I was given this shotgun by a friend of mine who knows that I collect relics of all kinds. He said he wasn't going to fire it and I agree that it is not in the best shape. Looking at the stock of the weapon, I found "WFCo #14" The question was raised given age and type of shotgun if this is a Wells Fargo Company Stagecoach shotgun. The #14 being a stock number. I have not be able to find anything that says it is or that it is not. Either way it is a cool piece. Any thoughts or comments are welcome.
It is indeed a nice piece. Too bad someone carved it up. I found this on a Wells Fargo site:
... about Wells Fargo firearms...
It is our experience that firearms with Wells Fargo identification are NOT authentic.
Wells Fargo did not distribute firearms over large areas or over long periods of time. Firearm purchases were local, and armed personnel usually brought their own equipment. Also, Wells Fargo offices did not keep many outdated records, so there are no comprehensive lists of Wells Fargo firearms.
Most important to this issue, "fakes" have been produced for decades, trading on the romance of the Old West. Firearms with “Wells Fargo”marks have become a problem among collectors of antique firearms because people add “Wells Fargo” to actual antique weapons. Of course, this is not to say that every firearm with a mark is not authentic, but it is very difficult to know whether any item was or was not used by Wells Fargo, regardless of the markings.
The best information to start with is the book Company Property by James Bartz. (Westbound Stage, 1993.)
Utica Firearms Company shotguns were manufactured by Crescent Arms, Norwich, Ct, from 1900-1920.
They were made for the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri. .. I could be wrong, but I sorta doubt Wells Fargo purchased their weapons from them.
It looks to me like the engraving was done with a vibrating marker, which would make it a more recent addition.
Also, if it were a Wells Fargo shotgun, it's stampings would more than likely be Wells Fargo & Co.. or W.F. & Co .. not W.F.Co
Neat old gun, but I have my doubts it's a Wells Fargo & Co. weapon.
Thank you both for your replies. I was suspect about the markings from the first time that it was suggested that it was Wells Fargo. That's why I put the gun on this site - to confirm my suspicions about it. Its still old however, I'm now convinced that W.F.C.o. was an add on much later to attempt to enhance the value or appeal of the weapon. It was given to me so I'm not out any money nor do I intend to sell it.
Thanks again and have a happy New Year!
What guage is it? I'm guessing 12? How long are the barrels? Are there any marks or stamps on the underside of the barrels when removed? How tight does it lock up with the barrels snapped shut? lf it locks ukp tight and the barrels aren's stamped "damaskus" or "rolled steel" I wouldn't be afraid to fire it with very light loads. It looks to be in good condition at least from the pictures. If it was of the black powder era I would expect to see a lot of pitting or build up of crud inside the barrel and chambers. Monty
Don't make me loose the hounds! If you dig, Cover up your holes.
What gauge is it? I'm guessing 12? How long are the barrels? Are there any marks or stamps on the underside of the barrels when removed? How tight does it lock up with the barrels snapped shut? lf it locks ukp tight and the barrels aren's stamped "damaskus" or "rolled steel" I wouldn't be afraid to fire it with very light loads. It looks to be in good condition at least from the pictures. If it was of the black powder era I would expect to see a lot of pitting or build up of crud inside the barrel and chambers. Monty
It is a 12 gauge and the barrels are 19" in length. On top and between the barrels it is marked as " London Fluid Steel" There are no other marks on the weapon except a serial number which all match. The pictures I posted may be somewhat deceiving as far as condition. The right rabbit ear is broken off and the weapon will rattle if you shake it. If you were nervous you would not be able to sneak up on someone with it. Also, I can tell you that I ain't going to fire this thing. It's going to make a great wall hanger!
any idea when they started putting serial numbers on weapons? I have a Winchester Model 37 -410 gauge that is pre-serial number.
For handguns, serial numbers became a requirement with the enactment of the Federal Firearms Act of 1938. Longarms later required serial numbers with the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968. This, of course, is not including items that fall under the National Firearms Act of 1934 which includes items such as machine guns, silencers, short barreled rifles/shotguns and other devices.
The M37 was manufactured from 1936-1963 so all examples of it would pre-date Government serial requirements.
You'll see serial numbers on many firearms before it was mandatory as a means of record keeping for the company itslef.
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Re: Shotgun ID
have you tried taking it apart? , in the closed position the stock under the barrel should pop off by either a lever or a solid pull, now crack open the gun and you should now have 3 pieces , my 12 ga has 1898 stamped under the barrels
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Originally Posted by Monty
Also, I can tell you that I ain't going to fire this thing. It's going to make a great wall hanger!
