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Post by bowslap on Aug 13, 2006 9:09:18 GMT -5
Just to show that I don't live by bow alone.. ;D
One of my prized possessions is an old 12 gauge shotgun my stepdad gave to me about 8 years ago. It's a single-shot, break-over 12 gauge manufactured by Crescent Firearms out of Norwich, Connecticut. I'd hate to guess how old this thing is...has a small stock, kicks like a mule! Haven't shot it but once, the shell ejector spring is gone, and there's some excessive movement in the break-over. Tightened up the thumbscrew, still has some movement.
Anyone have any info on this manufacturer? I'm sure they're long out of business.......there's a serial number on it, but would prefer not to post it at this time. Thanks in advance!
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Post by 4pointer on Aug 13, 2006 9:36:51 GMT -5
Crescent operated from 1893 to 1930. There doesn't seem to be any source to pinpoint dates of manufacture by serial numbers. Crescent was a subsidiary of H&D Folsom Sporting Goods, New York. Many of their products were sold through Folsom's retail outlets, but Folsom was also a large wholesale dealer and many Crescent guns were marked with the names or trademarks of other retail chains and even independent hardware stores. Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co, Chicago (1882-1962), retailed the Victor shotguns which were manufactured by Crescent Arms, Norwich, CT (1893-1930).
HOPE THIS HELPS
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Post by bowslap on Aug 13, 2006 12:08:51 GMT -5
Thanks, 4pt...that's more info than I had before.......I tell ya, this thing looks every bit of 100 years old. The stock and forearm pieces definitely show their age, would like to have the entire gun restored. If anyone else has any additional info, please post! Thanks again..'slap.....
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Post by michihunter on Aug 14, 2006 18:23:19 GMT -5
Careful with that Crescent slap!! Make sure the barrel is not Damascus or something similar. Can't handle todays loads!!  |
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Post by 4pointer on Aug 14, 2006 21:16:11 GMT -5
Careful with that Crescent slap!! Make sure the barrel is not Damascus or something similar. Can't handle todays loads!! I THINK IT IS Damascus,, BUT I'D GIT IT CHECKED OUT FIRST... GOOD POINT Michihunter ;D |
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Post by bowslap on Aug 14, 2006 21:47:35 GMT -5
Appreciate the heads up, guys......Hoosier was sayin' the same thing, no "high-brass".
In all honesty, I've only shot this particular gun once(back in '97). I didn't want to chance it again considering the amount of "slop" in the pivot for the breakover. Most likely, I'd like to do a limited restorative effort on it. It won't hurt the value, considering the fact it isn't worth squat($35 according to http://www.shotgunworld.com).....just an old, cheap shotgun. I still have the New Haven 20 gauge pump, it's very effective. I would like to expand my gun collection(no pistols or auto/semiautos-no personal need for'em).....a 12 gauge pump, a .22 rifle, a .410, and a muzzle-loader would satisfy me rather nicely.
.................'slap....
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Post by bowslap on Aug 15, 2006 16:52:45 GMT -5
Just confirmed......the gun is at the very least 100 years old......and has a Damascus barrel  .........it'll be a showpiece only. You know, now that I think about it, the one time I shot that thing, it was a game load. Kicked like a rank bull, glad I didn't fire a slug out of it. Just another excuse to get another gun(like I really NEED an excuse....) ;D ..........'slap...... |
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Post by 4pointer on Aug 15, 2006 17:45:47 GMT -5
Glad ya found out fer sure,, SAFETY FIRST |
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Post by bigskyscott on Aug 15, 2006 19:25:57 GMT -5
Glad ya found out fer sure,, SAFETY FIRST I agree 100%... Good you found out this way than the other way. Might not have been a very enjoyable experience .  |
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Post by bowslap on Aug 15, 2006 19:27:50 GMT -5
Oh yeah.....words to live by......
I still like the old gun, if only for it's historical aspect. At least it isn't one of those French guns from WW1....the (sic?) Chauchau (pronounced show-show)....now THOSE were worthless!
................'slap...
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Post by michihunter on Aug 19, 2006 12:11:18 GMT -5
The gun can still be shot Slap. Just need to load your own with bvlack powder shells. Look for a handloadeers handbook and it will give you the specs for that guuns barrel. I beleive you will want to go to 75% of the max load due to age though. |
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Post by bowslap on Aug 19, 2006 19:29:05 GMT -5
As it sits currently, it has too much play in the pivot point......needs to be bushed up if possible. It was incredibly dumb of me to shoot it when I did with that much movement. Hoosier knows a gunsmith, need to take it to him and see what, or if, can be done to rectify this. There's at least 1/8" (conservative) play .....not safe to shoot.
If it can be repaired, I will shoot it.Thanks for the reference to the Handloader's Handbook....will add that to the library!
....'slap.......
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.........it'll be a showpiece only.
