Any help identifying ~100 yr old shotgun?

[circuitspore]

The story: I received this gun 15+ years ago, it belonged to my great-grandfather. He and my great grandmother ran an antiques shop, and this was a random item from the shop, not a long-cherished passed-down family relic.

12 ga, break action. "Nitro Washington" engraved on the side, "Patented August 12, 1913" on the barrel.

From what I've gathered, this a house brand shotgun, but that's about all I have. Any info on this thing? Any idea on value? (I'm expecting it to be worth next to nothing.)

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Here is a start.

http://www.gabelguns.com/QuestionsAndAnswers/ViewQuestion.asp?QuestionNumber=1115

Now we start digging yah?

 

[I whittles what I see]

The J. Stevens Arms Company (Nitro Washington) was bought by Savage in 1920. As far as I can tell your shotgun is worth about 200 bucks or so.

 

[Nugilum]

Patent Anyone?

Here's what's in the United States Patent and Trademark Office:

Patent # 1070145

 

[Ron James]

The patent date is not the date of manufacture. It could be up to 24 years newer .

 

[Jim K]

"Nitro" in those days meant the gun could be fired with smokeless powder, and usually meant the barrels were solid rather than Damascus.

But, given the age of the gun, I would strongly recommend against firing it.

Jim

 

[circuitspore]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll probably see if anyone else in the family wants it, since I have no use for it, and I'm trying to unload 'unused' things.

But, given the age of the gun, I would strongly recommend against firing it.

Yeah, wasn't planning on trying. Last thing I need is a shotgun blowing up in my face.