Original U.S. Antique Remington Model 1894 Grade A Double Barrel 12 Gauge Hammerless Shotgun Made in 1897 - Serial 104883

Original Item: Only One Available. Made prior to 1899, this very nice 12 gauge shotgun is Federally classed as antique ANTIQUE. The Remington Model 1894 Double Barreled shotgun was the first "hammerless" shotgun they would produce, and is really a "Forgotten Classic" American Shotgun.

For most of the 19th Century, Shotguns had not been a big market for American gun makers, due to the well-developed import trade coming out of England. However, in 1883, U.S. Congress imposed a 35% on imported firearms, and the American arms industry was quick to respond. Remington was America's oldest gunmaker, and had in fact been making top-break double shotguns since 1874, so they were already in production at this watershed moment, and quickly produced a number of different models. After the model 1889, it was clear that the days of external hammer shotguns was over, and they quickly developed the model 1894 to supplant it.

Remington offered it in six grades, lettered from A (the lowest) to F (the highest). These would have increasing levels of engraving and decoration, for someone who wanted a gun that was just as much of a showpiece as a functional item. This fine shotgun does not have any engraving on the frame, which indicates that it is a grade "A", the only one without engraving, and it has the standard "damascus" steel barrels. Both barrels are marked A on on the bottom, and there is also an A over the serial number, so this is definitely a grade A.

Each side of the receiver frame is marked REMINGTON ARMS CO., as standard, and it is also marked REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION N.Y. U.S.A. on the center strap between the barrels. It has a brown "Gutta Percha" hard rubber checkered Butt plate with the R.A. script monogram in the center. The shotgun is overall in very nice condition, good markings under the barrel, including Serial number 104883, which is also marked on the receiver "water table", the trigger guard tang, and on the fore stock fittings. This indicates it was produced in 1897, which ran from serial number 104,145 to 106,916. Production eventually ended in 1910 with approximately 42,000 being made, so this example is quite early and production, and definitively considered a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF.

The gun breaks down as it should, and is fully functional as best we can tell. The ejector presents properly when the action is broken open, and both sides are cocked, with the safety moved to the SAFE position. Moving the safety to the firing position allows both sides to dry fire. The 12 gauge barrels have 3 inch chambers, and are in good condition, with some wear and powder fowling present, which has been mostly cleaned away.

Condition is quite nice, with a nice finish on the metal and wood. The metalwork was originally case colored on the frame, which is now only retained inside the barrel joint, and on the attaching iron for the fore stock. The Damascus barrels still show a lovely pattern, with some areas darker than others due to handling and oxidation. There are not any signs of major cleaning or restoration to the metalwork, giving it a lovely "rested" look. The stocks are in good shape, showing moderate wear, which has made the checkering on the pistol grip area of the butt stock and fore grip a bit faint due to dirt and old wax. There is no damage such as repairs and cracks, and they have a lovely aged color.

Very nice and fully cleaned, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Ammunition Type: 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Barrel Length: 30 inches with 3 inch chambers
Overall Length: 46 1/2 inches
Action: Hammerless Side by Side.
Feed System: Top Break Single Shot - two barrels