American Gun Co. Hammer Double 12 Gauge SxS — Crescent Trade-Name, External Hammers, Double Triggers, c. 1900
This American Gun Co. Hammer Double is a circa 1900, U.S.-made side-by-side 12 gauge built by Crescent Fire Arms for H&D Folsom Arms under the trade-name marking "AMERICAN GUN CO. NEW YORK." It features external hammers with checkered spurs, double triggers, extractor-only operation, and a rib-extension "doll's-head" lockup. Simple border engraving on the sidelocks and a matted top rib with a brass bead front sight round out a classic, collectible hammer gun configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Specific Condition Notes: The handguard (splinter forend) is missing. There is a large crack in the buttstock. A screw for the trigger guard is missing. A crack through the grip makes it unsafe to fire. This shotgun is being sold AS-IS.
A qualified gunsmith is recommended for repair.
What's Included
- American Gun Co. Hammer Double 12 Gauge side-by-side shotgun
Marked "AMERICAN GUN CO. NEW YORK," this hammer double represents the Crescent-made trade-name guns distributed by H&D Folsom around the turn of the 20th century. It was manufactured in the United States and aligns with the period’s straightforward working-gun design, with sidelock-style plates and simple factory border engraving.
The break-action uses a rib-extension "doll's-head" lockup and extractor-only system (no ejectors). It is configured with side-by-side twin steel barrels under a matted full-length top rib for a non-glare sighting plane.
Controls and firing components are traditional: external hammers with checkered spurs and double triggers. No top-tang safety is observed on this example. Capacity is two rounds.
The hardwood stock has a rounded pistol grip and is uncheckered. A brass bead front sight complements the bead sighting type. Additional observed details include a serial number with a single "0" stamp above it and the absence of the splinter forend as seen in the photos.
Overall, this is a collectible, early-1900 American hammer double with hallmark Crescent trade-name features, notable markings, and classic mechanical elements for its era.