Hopkins & Allen Tip-Up 12 Gauge Single-Shot Shotgun | Circa 1902–1915
This Hopkins & Allen Tip-Up single-barrel shotgun is an early 20th-century American utility gun distinguished by its break-open “tip-up” action, external hammer, and Forehand-pattern sliding side-bolt lock. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 26.5-inch blued barrel and case-colored receiver, it represents the straightforward, workhorse design that made Hopkins & Allen a common name before the company’s 1916 bankruptcy.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor – Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Specific Condition Notes: The barrel and receiver show heavy surface rust. The bore is heavily fouled. The walnut buttstock has a visible crack. This shotgun will require extensive restoration and a qualified gunsmith’s inspection before it can be fired.
What’s Included
- Hopkins & Allen Tip-Up 12 Gauge single-shot shotgun (serial prefix K8722)
Built in Norwich, Connecticut, this full-size shotgun uses a break-open action secured by a sliding side-bolt. The mechanism, borrowed from Forehand & Wadsworth designs, was known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance.
The 26.5-inch carbon-steel barrel wears a blued finish topped with a brass bead front sight. Beneath the breech face sits an automatic extractor that lifts spent shells for quick removal after each shot.
The case-colored carbon-steel receiver houses an external hammer and single trigger. When opened, the barrel tips upward, hinging at the forward lug for straightforward loading of a single 12-gauge shell.
Furniture is walnut, featuring a semi-pistol-grip buttstock and matching fore-end. While the stock now shows a crack, the original woodwork illustrates the practical styling typical of Hopkins & Allen shotguns from this era.