You have a Model 1894 made in 1901 if I read the S/N (123247) correctly. From the pictures it appears it is D grade or better given the checkered side panels. The grade should be stamped on the water table across from the S/N. The '94 was offered in grades A (plain) though E (highly engraved). About 1906 the F trap grade was also offered. Production of all SxSs models which included the 1889 hammer gun as well as the 1894 & 1900 hammerless models ended in 1910. Remington saw the future in terms of the new pump and autoloader.
You may be able to obtain more information if you check the bottom of the barrels. They may have stamps which will help determine grade, choke etc. The barrels lugs should have 2 or 3 numbers stamped which indicate pellet count. If 2 numbers are stamped a leading 3 is assumed. Remington used 1 1/4 oz (511 pellets) of #8 shot fired at a 30" circle from 40 yards to determine choke. So, for example, if it is stamped 332 (or 32) it is improved modified (332/511=65%).
Remington would build to order. So the buyer had the choice of grade, barrel length, choke, stock material/dimensions etc. In addition there were several Damascus patterns available. From your picture it would appear that your barrel has the Legia P pattern.
We need more and better pictures to see what you have. In any case, it appears to be a very fine example.
Last edited by dieNusse1 on Wed Mar 01, 2017 11:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
Looks like you have a very nice DE-Grade. Assuming it is a 12-gauge, the barrels are not cut and the rest of the gun looks as good as the pictures posted, it could be an $8000 to $9000 gun. More pictures would be nice. Looks like there may be some serious rust around the triggers and a bit on the trigger guard?
A high condition straight gripped DEO-Grade (Ordnance Steel Barrels) with the original hang tags went for $18,400 in the October 2015 Julia's Auction.
1. I may be wrong but to my knowledge there are only some 30 plus (maybe 40) known examples of DE grade guns of the 41,194 '94's produced. Try to establish the gun's history before your father-in-law owned it. A gun this quality most likely hasn't had many owners.
2. Your '94 is different in that it is stamped as having 2 3/4" chambers whereas the standard was 2 5/8". Whether this was done by Remington or after market I don't know but it may add to the value and should be investigated. Different is usually good but not aways.
3. Find a smith who can correct any cosmetic issues. I've restored several SxSs and I find it's not that difficult but you may not wish to attempt it.
Good luck - you have a gem.
Last edited by dieNusse1 on Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
1. I may be wrong but to my knowledge there are only some 30 plus (maybe 40) known examples of DE grade guns of the 41,194 '94's produced. Try to establish the gun's history before your father-in-law owned it. A gun this quality most likely hasn't had many owners.
2. Your '94 is different in that it is stamped as having 2 3/4" chambers whereas the standard was 2 5/8". Whether this was done by Remington or after market I don't know but it may add to the value and should be investigated. Different is usually good but not aways.
3. Find a smith who can correct any cosmetic issues. I've restored several SxSs and I find it's not that difficult but you may not wish to attempt it.
Good luck - you have a gem.
I know the provenance of this gun. It came to my father in law from his wife's father who was a wealthy outdoors man in Western Ohio. He bought it new.
I checked Semmer's book Remington Double Shotguns and found two references to 2 3/4" chamber length stamped on barrels. Both are Pigeon/Trap grade guns. The first on p. 223 is a CEO and is not typical with respect to stock etc. The second on p. 227 appears to be a FE grade. There may be more references but I just looked at the pictures. In any event reaming the chambers to 2 3/4" is somewhat unusual.
Maybe in your father-in-law's or your grandfather-in-law's papers you will find reference to the purchase, hang tags and/or work to ream chambers.
There should be two sets numbers stamped on the barrel lug. Each set should consist of three figures such as 332 & 340. If there are only two figures a leading 3 is assumed.
Remington used 1 1/4 oz of #8 shot (511 pellets) fired at a 30" circle from 40 Yards. So if 332 (or 32) pellets are indicated the choke would be IM (332/511=65%). A count of 363 would be about full (363/511=71%)