Help me ID this shotgun

[CommanderPoopyduX]

I have had my grandpa's old double barrel shotgun for a while now, and I figured I need to know as much about it as I can. I believe he bought this gun used in the 1920s, but I could be off. The side of the receiver is marked "American Gun Co New York.". The top of the barrel is marked "Genuine Laminated Steel" and "Choke Bored". It appears to be a 12 gauge.

I know it isn't much, but can anybody tell me anything about this gun? (when it was made, what model, etc). Also, I would never sell it since my Grandpa got it when he was a kid, but what is it worth?

Also, can I shoot this, and if so, what can be shot from it without worrying about damaging the barrel? I have some low recoil 00 Buck, but I'm afraid even that would be too much. Could some weak bird shot be fired, or do they make old timey style shotgun shells for firing from these old guns?

Thanks and if you need any more info/pictures, let me know.

 

[Fred Fuller]

The "laminated steel" marking means no smokeless powder for this one. To be on the safe side, it needs to be checked out by a good 'smith even if you plan to shoot it with black powder.

As to the Manufacturer and date, I'll leave that to someone more in the know.

lpl/nc

 

[Smitty in CT]

The "laminated steel" was another name used for Damascus barrels:

Barrel tubes built up by twisting alternate strips of iron and steel around a fixed rod (mandrel) and welding them together in varying combinations according to the intended quality and the skill of the maker. The rod was withdrawn, the interior reamed and the exterior filed until the finished tube was achieved. Damascus barrels may be recognized by any of a variety of twist or spiral patterns visible in the surface of the steel. Before the 20th century, barrels were typically built in this manner because gunmakers did not have the technology to drill a deep hole the full length of a bar of steel without coming out the side.

Damascus barrels were usually intended for use with black powder---the standard of the day. The contour of the barrel wall thickness, intended for the fast explosion of black powder, was quite thick at the breech and tapered thinner towards the muzzle. It is not advisable to shoot modern smokeless powder in a damascus barrel. Apart from giving due deference to the age of such barrels and to the method of their construction, smokeless powder burns more slowly, lowering the pressure at the breech end, but considerably raising it further down the barrel to a level such barrels were rarely designed to handle

DO NOT shoot this gun using modern shot shells, there are low power rounds available, but if it was up to me, I would not risk damaging my "gampa's shotgun".

As far as value, I'm sure there will be others on here much more qualified & knowledgeable than me to give you an estimate.

It is a great looking gun!!!

 

[Oldnamvet]

From another source:

"The American Gun Company was the "house brand" of H&D Folsom Sporting Goods, New York City, c. 1895-1930. The guns were manufactured by Crescent Arms, Norwich, Connecticut.

Their single barrel shotguns sold for less than $10 when new. Their double barrel shotguns sold for $10-$15 when new.

Old trade-name shotguns are not generally collected and not safe with modern ammunition, so are valued solely as a mantle ornament.

The value of these guns if they are broken, badly worn, or rusty is less than $50. In like-new condition, it might be over $200. In "average" condition, it would probably be about $125.

Some people have asked about "genuine Damascus barrels." Before the invention of fluid steel barrels, shotgun barrels were made by winding strips of metal or wires around a mandrel and hammer-welding them. There were several different styles and damascus barrels were the best type of hammer-welded barrels available. In fact, they were better than some inexpensively-made fluid steel. But they cannot withstand the pressures created by smokeless powder and are generally considered unsafe by modern standards.

Here's verbatum from Standard Catalog of Firearms:

"American Gun Co. / Norwich, Connecticut / Crescent Firearms Co - Maker / H & D Folsom Co - Distributor / Side x Side Shotgun

"A typical trade gun made around the turn of the century by the Crescent Firearms Co. to be distributed by H & D Folsom. These are sometimes known as 'hardware store guns,' as that is where many were sold. This particular gun was chambered for 12, 16, and 20 gauges and was produced with or without external hammers. The length of the barrels varied, as did the chokes. Some were produced with Damascus barrels; some, with fluid steel. The latter are worth approximately 25% more."

Although not mentioned in this listing, there were also single shot break action shotguns similar in configuration. Since these are not collected, why would anyone pay more for one of them than they would for a new utility grade shotgun? $80 for a single shot, $250 for a double.



If you need parts, check the yellow pages for gunsmiths or go to a local gunshow. Be prepared to spend about twice the value of the repaired gun. "

 

[Dave McCracken]

A couple things....

Crescents were very cheap guns, and do not hold up to much shooting.

This should not be fired wtih ANY modern ammo. And, I'd skip BP loads also.

However, there are a few ways to get this out and shoot it without danger or chance of damage to your heirloom.

Various sub gauge devices are out there that fit into a shotgun barrel and enable one to chamber and fire smaller cartridges. A common one is from 12 to 20 gauge. Skeet shooters oft use a 12 gauge and have sub gauge tubes in 20 and 28 gauges and 410 bore.

You should.....

Get a good smith to go over this and certify the sears are not worn to the point of danger.

Contact Briley, explain that you want to fire your ancestor's Damascus barreled Crescent and would like some info on gauge adapters and sub gauge tubes.

It won't be cheap, but you may salvage your heirloom and make it usable.

BTW, I've handled and shot a few Crescents with steel barrels. Despite the cheapness they pointed nicely and hit well for me..

HTH....