Expertise needed to help identify a shotgun

[mattjack]

To all:
I am new to this site but not new to enjoying Reminton fireams. I need help identifying this shotgun while i wait for my book that has been suggested to value this shotgun. What i can tell you is that it is a 12 gauge, with 30" barrels. It has evidence of checkering existing on the pistol grip and forearm but has been rubbed smooth now. On the sides of the receiver it is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO." On the top of the barrels it is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, NY USA". There are two prodominent numbers occuring on the barrels, receiver and forearm that are "51660" and "397". The other markings on the receiver are "1" and "35". If there is any more specific info i need to give whomever is so kind to help me please let me know.

Thanks,

Matt

PS this is probbably been covered, but i have photos i want to post, they say they are too big in size how do you guys get around this?

[mattjack]

ATVMUDDER,

Thanks for the quick response to the question. After your response and looking at the photos of other posts along with the discussions i am confidently guessing a grade 1, since there is no engraving, only evidence of checkering.

[Researcher]

Actually Model 1889 Grades 1, 2, and 3 are all no engraving and the same checkering pattern on the wood. The difference is barrel material. Grade 1 had Decarbonized Steel barrels, Grade 2 had Twist barrels, and Grade 3 had two-stripe Damascus barrels. Grades 4 to 7 had increasing amounts of and finer engraving, increasingly better wood, increasingly fancier checkering and increasingly finer Damascus barrels.