{"product_id":"original-u-s-remington-model-1889-grade-1-double-barrel-12-gauge-shotgun-serial-42987-circa-1892-1893","title":"Original U.S. Remington Model 1889 Grade 1 Double Barrel 12 Gauge Shotgun Serial 42987 - Circa 1892 - 1893","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Made prior to 1899, this very nice 12 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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 design changed quickly over the years, introducing features such as rebounding locks, which did not require a half cock position and allowed safe reloading, as well as changes to the shape of the hammer to make them more low profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cem\u003eRemington Double Shotguns\u003c\/em\u003e, published in 1996:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrade 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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eActually, the Model 1889 came at a watershed in company history. E. Remington \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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. It has two side Hammer gun locks, each marked \u003cstrong\u003eREMINGTON ARMS CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e on the lock plate. It is also marked \u003cstrong\u003eREMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION N.Y. U.S.A\u003c\/strong\u003e. on the center strap between the barrels. It has a dark brown \"Gutta Percha\" checkered Butt plate with the \u003cstrong\u003eR.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e script monogram in the center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shotgun is overall in very nice condition, good markings under the barrel, including Serial number \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e42987\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which is also marked on the receiver \"water table\", right side of the 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 an early example, from the first few years of production, circa 1892-1893. This also means that it is definitively considered a \u003cstrong\u003ePre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gun breaks down as it should, and is fully functional. Both locks work as they should, the ejector presents properly when the action is broken open, and the springs on both firing pins are still intact and fully functional. The only issues noted is that there is definitely some dried grease and oxidation inside the action, which does make removing the fore stock and barrel somewhat difficult at times. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is quite nice, with a nice finish on the metal and wood. The original bluing on the barrels is faded to more of a plum patina, particularly on the sides near the fore stock due to handling. The underside of the barrel under the fore stock still preserves the original finish nicely. The action has a similar look, and there are not any signs of major cleaning or restoration to the metalwork, giving it a lovely \"rested\" look. The stocks are in good shape, but definitely show wear and cleaning, which has made the checkering on the pistol grip area of the butt stock and fore grip faint. The 12 gauge barrels have 3 inch chambers, and are in good condition, with some wear and powder fowling present, which has been mostly cleaned away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery nice and fully cleaned, ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: c.1892-3\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 12 Gauge\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: 12 Gauge Black Powder Shotgun Shells\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 30 inches with 3 inch chambers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 45 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Side Action Hammer actuated Firing Pins.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Top Break Single Shot - two barrels\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43712294191173,"sku":"ONJR25SEAM05","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25SEAM05__01.jpg?v=1759331252","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-remington-model-1889-grade-1-double-barrel-12-gauge-shotgun-serial-42987-circa-1892-1893","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}