Heike's Hand Protector

[Scott Smith]

Heike's Hand Protector by the Chamberlin Target & Cartridge Co. - I saw this at t local shop the other day. It was on a very old LC Smith 12 ga. that was nothing special. Interesting design. Too bad much of the leather has separated from the steel. I did not measue it, but guessing it is about 10" long. Are these uncommon?

[Bill Murphy]

They are neat items, not "rare" but seldom found. Rollo Heike was a noted competition shooter.

[Fred Verry]

Scott, I had hoped that mine was the only one that had survived. Now I will have to give it a closer examination and see if it has any unique markings. A Romanov double headed eagle would be great.:)

Seriously, Bill is right, it really is neat. Many different avenues for research and learning about the history and evolution of American double gun shooting are represented in just this one item. The merging of histories of The Chamberlin Cartridge & Target Corp., Hall of Fame shooter Rolla "Pop" Heikes and professional sport celebrity endorsement are great reading.

A couple of links to the ATA HOF site:

http://www.traphof.org/People-Stories/chamberlin-cartridge-company.html

http://www.traphof.org/People-Stories/rolla-heikes.html

[Drew Hause]

Different logo than Scott's. I do not know which is older.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/21690841/389761440.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/21690841/389691387.jpg

Rolla Heikes was the first industry representatives in 1885, with the Lefever Gun Co., and should probably have the title of "The Best Shooter With The Most Different Guns".
In 1895-96, Heikes participated in 67 tournaments (despite having malaria in the summer of 1895) and was high gun in 60 using a Winchester 1893 slide-action. He defeated Fred Gilbert in 1896 at the 2nd "E.C." Cup "Champion Inanimate Target Shot of the World" in New York and was 4th in the GAH at Live Birds. Prior to using the Winchester, he shot a L.C. Smith.
He defeated Charles Grimm on Dec. 6 1897 for the Cast Iron Medal using a Winchester 1897. He defeated Fred Gilbert for the "E. C." Cup at Chicago, August 13, 1898 with a score of 140 to 137 out of 150 targets, then successfully defended the "Cast Iron Medal" against Fred Gilbert at Eau Claire, Wis., in August and W.R. Elliston in Nashville in October.
In 1899 he used a Remington Hammerless Double to defeat E.D. Fulford for the "E.C." Cup in January and won the Sportsmen's Association Championship Trophy in the trapshooting tournament held on the roof of the Madison Square Garden in March.
He used a Parker at the 1900 GAH at Live Birds, then went back to his Remington to win the first Grand American at Clay Targets held at Interstate Park in New York City June 12-15, 1900. In November 1900, he was using a new single trigger Remington hammerless double. He was part of the victorious American team in the June 1901 Anglo-American Clay Bird Match using a Parker.
He started 1902 shooting the Remington single trigger hammerless, then used a LC Smith at the Ohio State shoot and to take 3rd in the last GAH at Live Birds in Kansas City. He came back from Typhoid Fever in 1904 to take HOA at the Dominion of Canada Exhibition Shoot in Winnipeg again shooting a Remington.
In 1905 he began shooting a Remington Autoloading Shotgun and was 2nd High Professional at the 1906 GAH.

Courtesy of Chris Lien

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/21690841/372551868.jpg

[edgarspencer]

They are almost a necessity when shooting a light English 12 bore. Originally for driven bird shooting, the barrels will get too hot to hang onto the gun. I love shooting my Webley & Scott at clays, but without the hand guard, you need to pace yourself. I also like the hand-forward grip.

[Bill Murphy]

Mine is 11 1/2" long. I don't know if this is the normal size or maybe the Ultra model. The markings on mine are the same as yours, but no gold in the lettering. Hand guards are still made today. The gentleman from Kentucky, John Bugdon, sells them at the Southern and the Vintage Cup. I have them in every size from .410 to 8 gauge. I don't use them but can't resist the craftsmanship that goes into making them.

[Drew Hause]

Looks like the oval logo is the earliest

“Heikes Hand Protector – A Necessity for Blue Rock Shooting” introduced by Chamberlin Cartridge & Target Co.
http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1901/VOL_36_NO_24/SL3624014.pdf

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/24189170/403965362.jpg

[Fred Verry]

Drew, if the information I referenced in the second link in my previous post is correct. The Chamberlain Company hps came after the Heikes Co's. patent was 'sold' to them. The photo of the ad in the link I provided looks like the Heikes' Hand Protector Company made the HHP with laterally scrolled printing as well as the oval/gold printed models in your picture. HTH.

[Scott Smith]

Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge. These accessories offer another area of interest connected to American shotgunning.

[John Cinkoske]

I believe I have one with no leather left on it at all. It's just blued steel. It came on a ratty N. R. Davis double I bought for ten bucks somewhere when I was in high school.

[Dave Suponski]

To add to the discussion. Just an old 12 gauge GH 1 frame 30" trap gun with a modified stock and hand protector. This old girl shoots great.

[Daryl Corona]

Nice looking gun OP.:)

[Dave Suponski]

Sure is my friend....sure is...:whistle: