ID Help, H*A & Co shotgun

[Dave Schutz]

Any help in identifying a single barrel 12 Ga break single-action shotgun would be appreciated. The only markings I can find are "H*A & Co" on the buttplate and very faint stamping "LONG RANGE VA???" just behind the takedown screw, which has a lever handle similar to the break lever. I can't even tell for certain how many ?'s there are in the "VA???". The serial number is "XXX 92", and is the only stamping that is really legible. In all details, it's pretty typical of late 1800's/early 1900's shotguns of that style, and it appears to be from pretty much the turn of that century (it was my grandfather's, and I'm 66).

 

[terry264]

Hi Dave, my guess is that it was made by Hopkins & Allen, not sure though.

 

[Dave Schutz]

Thanks-I'll check that one out! It's a new name to me. Have you any details on when and where they did business?

 

[Oldnamvet]

Hopkins & Allen, Norwich Conn.
Established in 1868, they made a lot of spur trigger revolvers, some rifles, and decent quality single and double barrel shotguns. Some of the shotguns were sold under private brand names such as Seminole and King Nitro. They made both hammer and hammerless versions. Merwin Hulbert & Co. were also part owners of H&A back in the late 1800's.

 

[Dave Schutz]

Thanks. That'll help my digging.