Crescent Fire Arms “Gladiator” 12 Ga Single-Shot Shotgun – 1909 Trade-Name Utility Break-Action, Gunsmith Special
Produced in late 1909 under Crescent Fire Arms’ trade-name program, this “Gladiator” single-shot 12 gauge represents the era when hardware stores and mail-order catalogs sold private-labeled shotguns to America’s hunters. It features a case-colored steel receiver, blued 27.5-inch steel barrel, and walnut semi-pistol-grip stock with a beavertail forearm and embossed hunting-dog hard-rubber butt-plate. Due to heavy corrosion, this example is strictly a non-functional, gunsmith-only project or collectible display piece.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor – Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
This shotgun is currently not operational or safe to fire because of heavy pitting and general corrosion throughout the action, barrel, and small parts. It should be treated as a gunsmith’s special, parts donor, or display item only.
What’s Included
- Crescent Fire Arms Co. “Gladiator” 12 Ga single-shot shotgun
This Gladiator was marketed by the U. S. Gun Co., one of dozens of trade names Crescent produced for retailers before the First World War. The receiver is roll-stamped “PAT. 1903 U.
S. GUN CO.”—a clear indicator of its distribution channel.
The break-action design uses an exposed hammer, single trigger, extractor (no ejector), and a fixed cylinder choke, reflecting the straightforward utility shotguns preferred by rural hunters of the period.
Its case-colored receiver and blued barrel were typical finishes for Crescent, offering durability at an affordable price. Even through the corrosion, traces of original color hardening remain visible, giving insight into factory aesthetics of the 1900s.
The walnut stock shows the semi-pistol-grip profile Crescent adopted after 1907 for improved handling. Length of pull measures 14.25 inches, and the brass bead front sight is still present.
While no longer serviceable, this shotgun can serve as a reference example for collectors of early 20th-century trade-name firearms or as a parts platform for other Crescent-pattern guns.