Model 1874?

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allengood777
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 8:33 am

Model 1874?

Post by allengood777 »

Had a guy tried to sell this to me at a show. As I recall, serial number was five digits. I took his card, as I might be interested. But he states it is a Model 1874. I don’t see such designation. Double barrel with hammers, twisted steel barrels, and E Remington and Sons on the rib. Ideas? I guess I should have written serial number down, but I can probably get that. Everything I see (In a serialization list) in the years around 1874 mention Whitmore. Would this gun say Whitmore if year is 1874? Or is there a common misunderstanding where people refer to a mod 1874? If it is a Whitmore, or made in 1874, more valuable than mod 1889 (of comparable condition.). Sorry I don’t have more info. Thanks
dieNusse1
Posts: 400
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:12 pm
Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Model 1874?

Post by dieNusse1 »

According to Semmer's book "Remington Double Shotguns" there was no model 1874. In any event, all Remington DBL shotguns until 1882 are referred to as lifter models as a lever was raised to open the gun. In 1882 Remington introduced the common rotary lever to break the gun. The production of all DBL models ended in 1910.

As I recall, the major reference in his book dealing with Whitmore refers to the combo and DBL rifles made about 1876. These are very rare. He may have also referred to Whitmore steel used in some high grade barrels but my memory fails me.

To help ID a gun -- Remington never stamped a model number or date of manufacture. Also the E. Remington barrel marking was changed to Remington Arms Co. in 1888 - 1889 due to the bankruptcy sale in 1888.

As for value -- there were more than 134,000 1889s made compared to a total of about 13,000 for all lifter models. In my opinion, a lifter model of similar grade and condition would be worth more than a 1889.
2shooter
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Location: ohio

Re: Model 1874?

Post by 2shooter »

A. E. Whitmore was the inventor designer of the Lifter. Look at the metal tab between the hammers of Model 1873 Hammer Lifter some where mark A.E. Whitmore and the patent date Aug.8,1871 and April 16,1872. That is where the name Whitmore or lifter comes from does not refer to the combo guns.
allengood777
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 8:33 am

Re: Model 1874?

Post by allengood777 »

Thanks. This gun has a regular top lever, so I am going to assume it was made after 1882, but before 1889, since it does say E Remington and Sons. Someone apparently gave him wrong info. Thanks for the help.
dieNusse1
Posts: 400
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:12 pm
Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Model 1874?

Post by dieNusse1 »

There were four variations between 1882 and 1889 - 1882, 1883, 1885 & 1887. These variations involve minor changes and are usually are identified by hammer design. In 1910 Remington stopped production of the 1889 as well as the hammerless DBL models (1894 & 1900).

To identify the gun you need to examine the hammer design which "should" indicate model. As for S/N, the range was 1,000 - 17,000 for production of 1882 - 1888. The 1889 started at 30,000.
dieNusse1
Posts: 400
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:12 pm
Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Model 1874?

Post by dieNusse1 »

Correction!! "Whitworth Fluid Steel" is stamped on some high grade barrels not Whitmore.
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