mystery numbers on 1875 shotgun

[78cobra2]

I have inherited a double barreled shotgun that has been passed down from my great-great-grandfather. from the things I have read and pictures I have seen of the hammers I believe its an 1875, also the stories that have been handed down indicate that my great-great-grandfather bought it some time in the 1870's (new or used is unknown). anyway underneath the forearm stock both barrels have a 6 stamped on them (with the barrels pointed up). does anyone know if this is a choke designation, a barrel style, grade mark, inspection, or ????
thanks
Tom

[dieNusse1]

First, welcome to the world of Remington shotguns.

The 1875 lifter model was produced from 1875 to 1877 and was followed by the 1876. The main difference was the hammer design where the recessed head of the 1875 was replaced by the flat head of the 1876. Only the 1873 and 1875 models had a recessed hammer head.

The S/N began with 1 and ended at 3350. As for grade - the literature states grades up to 5 were available altho in Semmers book there are special ordered examples of 6 grade quality.

If the 6 stamped on the barrel indicates 6 grade you have a rare find. We need pictures to determine exactly what you have.

[78cobra2]

heres some pictures. it looks to me that it has flat faces on the hammers. if it helps any it is a 10 gauge with 32" barrels. also the serial number is 254

Tom

[Researcher]

Everything I see points to a Grade 3, Model 1878. See page 64 of Remington Double Shotguns by Charles Semmer.

[malsop]

It does look like a 1878 Heavy Duck Model but I believe it is a grade 4 with that much engraving. Does the barrel have the dolls head extension that fits into the receiver? This would confirm a Model 1878 or 1879, but by the size of the bolsters I would be willing to bet it is a Heavy Duck. As for the 6 stamped on the barrels, this DOES NOT determine the grade of the complete shotgun. All though we do not have the correct documentation it is widely speculated that the number stampings on the barrel, like your 6, is the grade of metal in the barrels itself and doesn't dictate the whole shotgun. This theory has been backed up by physical samples of shotguns collected over many years and documented in research.

Are you able to post a picture of the top of the receiver?



Mike Alsop
Vice President & Seminar Coordinator
RemShots
Remington Society of America