Ethan Allen hinge breech shotgun
 

At a fairly recent gun show I came across this shotgun that had a busted stock through the wrist, a buddy of mine fixed the break and refinished the wood. The gun was in surprisingly good condition except for the brake in the stock. I am always interested in the unusual and thought I would share.

Interesting. Looks like a lot of drop. What's the DAH?

Drop at heel
 

Drop at heel is 2.75”

very nice - obviously a nicely graded gun

how about a picture of the action open- i can see the release, i assume the breech swings up from the back?

The hinge is along the left side so it opens over to the left from the right side.

A beautiful gun and another testament to American ingenuity and manufacturing.

What is the year of manufacture?





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Ethan Allen
 

I should also mention it is 12 ga with 26” barrels.

What kind of ignition system would the cartridges need to have?






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Ethan Allen
 

The guns were made around 1865 to 1872 one of the first American center fire breech loaders if not the first. Attached is a picture of the case head of a original cartridge. I do not own but would like to own one.

Ed suggests December 1868 for the introduction of Ethan Allen's Lid-opener, with as early as June 1867 for Parker's T-Latch.

Allen made barrels? That is a cool gun!