Where can you get information about a Columbia single shot 12 gauge external hammer break action shotgun supposed to be manufactured by Crescent Firearms Company?

Answer 1

I have the same shotgun, only a 20 gauge, left to me by my Grandfather. It was the first firearm I ever shot. My Dad caught me in his arms as it blew me 4 feet backwards. Loved it and hit the oil can on the fence post too!

I am researching the shotgun as a hobby now. If I find anything on these shotguns, I will let you know. I have to send this one to a gunsmith, as it is well used and loose at the break. May just leave it as it is...a great memory.

AnswerI OWN A COLUMBIA 12 GAUGE SINGLE SHOT STILL IN EXCELLENT CONDTION. THIS WAS MY FIRST GUN. I BOUGHT IT USED FORTY YEARS AGO FROM A 85 YEAR OLD MAN FOR $15.00 I HAVE SHOT HUNDREDS OF ROUNDS THROUGH IT AND IT STILL AS GOOD AS NEW. I RECENTLEY HAD IT REBLUED BY A LOCAL GUNSMITH WHO TOLD ME THAT STEVENS MADE THIS GUN UNDER A PRIVATE NAME AS DID MANY GUN MAKERS FOR DIFFERENT STORES SUCH AS WESTERN AUTO'S, WHITES AND MANY OTHER LARGE STORES. IN SHORT I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHO MADE THIS GUN BUT WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE CAN HELP I WISH YOU WOULD PLEASE CONTACT ME.ALSO I RECENTLEY ACQUIRED PARTS FOR A COLUMBIA 10 GAUGE WHICH I INTEND ON TAKING TO MY GUNSMITH TO SEE IF HE CAN MAKE ONE GUN OUT OF THESE PARTS ALTHOUGH THE PARTS LOOK TO HAVE SEEN BETTER DAYS AND SOME ABUSE. IF ANYONE HAS PARTS OR A WHOLE COULMBIA THEY WISH TO SELL I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM YOU FOR ANY GAUGE.I ONLY FOUND THESE 10 GAUGE PARTS IN APRIL OF 2005 AND HAVE BEEN LOOKING AND RESEARCHING FOR THIS SINCE I WAS A CHILD. AnswerI just received a Single Shot 12 gauge from my father in law. The only markings I've found are a serial number, a '12' stamped forward of the forestock, 'Columbia' on the left side, and patented Aug 11 18?6. The gun looks to have been repaired with at least one home fabricated part. I would like to find out who manufactured it and how old it may be. AnswerI FEEL YOUR PAIN!! MY DAD GAVE ME THIS SHOTGUN WHEN I WAS 14YRS OLD AND TONIGHT IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT IT ONLINE. I HAVE THIS GUN IN A 12ga SINGLE SHOT, BREAKDOWN BARREL, ONLY MARKINGS ARE COLUMBIA STAMPED ON THE LEFT SIDE, A 12 STAMPED UNDERNEATH THE BARREL JUST FORWARD OF THE STOCK AND NOTHING ELSE!! ANYONE INTERESTED IN THIS GUN WILL BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND ONE. I WOULD EVEN BE WILLING TO SELL MINE BUT I HAVE NOT EVEN THE FAINTEST IDEA WHAT THE GUNS VALUE IS. DOES ANYONE KNOW? AnswerIF ANYONE HAS A COLUMBIA SHOTGUN HE OR SHE WISHES TO SELL PLEASE SEND ME AN email AT NSOUTHSEAS@AOL.COM ALSO I M WILLING TO SHARE WHAT INFORMATION I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN BY EMAIL ALTHOUGH I HAVE POSTED THE BULK OF WHAT I HAVE LEARNED ALREADY ON THIS SITE. AnswerTo Whom it may concern, Just today I inherited a 12 gauge Columbia shotgun. My Grandfather told me it belonged to his Grandfather. Seeing my Grandfather was 90 years old when he died last year, it must be very old.It is in decent shape and Iwish to restore it. If there is any info out there concerning these guns I would love to know their history. He lived his entire life in Fountain Inn, SC. Any info would be much appreciated. Sincerely,

Answer

I also have a single shot 12 Gauge COLUMBIA shotgun with 4 patents on it dating from 1891 to 1902. It has a 12 inside a circle on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the forearm. I could not find any other identifying markings on it. It has a 30 inch barrel and an external hammer and a breech release located behind the hammer. It appears to be a breakdown model, but the lift up release pin is missing as is the butt plate. This gun could have been made by Crescent firearms company or by H C Squires, or some other manufacturer unknown to me. I would be interested in selling it, but I do not know its value. Bids would be welcome. I would appreciate any info about the gun.

AnswerVariations of this name were used on single shot shotguns by several makers.

Columbia - W. H. Davenport Arms Co. 1891-1910

Columbia Arms Co - Trademark owned by Henry Keidel & Co. Baltimore, Md. 1866-1978

Columbia Ejector - W. H. Davenport Arms Co.

Columbia Single - Harrington & Richardson Arms Co 1872-1985

Columbia Single - W. H. Davenport Arms Co. (will have company name marked on upper and lower tangs)

Columbia Single - Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. 1868-1898

The one with the August 11, 1896 patent date is definitely a Davenport. If you have an external side hammer, it was probably made from the 1880's to about 1910. If it is hammerless or the hammer is centered in the action, most likely after 1900 and as late as WWII.

AnswerI have just received a 12 gauge single shotgun from a great aunt. The left side plate has "Columbia" engraved in it. The right side plate has what looks like an patch box from an old muzzle loader rifle on it. The patch box is opened then the lid can be turned to remove a bolt which allows the rifle to come apart. On the barrel under the breech is "Patented Oct.2 1894 - Aug. 11 1896 MODEL 1885. There is the number 12 stamped in the barrel just ahead of the forearm, bottom of the barrel. Can I assume that the gun was made between the patented dates? Anybody sure of the manufacture, or where I can find out more info?

The patent dated August 11, 1896 was owned by W. H. Davenport Arms Co., which was in operation from 1891 to 1910. It had to be made sometime AFTER the last patent date since there is no way the manufacturer could have known in advance when his patent would be approved.

Answeri also have a Columbia 12 gauge single shot gun break down action its in very good cond.i can not find out the history i realy have ben trying to find out what the value is the last pat. date was 1902 im willing to sell if i can find out the true value and if the price is right. i have ben also trying to get intoutch with the.net guy so if you can get me some info call me or email me]ither orp.s i have found a couple of dealers from late 1800s to early 1900s that delt with the Columbia guns. sincerly samule coe