Product Description
MERIDEN FIREARMS Single Barrel 12 Ga. “KITCHEN DOOR” Hammerless Shotgun C&R
Early 20th Century Top Break “Game Getter” Shotgun
Here we present a Meriden Firearms Company Single Barrel 12 Gauge Shotgun manufactured circa 1910 in Meriden, Connecticut. The Meriden Fire Arms Company operated in Meriden, Connecticut from 1905 until 1918. The company was formed when Sears, Roebuck & Co. of Chicago, Illinois purchased Andrew Fyrberg & Sons of Worchester, Massachusetts and moved the equipment to Meriden. At the time Sears was selling a great number of firearms through their mail order catalog. It is reported that the major manufacturers fell out of favor with Sears because of their “low-ball” pricing of their guns. In November of 1904, Winchester announced that it would no longer sell to Sears, Roebuck & Company, and they cancelled all unfilled orders. Most firearm manufacturing companies at the time agreed with Winchester, but only Winchester took any type of action.
Sears’ response was to simply buy a gun factory and start manufacturing firearms themselves for sale. Sears continued to use Meriden Fire Arms Co. to produce cheaply made, inexpensive guns. Most of their production was revolvers and shotguns. They were typically very plain due to their utilitarian purpose, but engraved examples have been sold.
Single barrel shotguns have always been popular as an inexpensive alternative to double barrel shotguns. Single barrels are almost always “break open” designs, like the double barrel designs, but far less expensive since they do not require the precise aligning of parallel barrels. Single shotguns are also lighter, which can be an advantage if they are carried for hunting, though it does mean they have the most felt recoil. These simple shotguns are often referred to as a “kitchen door” gun or “farm” gun due to its low cost as a self-defense weapon.
The overall condition is good. Original patina. The action is strong. Very good bore overall and has retained most of its shimmer and remains smooth. Solid stock throughout. The wrist checkering has smoothed. Legible markings.
This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Barrel is 30 inches.
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Chamber: 3 inches.
Choke: Improved Modified
LOP: 14 inches.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
www.ancestryguns.com
$900
#230596