The other Meriden factory

[Brent Francis]

Here are a couple more pictures

[Mark Beasland]

Should be barrel type and model on the action flats.
Barrel markings are like K30 for Krupp 30in, T32 for twist 32in, C28 for Chain Damascus 28in

Model would be 1 or 2 digit number.

I'll find some photos.

[Mark Beasland]

http://www.gunsinternational.com/gun...n_id=100827026
http://www.gunsinternational.com/gun...n_id=100803218

Tried to just post the link for the action flat photos but got the whole listing so you'll have to scroll down thru the photos to find it.

Sorry for what looks like self promotion it was not my intent.

[Brent Francis]

Thanks, i saw those web sites. The water table on tnis one only has a serial number. I found a reference that the very highest grades were not marked with model number and barrel length I think this may be a trap grade. I have ordered a 1910 catalog to see if i can figure it out

[Drew Hause]

The line of much higher grade guns manufactured by Sears/Meriden Fire Arms Co. were called "THE MERIDEN GUN" rather than Meriden Hammerless. The 1910 catalog shows the following grades - A with Whitworth, Krupp, or 6-blade damascus for $250 with AE, B with Krupp or 6-blade for $185 with AE, C with Krupp or 4-blade for $110 with AE, D "Trap Gun" with Krupp or 3-blade for $90 with AE, E "Quail Gun" with Krupp and ONLY 16G for $60 (no AE offered), F with Krupp or 3-blade for $60 with AE, G with Krupp for $40. Production of these guns was apparently quite limited. It is not known if the intended market for these more expensive models may have been Fred Biffar's company or other national dealers.

In 1910, $250 would have bought a Smith Monogram or Parker AHE; $185 a Smith 5E or BHE.