Original Item: Only One Available. Made prior to 1898, this very nice 10 gauge shotgun is Federally classed as antique ANTIQUE. The Remington Model 1889 Double Barreled shotgun was the last external hammer shotgun they would produce, and was really the last of the great side hammer shotguns.

For most of the 19th Century, Shotguns had not been a big market for American gun makers, due to the well-developed import trade coming out of England. However, in 1883, U.S. Congress imposed a 35% on imported firearms, and the American arms industry was quick to respond. Remington was America's oldest gunmaker, and had in fact been making top-break double shotguns since 1874, so they were already in production at this watershed moment, and quickly produced a number of different models.

The Model 1889 is the endpoint in the evolution of these Remington hammer guns. Like all the others, it was extremely well made and finished, but there is a sleekness about it that the others can’t quite match. And its low-profile hammers with their nearly circular necks are distinctive.

Remington offered it in seven grades, the lower three as production guns, the higher four, nicely engraved, on special order only. Grades 1, 2 and 3 look virtually identical. Charles G. Semmer extensively researched the history of Remington Shotguns in his book Remington Double Shotguns, published in 1996:

Grade 1 is the only one that contains decarbonized steel barrels, Grade 2 has twist steel barrels and Grade 3, Damascus. Remember, the 1880s was still a time when twist or Damascus barrels was one sign of a top-quality gun.

Actually, the Model 1889 came at a watershed in company history. E. Remington & Sons went bankrupt in 1888, and when the New Model 1889 appeared, it was under the style Remington Arms Company. It was the last of the hammer guns, superseded by a series of hammerless breechloaders beginning with the Model 1894. But the handsome old thing didn’t go quietly; it remained popular enough that the company kept building it till 1908. That makes the Model 1889 one of the last high-quality hammer guns made in this country.

As a double Barrel with standard barrels, with little in the way of special appointments, this is definitely a Grade 1 Model 1889, the "economy" standard production model. However even as the "lowest" grade, the checkered pistol grip stock and "C shaped" hammers give it a great look. It has two side Hammer gun locks, each marked REMINGTON ARMS CO. on the lock plate. It is also marked REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION N.Y. U.S.A. on the "matted" central "barrel rib" between the barrels. It has a dark brown "Gutta Percha" rubber checkered Butt plate with the R.A. script monogram.

The shotgun is overall in very nice condition, good markings under the barrel, including Serial number 77581, which is also marked on the receiver, barrel latch, and on both the metal and wood components of the fore stock. The Model 1889 had started at serial number 24,000 in 1889, and by 1897 the last serial was 80389, so this is a later production example, probably made in mid-late 1897, only a few years before production ceased.

The gun breaks down as it should, and is fully functional as far as we can see. The firing pins on both side present properly and spring back, the cartridge ejector properly pushes out, and both locks function correctly.

Condition is quite nice, with a nice worn patina on the metal and wood. The barrels have exterior wear, showing their age and oxidation, with some light pitting on the left side near the breech. Under the foregrip some of the original blued finish can be seen. Wood is in good shape, with good grain, and a good amount of checkering still on the pistol grip. The foregrip shows a bit more wear and staining from use, with the checkering a bit faint in areas. The 10 gauge barrels have 3 inch chambers, and are in good condition, with some wear and powder fowling near the chambers, but are mostly clean. There is however some pitting in the bores, so this is definitely a gun that did see use during its service life.

Very nice and fully cleaned ready to display and research!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: c.1897
Caliber: 10 Gauge
Ammunition Type: 10 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Barrel Length: 32 inches with 3 inch chambers
Overall Length: 48 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Hammer actuated Firing Pins.
Feed System: Top Break Single Shot - two barrels

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.