Guns International #: 102348280

Category - Hammer Shotguns - Shotguns - American Double

Category
Hammer Shotguns
Shotguns - American Double

Meriden Firearms A. J. Aubrey Graded 12-Gauge Hammer Gun, 32” Damascus Steel Barrels, Original Condition

Description:
Meriden Firearms A.J. Aubrey models were the best-in-class of the early 20th-Century shotguns that were affordable for the average person.  They were advertised as giving twice the value for the dollar as the name-brand gun manufacturers.  This is pretty much supported by an objective analysis of the components of this shotgun, including the quality of the Damascus-steel barrels, the figured walnut stock, the design of the locks and nicely milled tool-steel mechanical parts, and the engraving.  The gun came with a 60-day free trial and a 20-year guarantee against breakage caused by defects in material or workmanship.  This sidelock 12-gauge, s/n 11408, which is a Grade 93, cost $19.50 in 1908.  This was roughly the same price as an LC Smith F Grade.  

Graded engraved Aubrey hammerguns are rare, especially in such high original condition.  This gun remains today a great acquisition for the value-conscious hunter looking for the most bang-for-the-buck.  With tightly-choked 32-inch barrels, 2-7/8” chambers, low-profile circular hammers, and weighing in at 8 pounds 4 ounces, it would have been used to hunt waterfowl -- a role it still performs wonderfully -- and turkey. 

Its sidelocks are hand engraved in the leaf style and retain substantial case color.  The receiver is without any pitting or scratches and retains muted color on the top.  The locks are rebounding, and the hammers when cocked are below the line of sight.  The receiver and barrels are secured by a Purdey double-bolt and an extended top rib.  The stock has some figure against a multi-tonal background and good grain alignment.  The DAC is 1-3/4 inches, the DAH is 3 inches, and the LOP is 14-1/4 inches to the end of the original embossed buttplate.  The cast is neutral.  The date of Nov. 14, 1910 is inscribed in the stock at the rear of the right sidelock.  This suggests that the original owner connected this gun with something meaningful in his life which happened on that date, and adds as sense of timelessness to the gun.

The fine Damascus barrels retain 100% of the original finish and show good contrast.  They are a great example of what well-maintained Damascus pattern should look like after a century.  The bores have no pitting or other blemishes.  Both barrels are choked full (.030).  The bore diameters of both barrels measured at 9 inches from the breech are .712 inches.  The outside diameters at the muzzle are both .820 inches.  The wall thicknesses of the right barrel measured at 9 inches from the muzzle are (top/side/bottom) .042/.040/.040, and at the middle of the barrel are .040/.037/.048.  The wall thicknesses of the left barrel are .040/.037/.041 and .042/.037/ .040, respectively.  The right trigger pulls at 9 pounds of pressure and the left at 8 pounds.  The gun locks up tightly.  All serial numbers match.

The price does not include shipping cost, which is paid by buyer. The inspection period is 7 days from receipt.  This gun has been fired using RST low-pressure shells with both lead and bismuth shot.  However, as for any antique or vintage shotgun, it is recommended that the new owner have it inspected by his or her gunsmith before firing, and then only use shells that produce the pressure for which the gun was designed.


 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes