Rabbit Ear

[MtnCreek]

I've got an old side x side rabbit ear shotgun. It's marked "ACME Arms Co., Belgium". The rib on the barrel is marked "BELGIUM-BINB-DAMASCUS". Appears to be a 12ga / 32" bl. There's a good bit of engraving on the reciever. Any info would be great.
Thanks.

 

[Talin342]

Can't help ya, but I think that it's hilarious that it's a RABBIT EAR shotgun made by ACME! You should name it Bugs.

 

[MtnCreek]

I think 'Bugs' is a keeper. Should be great for Wabbit Hunting!

 

[Dr.Rob]

This is one of many "hardware store" shotguns sold in the 1890's by HD Folsom Arms CO, starting in 1894, they stopped importing/out of business by 1914.

Most examples at auction have sold for under $200, even in great shape. I wouldn't plan on shooting it as those damascus barrels are rated for black powder and after 100 years micro fractures/weak spots/rust can be lurking in the laminated overlays of the barrel. It would cost more than it is worth to have a gunsmith 'check it out'.

Briley will apaprently re-line old damascus barrels so you have the look without the danger, but again it's an expensive process.

 

[forgetitohio]

I have my G-father's 12GA. sold by American Gun Co.NY. It has wabbit ears.(sorry)
It was made by Crescent; somewhere along the line HD Folsom Arms Co. had something to do with it. It came from Sears 1905??
Here's a link of old guns made by Crescent sold under a different name.

http://www.gun-data.com/Crescent_arms_shotguns.html

I just couldn't help it. LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2VMqQ6XnmI&feature=related

Tradename of H. & D. Folsom Sporting Goods. Probably manufactured by Crescent Fire Amrs Co., Norwich or import from Belgium or both. It is believed, that those made with Armory Steel barrels were Belgian made and those with damascus barrels were American made. Sold were single and double barrel shotguns for less than $10 (single barrel) and for $10 to 15 (double barrel). Tradename guns do not have much collector interest.

12 Gauge, double action SXS shotgun, side hammer, 30" steel barrel, marked AMERICAN GUN CO. NEW YORK on the right frame

You do have a Acme Arms wabbit gun.

Tradename used by J. Stevens Arms Co. and Cornwall Hardware Co.

.22 short r.f., 7 shoot single action revolver, spur trigger, solid frame
.32 short r.f., 5 shot single action revolver, spur trigger, solid frame
12 gauge shotgun, damascus double barrel. somes or all? were made from belgium steel.

http://www.american-firearms.com/american-firearms/IE6/START.html

 

[JoeMal]

Does a red flag that says 'BANG' pop out when you pull the trigger?

 

[Ron James]

From the late 1880 until 1911 Belgium shotguns were imported by the shipload to the U.S., in fact many times the entire ships manifest was nothing but Belgium shotguns. While some of these were made by recognised makers, most were made by consortium's. There were hundreds of small cottage type gun makers in Belgium at the time, none of which were capable of producing large orders. So C0-Op's was created, some shops would make nothing but barrels, others action parts, others stocks and yet other shops would put them together. They were sold under under hundreds of different " Trade Names or Store Brand " names {over 400 recorded at the present time }. The engraving is most likely what is called " bench engraving" , done right at the assembly bench in a matter of minutes. The Trade Name " Acme Arms Co. ( There was no Acme Arms Co. ) was a common trade name used by several retailers of the time. Most serious shot gunners do not trust Damascus barrels for modern shells, only for very light loads and black powder. Even if a 2 3/4 inch shell will fit it is likely chambered for the 2 5/8 inch shell. The use of anything else will raise the chamber pressure dangerously high for those old welded iron barrels. Most of these old Belgium shotguns do not have a high value. If in excellent condition maybe 2 to 300.

 

[B yond]

Just keep it away from the coyote.


That bugger'll jump off a cliff with it.

 

[foghornl]

I was thinking that might be Wile E. Coyote's shotgun (GRIN!)

Yes, that one is strictly a wall-hanger, unless as Dr. Rob suggested, a barrel re-line. Not sure i would even tempt fate with very-low power blackpowder loads. Those barrels COULD be rusted, micro-fractured, etc...and touching off a round would be ahhhhhhh "Exciting"............ and not in a good way

 

[MonthOfAngle]

Any pics?

 

[weitzfc]

i have a acme belgium double in 16 gauge . i shoot paper and brass shotgun shells with it in black powder. i rang the barrels and had a gunsmith look at it , and he gave the ok. i,ve taken rabbit ,squirrel and pheasant with it and being light is a pleasure to carry.