from Belgium although there is no mention of that. Look at the bottom of the barrels under the forearm for any proof marks. If there are the letters "ELG" in an oval with a crown over that hen the gun was made in Belgium
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  • klw67
    Thanks for the answers gentlemen, this gun is in rough shape and belongs to a friend.
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