Harrington & Richardson Model 1900 12 Gauge Single-Shot, 27 in Barrel, Exposed Hammer, Walnut Stock (c. 1901–1916)
This Harrington & Richardson Model 1900 is a turn-of-the-century 12 gauge single-shot shotgun produced circa 1901–1916. It features a 27 inch plain round barrel with a fixed choke, a blued barrel paired with a color casehardened steel receiver, and classic H&R roll-marks with 1900 and 1901 patent dates. A top-tang opening lever, lever-type forend latch, and walnut pistol-grip stock with splinter forend complete this period-correct configuration that predates the later Topper-branded models.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: There is widespread finish loss across the metal surfaces, with pitting present. The walnut pistol-grip buttstock and splinter forend show numerous blemishes. The bore is clean and shiny but displays some blemishes. The barrel-to-receiver fit has a mild amount of play.
What’s Included
- Harrington & Richardson Model 1900 12 Gauge single-shot shotgun
The receiver carries period H&R markings: the right side roll-mark reads "HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCESTER, MASS. U.S.A. PAT. FEB.
20 & 27, 1900." and the left-side oval plate is marked "PAT. MAY 14, 1901." These details align with the early 1900s production window and reflect the firm’s Worcester, Massachusetts manufacture.
Operation is classic H&R: a single-shot break-action with an exposed hammer, using a top-tang opening lever for quick access. A lever-type forend latch secures the splinter forend, consistent with the Model 1900 pattern.
The 27 inch plain round barrel has no rib and a fixed choke. The choke type is unmarked and undetermined. Capacity is 1 round, as expected for this model.
Finish is period-appropriate. The barrel wears a blued finish, while the receiver shows a color casehardened treatment. The shotgun is stocked in walnut with a pistol-grip buttstock and splinter forend. It is fitted with a hard rubber buttplate and a thin white-line spacer; the spacer is a later, non-period addition (factory buttplates were plain black without spacers). Length of pull measures 13.0 inches.
This Model 1900 reflects the typical early H&R configuration that came before the later Topper-branded shotguns, offering the hallmark materials and controls of its era and U.S. manufacture.