Old Smithsonian

4473 Views 15 Replies 7 Participants Last post by bovoy45746, 7 d ago

tjbriggs

Discussion Starter · Aug 19, 2012

Today I went to the local pawn shop looking for a 12 gauge single shot. I noticed a decent double barrel with internal hammers for about $250, so I got it, its in decent condition, I'll put pictures up soon. Anyway the only markings on it is Smithsonian, I bought it specifically for hunting small game and turkey, I can't find any reviews on this gun, only thing I found was it's made by Crescent.

Reactions: 1

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

springfield 745

· #2 · Aug 20, 2012

crescent

tjbriggs said:
Today I went to the local pawn shop looking for a 12 gauge single shot. I noticed a decent double barrel with internal hammers for about $250, so I got it, its in decent condition, I'll put pictures up soon. Anyway the only markings on it is Smithsonian, I bought it specifically for hunting small game and turkey, I can't find any reviews on this gun, only thing I found was it's made by Crescent.

They were a pretty good gun, hopefully not damascus barrels?? the only thing to look for is the main spring.. some were flat, and some were coil.. obviously, the flat ones were first and then the coil.. I wouldn't have a problem shooting the coiled hammers, but the flat, I would leave for the collectors down the road... made get a lighter load, depending on the thickness of the barrels...

have fun with it..

Reactions: 1

springfield 745

· #3 · Aug 20, 2012

tjbriggs said:
Today I went to the local pawn shop looking for a 12 gauge single shot. I noticed a decent double barrel with internal hammers for about $250, so I got it, its in decent condition, I'll put pictures up soon. Anyway the only markings on it is Smithsonian, I bought it specifically for hunting small game and turkey, I can't find any reviews on this gun, only thing I found was it's made by Crescent.

Crescent made guns from 1888 - 1940- Most of which were sold through many hardware stores and sporting good stores with their name one it.. The Smithsonian is a trademark name through that company.. Many, many different names on these guns...unfortunately, all valued about the same..No real records were kept and millions were made.. I can not help the serial, but you can make that choice with what you have...

tjbriggs

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 20, 2012

how would I know what the springs are like? If it's a problem I can return it for store credit and probably get two Brazil single shot 12 gauges

springfield 745

· #5 · Aug 20, 2012

tjbriggs said:
how would I know what the springs are like? If it's a problem I can return it for store credit and probably get two Brazil single shot 12 gauges

take it apart and look..

tjbriggs

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 20, 2012

makes sense.. Now about the damascus barrels? There's no stampings on the gun except Smithsonian

springfield 745

· #7 · Aug 20, 2012

tjbriggs said:
makes sense.. Now about the damascus barrels? There's no stampings on the gun except Smithsonian

damascus barrels will have a wavey look to them as the lines go around the barrel.. if you can imagine, iron being heated up and hit with a hammer many times.. As with each hit of the hammer, a new line, or wrinkle will appear in the iron.. thats how they were made and will not take modern loads... just google damascus barrels and it will show you...

Reactions: 1

tjbriggs

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 21, 2012

Doesnt have Damascus barrels, is this gun alright to shoot with steel shot? If I can shoot Winchester 12 gauge shells with no problem that's all I need to know.

springfield 745

· #9 · Aug 22, 2012

tjbriggs said:
Doesnt have Damascus barrels, is this gun alright to shoot with steel shot? If I can shoot Winchester 12 gauge shells with no problem that's all I need to know.

SHOULD be fine< as long as the barrels and the breach lock tight. no slop at all..< I would use a lighter load to be on the safe side.. Maybe a Dram of 2 3/4 or 3.. nothing more than that..

SUBMOA

· #10 · Aug 22, 2012

When you are not quite sure if it is ok to shoot I would take it to a competent gun smith. The fee should be minimual and the savings could be huge.

tjbriggs

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 22, 2012

only thing is that the barrels wiggle a little bit when its closed. Took it to Targetworld, an associate said since it has internal hammers it cant be too old, doesn't have damascus barrels, and that it should be fine just don't shoot slugs or triple ought buckshot

lefty o

· #12 · Aug 23, 2012

it is best to not shoot steel shot through guns not made for it.

Reactions: 1

springfield 745

· #13 · Aug 23, 2012

tjbriggs said:
only thing is that the barrels wiggle a little bit when its closed. Took it to Targetworld, an associate said since it has internal hammers it cant be too old, doesn't have damascus barrels, and that it should be fine just don't shoot slugs or triple ought buckshot

I think I would be carefull, that wiggle could turn into a bomb in your face..

slimboslice4

· #14 · 13 d ago

tjbriggs said:
how would I know what the springs are like? If it's a problem I can return it for store credit and probably get two Brazil single shot 12 gauges

i have a Smithsonian 12 gauge single barrel shot gun i know it is over eighty years old, it was my fathers shot gun and he is 90 years old .My dad said it was his dads shot gun .i was wondering if anyone knows where i can get the wood piece thats under the barrel. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED

neophyte

· #15 · 13 d ago

slimboslice4: Sir; stop by Introduction

share a few words about yourself;

Thanks,
Craig

information:

https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/i-have-a-single-barrel-410-shotgun-that-says-smithsonian-on-it-and-has-anot...-394838.html

Smithsonian was a trade name used by Crescent Fire Arms Company on their Model 10 single barrel shotgun. It was also used by Crescent's successor, Crescent-Davis Arms Corporation.
This shotgun is likely to be chambered for the 2 1/2"
410 bore shell only.
The .410 bore 2 1/2" shot shell was introduced in the 1915 time frame. The 3" .410 bore shell was introduced by Winchester-Western in 1933. Prior to 1915, the 2” .410 bore Eley cartridge (12 mm) had been imported from England and chambered in a few shotguns by Harrington and Richardson Arms Company and J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company.
Any .410 bore gun produced between circa 1900 and 1935 will be chambered for the 2” Eley cartridge (12 mm) or the 2 1/2" shell only and should not be fired with a 3" .410 bore shell. Firing the 3" shell in a short chamber will create dangerous pressures that could damage the gun and injure the shooter or bystanders. If contemplating using a .410 bore gun made in the 1900-1935 era,

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bovoy45746

· #16 · 7 d ago

Wow, that sounds like quite a find at the pawn shop! The double barrel shotgun with internal hammers for $250 sounds like a great deal. It's intriguing that it's marked as "Smithsonian" and made by Crescent. It's always exciting to come across unique firearms like this. I hope it performs well for your hunting adventures targeting small game and turkey. Looking forward to seeing the pictures soon! Happy hunting!

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