Need help with this one please!

[sfield78]

I have an H.S.B. & Co. Cruso, single shot, break action with serial number 1482. How can I date this firearm? How can I determine what caliber it is? Thank you for your help.

 

[Jim Watson]

Cruso was a trade name used by either H&D Folsom or Crescent gun company for Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett hardware distributors on shotguns sold by them.

The Cruso brand name came out in 1902 but I could not find how long it stayed in use by HS&B. Maybe until 1932.

Caliber?
It is a shotgun, isn't it?
Muzzle diameter would give an idea of the gauge.
Or if you knew somebody with a selection, you could try different shells in the chamber.

 

[Jim K]

A bit the reverse, Jim. The name "Cruso" and the crowing cock were HSB trademarks, put on many products they sold, not just guns. I once tried to trace the origin but never did find out the meaning of "Cruso" or the connection of the word with HSB.

Jim

 

[sfield78]

It is a shotgun. I meant gauge size. Sorry about that.

 

[Germster]

"Cruso"? You had to sing an aria while shooting. Jeeze you guys it's as plain as the nose on your face!

Sorry.

 

[Jim K]

That's "Caruso." Just FWIW, Enrico Caruso starred in the premier of La fanciulla del West ("The Girl of the Golden West") at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1910, in the role created for him by Giacomo Puccini. Lots of guns in that opera.

Jim