single shot lever breach 12 ga shotgun

[chipper]

I bought this gun about a week ago but can't find anybody who knows any thing about it:
12 ga lever breach shot gun.
Looks very old.
Not in the best condition-dont' know how to restore.
No names that I can find.
Only numbers I see are 8865.
Does anybody know what this is?
Thanks a bunch for any help.

FINALLY SOME PICS! HELP PLEASE!

[Galloway]

It sure sounds cool, have you got a pic?  You might try Fladermans guide to antique guns.

[St. George]

If you want some help - you're going to have to provide a bit more information.

The lever - is it on top - or on the side of the frame/receiver?

Look carefully - manufacturers wanted to be able to advertise their goods - so their imprint is visible - most generally on the top of the breech - or on the side of the frame/receiver.

Try looking at it in direct sunlight - as that will bring out light markings - and a very light touch of oil may help to add contrast.

Being heavily mass-produced - most single-shot shotguns had little value  even at the time of manufacture - so 'restoring' it will amount to a thorough cleaning - and normal procedures for that shouldn't need much explanation - go slow - don't use power tools - know when to stop...

Rather than using Flayderman's - use any Gun Parts Co. catalog and look at the line drawings.

Many, if not most of these shotguns were produced for the Trade and were subsequently marked with a wide variety of Trade names for various Hardware stores and other outlets - but you'll see the similarities easily enough.

Gun Parts Co. has a breakdown by 'Manufacturer-Trade Name' that you may find interesting, and once you've determined who the maker was - you can do some further research.

Scouts Out!