Empire arms co

[Firewolf]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the empire arms co? I just aquired a shotgun from my dad that was his dads and very possibly was his granddad's. The only markings are the empire arms co stamp right under the chamber and the serial number that is hidden in the wooden part that you hold on to (not the stock but the part under the barrel that you pull off first to take it apart). I appologize for not knowing the correct term. It is a 12 gage, single barrel, single shot. It's in pretty good shape... a little rust on the outside of the barrel and a spider took up residence in the barrel but otherwise fine. Chances are it is from the 1800's but I haven't been able to find out any info.

Thank you very much.

 

[Firewolf]

sorry, it's Empire State Arms co.

Thanks

 

[evbutler462]

Empire was a private brand name used by Sears for their guns many moons ago. Sears had their own factory at Meriden, CT.

Some other name brands Sears has used is Aubrey, Chicago, Colton, Eastern, Gibralter, Long Tom, plus JC Higgins, and Ted Williams. which were were made by other companies with the Sears brand stamped on them.

My reference states that some of these Empire guns were made with short chambers, 2 1/2" or 2 5/8" and would not be safe to shoot with 2 3/4" shells. Have a gunsmith measure the chamber if it is not stamped and proofed 2 3/4" before you shoot it. Also, some were made with Damascus (soft steel) barrels. Give it a place of honor out of respect for grandpa, but be sure that you know what it is safe to shoot before you pop a cap in it.

 

[Firewolf]

Hey,
Thanks for the info. I know my dad shot it when he was younger as well and I'm pretty sure it doesn't have the soft metal but I'll make sure to find out about that and what size shell it takes.

Thanks.

 

[evbutler462]

If you can find some of his old ammo, you may be able to tell what he used in it. If it was safe for him it should be safe for you. JMHO. Otherwise have it checked by a licensed gunsmith. If you don't want to go the trouble, just put it over the fireplace to remember a great man.

 

[Ron James]

Empire arms was a trade name used for guns made by Crescent Arms Co. As posted they were sold by Sears, not in the 1800's but more likely in the late 1920's. I beleve in the 1930's Sears went with the JC Higgins name. There was no Empire Gun Co. If you want more information google Crescent Firearms Co.

 

[Oldnamvet]

According to my sources, Empire was a trade name used by the Crescent Fireams Co on shotguns. Empire Arms Company was a trade name used by the H&D Folsom Arms Company on firearms made for Sears Roebuck & Co.

 

[evbutler462]

I thank both of you for setting me straight. I was using Jack O'Connor's listing of guns made for and by Sears. The time frame is correct. They dropped the name Empire before WW2.

Good posts, gents. My reference updated.

 

[Firewolf]

Hey, The age was a guess. We know my grandpa got it when he was young, at age five ish and he was born in 1914 and we're fairly sure it wasn't new when he got it. Unfourtinatly the house that might have contained the ammo is no longer in our family and they went through it when grandpa died 15 or so years ago. Dad, who gave it to me, didn't have any and he hadn't shot it since he was young. I am going to have a gunsmith check it out. I'd like to be able to use it if it's safe.

My boyfriend, when I showed him the gun, decided it was older than Jesus... ^.^

Again I really appricate the information.

 

[EddyMac]

I have just recieved an Empire Arms Shotgun (12 ga) that was my great grandfathers. He died in 1917 and the gun was handed down to his son and then my father. It is an external hammer double barrel but has a more modern shell extractor than I have seen on other shotguns from the 1800's.

My father (born 1914) remembers this from his childhood but the gun hasn't been fired since maybe the late teens to the early 1920's. He seemed to think it was from the late 1800's

It had been standing behind the door in my grandparents bedroom for as long as I can remember until they moved in 1973.

It will now reside on the wall in my family room. I don't think it is in firing condition so I will just enjoy looking at it.

 

[MisterHappy]

That age, most likely damascus barrels....

It is quite possible that it's still workable, but not nessecarily safe with modern ammo.

Look for some old ammo boxes, and complete the tableau!