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RARE Antique WHITNEY-HOWARD “THUNDERBOLT” Lever Action 20 Gauge SHOTGUN ONLY 11 KNOWN TO EXIST!
Guns International #: 101612901 Seller's Inventory #: 201488
Category: Civil War Rifles - Whitney Rifles
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1078
Total Number of Listings: 42561
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
RARE Antique WHITNEY-HOWARD “THUNDERBOLT” Lever Action 20 Gauge SHOTGUN
ONLY 11 KNOWN TO EXIST!
Here we present an antique Whitney-Howard “Thunderbolt” Lever Action 20 Gauge Shotgun, manufactured by the Whitney Arms Company in Whitneyville, Connecticut. This lever action shotgun know as the Thunderbolt was invented and patented by Charles and Sebre Howard. The Thunderbolt line consisted of Sporting Rifles, Shotguns, and Carbines with less than 1,700 total being manufactured from the three types. Though these were designed in the early to mid-1860s, they were not produced in time for Civil War service.
The initial prototypes were constructed with the direction being set towards the sale to both the U.S. Government and the New York State Militia as a martial arm. But it was the civilian market that finally saw the production of the Howard’s Thunderbolts. These Thunderbolts manufactured by Whitney are normally marked on both left and right sides of the barrel, as is this one. The demise of the Howard Thunderbolt was probably due to two primary factors, one being the availability of technologically superior weapons from companies such as Henry, Spencer, and Sharps, and two being the huge abundance of post-Civil War weapons flooding into the market.
And now the good part. Those known to still exist today consist of 62 Sporting Rifles, 12 Carbines, and 11 Shotguns. The serial number is “111”, an early production! Regardless, it doesn’t get much rarer than this lever action shotgun. This is a very slender, minimalistic shotgun that would have been a dream to carry afield.
The overall condition is good. The lever opens the breech on the underside, and would seem to cock the internal hammer but the spring seems weak. The bore is bright and smooth as expected. The stock is solid and is seated firmly against the frame. Here is a truly interesting shotgun for your collection.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 25-3/4 inches.
Caliber: 20 Gauge
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$1075
#201488
SOLD
Antique: Yes