Old shotgun info needed.

[ontarget]

I picked up an old shotgun today and I was hoping someone could help me out with some info on it. It is a single barrel break open action. Has a damascus barrel, and is stamped AM ARMS CO. BOSTON PAT. MAR. 21 1882 Serial number is 31XX. It looks to be a 12 GA. She is not labeled with any other info, and is definitely a wall hanger but any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ron James]

Don't know, obviously, it is a trade name shotgun ( One that is labeled with a name other than the manufactures , think of J.C. Higgins and Sears ) but I can find no reference to a AM Arms Co. One thing you can do to narrow the field, pull the forearm and look for any markings on the water table or " Flats ". If there are any markings such as proof markings post a picture or describe them. If no markings then it is U.S. made. One marking that might be there ( might not ) is the letters ELG in a circle or oval.

 

[Dr.Rob]

http://www.american-firearms.com/am...A/American Arms Co/American Arms Co-1861.html

This sounds right, scroll all the way down.

 

[ontarget]

Thank you for the help guys, any future info is welcome. BTW, the gun also seems to be missing some sort of lever or safety or something on the left hand side as it has a square peg that is threaded in the center like there should be something on it and the side plate of the action is removable with 2 screws holding it in place.

 

[waidmann]

American Arms Co. manufacturers of shotguns and derringers was located in Boston 1873-93. In Milwaukee 1893-1901 when they were purchased by Marlin.

 

[Jim K]

Deleted.

 

[Ron James]

However I believe that American Arms was always spelled out, The Initials AM by it self was never used, Could be wrong, been wrong before. Going on that it could also be American Gun Company but it too was always spelled out, or even perhaps Americus ( used by H&A). Don't know, maybe?