Shapleigh Hardware’s Diamond Arms 12 gauge 30 Full 2 3/4 inch .703 Muzzle Crescent Arms ca 1920s Mississippi Delta African American Field Hand Cedar Stock &Forend

From its original home domicile here in West Tennessee comes this Diamond Arms single shot 12 gauge. Manufacturer was Crescent Firearms Co., of Norwich, CT. Exclusive distributor was Shapleigh Hardware of St. Louis. We estimate this shotgun was manufactured in the 1920s; the company went into receivership in 1932. Construction is entirely fluid steel metal, not Damascus, attest the Electro Steel Choke Bored marking atop the chamber area. Buttstock and forend are home made cedar. Barrels is 30 inches; with .703 muzzle diameter full choke that is time worn. Chambering is 12 gauge, 2 5/16 or 2 3/4 inch shells only; not designed for steel shot. Sight system is replacement but correct white alloy threaded bead front. Mechanism is single shot spur hammer, with no transfer bar or any sort of internal safety. Stock drop is an exaggerated 2 1/2 by 5 inches, with a sharp 1 inch right hand cast. Length of pull is 15 inches from the trigger face to the end of the composite butt plate. Only the plate is original to the shotgun. We estimate the stock and forendwere added some time in the 1940s. Overall length is 46 1/4 inches long. Weight empty is 6 1/2 pounds, centered at the chamber. Finish is brown patina metal and worn oil stock finish. Surface detractions are extensive. Note the gap between the receiver and buttstock; note the crack to the right side forend; and also the pin repair and crack to the center under side of the forend. We rate this shotgun as fair condition, but photos ought to suffice for our distinguished shoppers to judge finish grade for themselves. Breech mechanism, safety, triggers, and lockup are all solid with no slack or play. Chambers are good, bore pitting is confined to the midsection just forward of the chamber. Hammer stands correctly, but note the exaggerated leftward position of the breech lever. Note also the firing pin retaining pin has been replaced more than once, probably with a modified iron nail. This shotgun’s home domicile was in the Big Springs Area of Madison County, in West Tennessee’s Forked Deer River Basin Cotton Country. It is distinctive because it represents African American field hand sharecropper culture from the Jim Crow era near us in the easternmost reaches of the Mississippi Delta. Considering their tools, the wood work is artistic. This shotgun is attractive in its own right; as well as functional, and historic. We’re offering it for only $ 119.00. C&R Eligible. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>$20 long guns lower 48; $60 to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, USPS Priority Mail, insured with Delivery Confirmation. Don’t let your buddies use your account, that kind of thing smells like felony level straw purchase attempt. C&R or StandardFFL ok by fax, e-mail or C&Rs must furnish State Issued COE, Certificate of Eligiblility. 7 day money back on used guns, but No Returns on Lay-aways or ammo. We do not pay transfer fees or return shipping. Lay aways 20% down, balance in 90 days Not Refundable or Exchangeable. Internet phone hours 8:00 – 4:00 CST Mon - Fri pickup Trading Post 117 Front Street PO Box 365 Henderson, Tennessee 38340 We Buy, Sell, or Trade. We always have, since 1952.