Spencer Shotgun ?
I have a Spencer repeating shotgun with a serial #4xxx. My literature says that this should be a Bannerman but the same time it says all Bannerman's actually say Bannerman on the side of the reciever. Mine does not. My gun also has a well worn nickel plated brass reciever which I can find no mention of in my sources. All production was supposedly in steel. Any info on this historical gun is appreciated.
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WHAT DOES YOUR SPENCER SAY...? SPENCER ARMS COMPANY????? OR SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE COMPANY....? OR MAYBE SPENCER GUN COMPANY....? OR SPENCER-ROPER SHOTGUN COMPANY...?...We have to ascertain as to just what Spencer You have...Look it over and let us know....I/We have to know every letter and number and where its located...I/We can only see thru your eyes...so be specific....You might have a real collector here...I/We await your pleasure.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
Capt Kirk,
The only identification on the firearm is found on top of the barrel near the receiver. It reads "SPENCER ARMS CO,WINDSOR,CT,U.S.A.PAT.APR.1882." There are no other external markings other than the serial number (404x) found on the right front of the brass frame between the barrel and the magazine tube. The stock looks like a fiddleback walnut unlike other walnut that I've seen. The barrel appears to be a 4 ply Damascus but i'm unsure of exactly how to count it. I just look in areas where I can see where the plys are folded back on each other. The forearm appears to be of the infamous hard rubber construction. There is no gauge designation and the barrel appears to be 30" long. Given this more complete description I hope that someone can help me with a Model designation and other "trivia"!!!!!0 -
Here's what I know about all the different Spencers...You can sort'em out..
1. Spencer Arms company--Windsor, Connecticut, circa 1886-1888, Makers of Repeating Shotguns..Black Powder Shells, Various guages..No mention of Damascus or Fluid Steel used in Barrels...
2. SPENCER GUN CO.- Trade name used by Hibbard & Spencer Bartlett on Shotguns made by Crescent Fire Arms Company, circa 1900.....
3. Spencer Repeating Rifle Company - Boston, Mass., from 1862 until it was purchased by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1869..Spencer was also associated with the Roper Repeating [Arms or Gun]??Company which for a time made the Spencer-Roper Shotgun..
4. SPENCER SAFETY HAMMERLESS---Trade name used by the Columbia Armory, Columbia, Tennessee on revolvers...circa 1892
5. And deep down in my database I've got this tidbit buried..I think its from Flayderman's Guide..
Spencer Arms Company, Windsor, Connecticut. circa 1882-1889. FIRST successful American Slide or "pump" action repeating shotgun. An interesting and important collector's item from the historical viewpoint. It achieved a modicum of popularity in the mid-1880's and may be said to be the 1st widely sold and publically accepted repeater, leading to the end of the supremacy of the double barrel shotgun. Invented by Christopher M. Spencer, who was noted for His famed Civil War Spencer Carbines and Rifles...The Spencer Arms Co., Shotgun was offered in Both Solid and Takedown Models..The Take-Down Model is Worth about 25% More than the Solid Frame Model. Also was made in Varying Grades..Meaning Engraving, Wood, Checkering...The 12 Guage was the most Popular and are found most often...The 10 Guage is the Rarest and most sought after, and bring a Primium....
Experiancing financial dificulties, Spencer Patents were bought by the Famed Military Equiptment Dealer Francis Bannerman and Sons of new York in 1890 who continued to produce the Shotgun until around 1907/08. These Bannerman Made Models are Worth about 20% Les than the
SPENCER Arms Co., marked Shotguns...
Sorry to say...I can find nothing mentioning the use of Brass for a frame...!..But at least you now know about the different Spencer's and the guns made under that particular name...Sorry I can't be of more help in this quest....I'd suggest that you contact one of the Historical Societies or Spencer Collector Societies...With a little dilligent searching you should be able to find one online.....Best...
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0
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