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help identifying OLD shotguns

scorpio_vette

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2009
Messages
635
Location
nowhere
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so this weekend i picked up 2 roughly 100year old 12ga single barrel shotguns.

they're the ones that "fold" open in the center (break action???). they need some SERIOUS SERIOUS SERIOUS cleaning and polishing, but seem to be fully functional as far as i can tell.

can anybody help me locate some information on these 2 guns???

Here is all the information that i was able to find stamped into the 2 guns.

hopkins & allen arms company
norwichconn usa
serial# A8128



Springfield Arms company
Chicopee falls. mass. usa
patent 1787004



DSC_7533.jpg

DSC_7534.jpg

DSC_7537.jpg

DSC_7538.jpg



and then 1 of the two guns has this little lever that allows you to take off a piece. can somebody explain to me what it is, or what it's purpose is???
DSC_7539.jpg

DSC_7540.jpg

DSC_7541.jpg
 

marshaul

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Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
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Fairfax County, Virginia
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Seems like you've already identified them. :p

I'm not sure what you're looking for.

According to the internets,

The roll markings of Hopkins and Allen Manufacturing Co. was used from 1868 to 1898. Hopkins and Allen Arms Co. was used from 1898 to early 1900s.

They were budget shotguns. Supposedly the line was discontinued in 1916 when Marlin bought the bankrupt company.

Don't know anything about the Springfield. It's a Springfield. And it's old. And, it's probably not worth very much.

Edit: I think the handguard comes off like that so that it doesn't have to be attached to the stock or receiver. Thus, no hinge needed at the pivot point for the handguard. Just a guess from the photos without having it in my hands.
 

scorpio_vette

Regular Member
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i was hoping to find some history on them as far as how old (not sure how close it's possible to date them), worth, etc...

was also wondering if the one with the serial number would tell us anything about it if there was some way to look up serial number information.
 

architect

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Mar 19, 2008
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Falls Church, Virginia, USA
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> 1 of the two guns has this little lever that allows you to take off a piece. can somebody explain to me what it is, or what it's purpose is???

Break the gun open with the "piece" removed. Surprise! It comes apart! Many side-by-side doubles work the same way.
 

marshaul

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Joined
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Messages
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Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
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architect wrote:
> 1 of the two guns has this little lever that allows you to take off a piece. can somebody explain to me what it is, or what it's purpose is???

Break the gun open with the "piece" removed.  Surprise! It comes apart! Many side-by-side doubles work the same way.
Ah, clever.
 
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