Crescent Firearms

This marking appears (on guns I've seen) on Belgian hammer shotguns that were imported by the thousands from c.1880 through c.1910. These were sold by the various mail-order catalog stores throughout the midwest. Look for the ELG proofmark on the underside of the barrels. Value is typically $200 or less. It is suitable ONLY for a mantel decoration - please do not attempt to shoot it. sales@countrygunsmith.net

I just acquired a JJ Weston SBS and haven't been able to find much info. Seems value could be $1000+.

a 410 ga. shotgun pistol was made by crescent firearms and is very rare. however, regular shotguns do not have much value

5-100 USD

$150-$300.

Not 'skiminwood.' Skimin & Wood, gunmakers, was a very fine British gunmaking firm from the late 1800's through World War II. Your gun could be worth a few dollars, so it should be evaluated in person by a reputable gunsmith or collector for insurance purposes. Skimin & Wood guns were retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch and several London retailers, and were available in various degrees of ornamentation. They can be difficult to market in the US, since British ideas of double-guns are usually different than American. Also, be aware that Skimin & Wood chambered their shotguns for the 2" 12ga shell - designed to make a 12-bore gun that handled like a 20-bore. It would be marked as such, but you should still have the gun checked over by a competent gunsmith to make sure how your gun is chambered. www.countrygunsmith.net

Crescent was formed in 1892 and purchased by H&D Folsom Sporting Goods in 1893. It operated as Crescent Fire Arms until 1931 when the company was purchased by the Stevens Division of Savage Arms. The name was used on Crescent models manufactured by Stevens until about 1935.

have a single barrel 12 gauage nitro hunter dec 15 1891 aug 1 1896 aug, 14 1900 may 27 1902 where from ???????

Sold through Shapleigh Hardware, St Louis, c. 1890-1930. Most likely manufactured by Crescent Firearms, Norwich, CT. No serial number lists are available for Crescent Arms.

Mississippi Valley Arms Company: Trade name by the H. & D. Folsom Arms Company on firearms made for the Shapleigh Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Folsom was a sporting goods wholesale/retail business in New York City. The actual manufacturer of a hammerless double would be their subsidiary company, Crescent Firearms, Norwich, CT, between 1907 and 1930.

The proof markings on the gun indicate it was made by Armas Marixa. These shotguns were made in the 1970's. As i find more i will add to this post. Mine is marked Memphis. It is 12 gauge with a three inch chamber.

Spencer Gun Co was a trade name retailed by Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co Hardware of Chicago. Their guns were made by a varitey of manufacturers, but the patent date on yours identifies it as a product of WH Davenport Arms Co.

'Henry Arms Co' was a trade name used by the HD Folsom Arms Co in the very late 1800's through about 1910 or so. HD Folsom was the largest firearm distributor at the time, and marketed guns to various hardware store and mail order catalog chains throughout the country. They imported a huge number of utility shotguns from Belgium and they had the manufacturer stamp some very interesting trade names on them to increase their marketability. "HENRY ARMS CO" is one of those trade names, no doubt intended to make propective customers think of the Henry rifle - absolutely no connection other than the similar name. It was actually made by F.Dumoulin & Co, in Belgium. Value on these shotguns are strictly as decoration. They are not considered to be safe to shoot. The barrel construction was never designed for smokeless powder and using ANY modern ammunition would be dangerous. We routinely see them selling in the $150-$200 range if complete.

It probably had a name at one time but it has worn off. If there is any writing or marks anywhere on the piece, including the bottom of the barrels, the part of the receiver where the barrels attach, and under the butplate, they MAY help identify it. Otherwise, just carry it to every place where "gun people" hang out and maybe one of us will recognize it.

As with any firearm, it is not possible to accurately appraise a gun without seeing it. Recommend that you see a local gun dealer for an appraisal. You can also do your own investigation by looking at other models being sold that are in the same condition as yours. Try the gunbroker.com or a periodical called "The Gun List" You can also reference the Blue Book of Gun Values which can be purchased on line at various retailers.

I know there was a Folsom Arms warehouse in Mahwah NJ that was bought out a long time ago and still retains the name Folsom but is now a fishing/tackle corporation

The Henning Company may be able to help. They can be contacted at Postbox 6648, Longmont, Colorado 80501, USA. Tel : + 1 (720) 325 7890 Fax: + 1 (303) 485 5257

Value seldom exceeds 100 USD. Turn of the century to the 30's or so.

These were shotguns distributed by the HD Folsom Co to major hardware/catalog retailers in the early 1900's. Manufactured by Crescent Firearms. sales@countrygunsmith.net

I am looking for a firing pin for a Crescent Firearm I believe the serial # is 8894

The marking is "Cruso", the 'c' is part of the rooster. Cruso is a brand used by Hibbard, Spencer, and Bartlett, a Chicago based wholesale hardware house. They sold products to local hardware retailers. The Cruso guns were contracted by HSB to companies like Crescent, Stevens, Savage, etc, who made inexpensive firearms, usually shotguns, for other companies. These guns should be inspected by a gunsmith before attempting to shoot them. Modern ammunition has hotter powder than these guns were made for which could make them dangerous to shoot.

HSB made a variety of objects with the Cruso name on them including padlocks, tools, tinware, livestock supplies, sporting goods, and the list goes on and on..

Other brands used by HSB are OVB (Our Very Best), Rev-O-Noc, True Value, Il-A-Noy, and others.

HSB products are somewhat collectible. thckk.org is a place to start.

The Crescent Firearms Company was established in 1888, in Norwich, Connecticut, and produced huge numbers of rifles and shotguns, mainly as "house brands" (guns that were made for sale by hardware stores and other retailers under those other retailers names); they also sold guns under their own name, and the name of the Folsom Gun Company of New York. The New York Club was a single-shot target rifle offered in several calibres and sizes, and it was based on the Remington rolling-block action.

Here is the best answer I have found: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_&_R_Firearms. You may have to cut and paste the address. I am curious to know more. The Victor 22 caliber firearm in my possession beloned to my grandmother in the 1920's. My email is mobilemattd@yahoo.com. Thanks.

I have an Empire Ejector 20 Ga. single shot given to me by my aunt in 1939. It was originally a Christmas present to my cousin in 1935. I assume it was manufactured between 1930 and 1935. Hope that gives you an idea. Carl Spanyer

There was never a company with that name. It was a trade name on guns made by Crescent, Harrington & Richardson, and Stevens for distribution by Belknap Hardware Co. in St Louis. Absolutely correct. Do not confuse 'Essex Gun Works' with the current manufacturer 'Essex Arms' which is a maker of .45 pistol components and is also bringing back the Iver Johnson tradename.