Crescent Fire Arms Co. Essex 12 Gauge Side-by-Side, 30 in Barrels, Hammerless Sidelock, Early 20th Century Trade-Name
This Belknap Hardware "Essex" trade-name shotgun was manufactured by Crescent Fire Arms Co. in Norwich, Connecticut. It is a hammerless sidelock, top-lever, extractor-equipped double with 30-inch barrels and matching serial numbers on the barrel flats and forend iron. An aftermarket red ventilated recoil pad sets the length of pull at 15.0 inches. The stock has a neutral grip with a slight right-hand cast, aligning this early 20th century American hardware-store trade-brand double for practical field use and collectibility.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks; smooth bores.
Specific Condition Notes: There is rust and pitting throughout the metal surfaces. The wood furniture shows dents and scratches. Barrel fitment is loose. The locking lug at the 6 o'clock position indicates the locking mechanism requires attention.
What’s Included
- Crescent Fire Arms Co. Essex 12 Gauge side-by-side shotgun
- Installed aftermarket red ventilated recoil pad
Made in the United States for Belknap Hardware, this Essex-marked double represents the widely sold American trade-brand shotguns of the late 19th to early 20th century. Crescent Fire Arms Co. produced these working doubles in Norwich, Connecticut, and this example carries matching numbers on its major fitted parts.
The action is a hammerless sidelock with sideplates and a top-lever break-action. It uses double triggers and a tang-mounted sliding safety. Extraction is via a traditional non-ejector system, consistent with many trade-name guns of the era.
The barrels measure 30 inches and are topped with a matted rib and a single front bead for straightforward sighting. A splinter forend with a Deeley-style latch completes the classic field configuration.
The stock features a checkered pistol-grip and a neutral grip profile with a slight right-hand cast. An aftermarket red ventilated recoil pad is installed, setting the length of pull at 15.0 inches for a longer, more deliberate mount.