45Broomhandle
October 27, 2009, 12:51 PM
From the late 1800s up until 1945 the Hamilton Rifle Company in Plymouth, MI pumped out more than a million inexpensive little .22rf single-shot rifles. Their most popular rifle was the NO.27, often used as a "gift" for youngsters who would sell cans of White Clover Salve, or other such product, in order to "win" one of these fine rifles.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/HAMILTON/CORRECTHAMILTON27AD_edited.jpg
It proved to be a VERY popular item so Hamilton decided to make an "Improved" model designated as the NO.027. It had a much better stock than the flat board type of the 27, and other minor changes. It sold for 25-cents more than the 27.
Supposedly none of the MANY Hamilton guns were stamped with a MODEL number, they simply called each gun NO.027, or whatever. I've got TWO of those 027s which are stamped as MODEL 027...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/HAMILTON/HAMILTON027VAR2.jpg
Each of these guns have stamped just in front of that large takedown bolt, what I can only describe "inspectors' initials." BRB on the top gun, and TOA on the bottom gun.
I've discussed these guns with both Jim who has the very informative Hamilton website, and Wes, former employee of Hamilton Rifle and furnished many of the pictures on the website. Both men said they had seen such 027s, but had no idea when they were made or why the different stampings.
I'd greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who might have some concrete info on this unusual stamping, or even know of another one's existence.
Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle
When I die I want to die like my Grandpa, who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/HAMILTON/CORRECTHAMILTON27AD_edited.jpg
It proved to be a VERY popular item so Hamilton decided to make an "Improved" model designated as the NO.027. It had a much better stock than the flat board type of the 27, and other minor changes. It sold for 25-cents more than the 27.
Supposedly none of the MANY Hamilton guns were stamped with a MODEL number, they simply called each gun NO.027, or whatever. I've got TWO of those 027s which are stamped as MODEL 027...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/HAMILTON/HAMILTON027VAR2.jpg
Each of these guns have stamped just in front of that large takedown bolt, what I can only describe "inspectors' initials." BRB on the top gun, and TOA on the bottom gun.
I've discussed these guns with both Jim who has the very informative Hamilton website, and Wes, former employee of Hamilton Rifle and furnished many of the pictures on the website. Both men said they had seen such 027s, but had no idea when they were made or why the different stampings.
I'd greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who might have some concrete info on this unusual stamping, or even know of another one's existence.
Best regards ~ ~ ~ 45Broomhandle
When I die I want to die like my Grandpa, who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.
