American Arms Double Hammer

[Hunting Traditions]

I am interested in any information I can get on American Arms side by side, double hammered, 12 gauge shotguns. I have been told this gun was manufactured in New York. The gun belonged to my grandfather, whom I was never fortunate enough to meet, as he died in a construction accident before I was born. The gun has a great sentimental value to me, but I am interested in the monetary value, as I am being asked to swap a Remington 1100 12 gauge for it. I know the sentimental value certainly outweighs the monetary value, but it would help if I know I am not being totally taken to the farm.

 

[jaguarxk120]

American Arms Co., Boston, Mass. made a semi-hammerless double from 1892 to 1901 with twist barrels.
The gun has a cocking lever that cocks the firing pins. Comes in 12 gauge with 30 inch barrels. V.G. $1300, Good $550, Fair $250.

Do the barrels swing down when opening or to the side when opening?

 

[Hunting Traditions]

I have only seen the gun twice and I believe it breaks open like a traditional double barrell. My uncle has it and he states he currently shoots it, but from what I read about these older guns, it can cause damage to them. I will see the gun tonight and check it out closely. Is there certain things I need to look for?

 

[jaguarxk120]

Take note of any markings on the gun. Barrel length, stock checkering, and any markings (logo) on the butt plate.

I am getting my information from the Standard Catalog of Firearms. If you have that much sentimental value for the gun then don't even consider trading it. If you sell/trade it there is nothing in the world to replace that.

Any way 1100's are a dime a dozen, come and go just as the sun comes up every morning.

 

[Ryanxia]

Personally I've come across a lot more 1100's than double barrels with external hammers.

 

[Ron James]

Make sure you are getting the name right, There is an American Gun Company label also. Different gun.

 

[Hunting Traditions]

Thank you all for the input. The gun is an American Gun Company - New York. It has a full choke on the left barrell and a modify choke on the right barrell. The wood is in fairly good confition, with no cracking or chips, although the finish is horrible. The serial number is 192867, which is on the reciever under teh barrels and on the forestock, both wood and metal. The gun has been painted with camo paint, whcih is thick, so I have not found anything on the barrells yet. The barrells fit tightly on the reciever and there is no play. Over all I would say for the age of the gun it is in pretty good condition and since my uncle has been shooting it, I know the barrels are not damascus.

I did make the trade, since the sentimental alue was far greater than any monetary value. I ended up trading a scoped 870 express magnum, which had no sentimental value at all.

 

[Two Old Dogs]

American Gun Company was a house trade brand of H. & D. Folsom Arms Company of NY and made by their subsidiary, Crescent Fire Arms Company of Norwich, CT in the period 1893-1930.

Significant information about H. & D. Folsom Arms Company, Crescent Fire Arms Company and American Gun Company branded products can be found at this website:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=308330

Shotguns of this era may have Damascus, Twist or Laminated Steel barrels which are not considered safe with modern ammunition. Even if the gun has fluid steel barrels, the chambers may be shorter than today's 2 3/4" length shells. If using is contemplated, an evaluation by a competent gunsmith to determine barrel steel composition and chamber length is recommended. Modern 2 ¾” shells fired in a short chamber produces dangerously high pressures and can damage the gun and possibly injure the shooter or bystanders. If deemed safe to use, only light field or target loads can be recommended.

Retail value would range from $100 to $300 depending on mechanical and bore condition and remaining original wood and metal finish. Small gauges command a premium.