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1 of 2 Known Majors Russell & Co. Pony Express Double Barrel Shotgun 9 Gauge Percussion Stagecoach Gun 41 1/2" Barrels
Guns International #: 100670821 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Shotguns - Percussion - Shotguns - American Double Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Company: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Member Since: 1/27/12
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Schimetschek
State: Connecticut
Zip: 06423
Country: United States
Phone: (860) 873-1092
Number of Active Listings: 2
Total Number of Listings: 215
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Check (personal checks take 7-10 days to clear), money order, credit card (no fee), or wire
About Us: Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of pre-1899 antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We specialize in Colt, Winchester, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Parker, large-bore fowling guns, Revolutionary & Civil War arms, collectible Bowie & folding knives and more! We are also avid collectors of historic race cars & memorabilia. Visit us online at jeremiahjohnsontrading or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Description:
Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced dealers of fine antique arms, with over 30 years of collecting. We also specialize in a vast array of collectibles, including western memorabilia, antique cars, Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts, early Bowie and folding knives, period nautical and scrimshaw pieces, unusal artwork, and colonial era furniture. Find us online or on Facebook!
RARE & IMPORTANT ~ 1 of 2 Known ~ Majors, Russell & Co. "Pony Express" Large Percussion Double Barrel Stagecoach Guard Shotgun, 9 Ga, mfg. ca. 1855. Majors, Russell & Co. (later Russell, Majors, & Waddell) was a freighting and staging firm that existed between 1854-1862. Originally contracted to supply military posts in the west, they later operated various stagecoach lines, communications services, and express mail transportation. They were the company who in 1860 founded the famous Pony Express which lasted for only 19 months. In 1862 the remains of the company were bought by "Stagecoach King" Ben Holladay. There is only one other "Majors, Russell & Co." marked shotgun currently known to exist which was part of the William R. Orbelo collection sold by Little John's Service in 2010. At the time, that gun was the only known example. The gun was a 10 Gauge and featured shorter barrels, but was otherwise a nearly identical pattern. As quoted by Little John's pertaining to the 10 Gauge: "The firm of Russell, Majors, and Waddell were freighters, stagecoach operators, and originators of the Pony Express. This gun appears American and this is the only known original marked specimen for Majors, Russell & Co. as the firm was only in business for two years and this marking is absolutely engraved at the time of the gun’s manufacture. Mr. Orbelo confirmed the Huntington Library and Wells Fargo museum curator that this is the only known marked specimen from this early stagecoach company...A museum quality artifact...Est: $10,000 - $20,000". The shotgun offered here is a large 9 Gauge featuring heavy 41 1/2" Damascus barrels. The barrels show an incomplete English proof suggesting the gun was built in America with imported English barrels. The breech is platinum banded with a long engraved arrow motif at the muzzle. Original brass bead front sight and wide 3/4" upper rib which is engraved "LONDON FINE TWIST". The barrels and rib are period stamped "R.A.C." (three times). I have not been able to identify these marks but clearly they must represent initials of either the gun's owner or stagecoach line. The engraved locks are both marked "MAJORS RUSSELL & Co" within a scroll boarder. Overall the metal has a deep plum patina with a light film of grease or oil from years of hanging in a private collection. The stock shows a worn, untouched patina with much wear particularly around the forestock. Aside from a couple faint age checks around the right lock and a few small old chips along the edge of the forestock (and one behind the left lock) there are no notable cracks, chips, or repairs. Engraved iron buttplate, large spurred triggerguard, and double keyed forestock. Original ramrod pipes, and the original brass tipped wood ramrod also features a detachable worm. Both hammers are matching originals and both actions function very well. The right hammer screw is missing. Both nipples are clean originals. This is a very important piece of wild west history. It is very difficult to find an authentic coach gun of any type, but to find something so rare and linked to the Pony Express makes this a prize in any antique arms or western collection. Not to mention it is a large, big bore shotgun! Apparently whoever rode "shotgun" on a stagecoach with this piece wanted to intimidate any potential robbers! No FFL required on pre-1899 firearms. No sales of modern firearms or antique firearms that can fire modern ammunition to the state of California or California residents. No sales of modern firearms or antique firearms that can fire modern ammunition to any of the five counties of New York City or their residents. Any handgun, including antiques, that are shipped to the state of New Jersey must be shipped to an FFL holder. Payment can be made by way of money order, banker's check, or personal check (Please allow 7-10 days for clearance on personal checks). We accept credit cards for modest purchases only. Non-firing items may be purchased through PayPal. If not satisfied with an item within 3 days of receiving it, simply return the item in the same condition as shipped for a full refund, minus shipping costs. Layaway may be allowed upon negotiation, but will void inspection privileges. Buyer pays actual shipping costs, including packaging fees, shipping services (USPS or UPS), and insurance. FFL is required on all firearms manufactured after 1898 (mfg. 1899-present). C&R is acceptable for any firearm manufactured over 50 years ago from the current date. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antiques only. Any firearms occasionally sold from our private collection that do require an FFL or C&R are shipped through a licensed FFL dealer. All firearms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. International orders are allowed for antique firearms that fire obsolete ammunition only, no modern firearms or antique firearms that can fire modern ammunition will be shipped outside of the United States. Message or call with any questions about this firearm, or any of our other items at 860-873-1092 (office) or 860-345-2100 (shop).
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Majors, Russell & Co.
Barrels: 41 1/2
Gauge Info: 9