1902 28 Gauge Ejector/Extractor Modification
 

I was wondering if anyone knows who possibly did this ejector/extractor modification on this VH 28 gauge or if they have seen others with the same modification before?

Any info is greatly appreciated.

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Probably Josef Singer or Wolfsperger & Moran, both gunsmiths who offered ejector mechanism installation from roughly 1900 onwards.

The pin at the front of the frame, forward of the hinge-pin, is found on the Moran & Wolfersperger ejector installations. Moran & Wolfersperger broke up about 1904/5. By 1907 Mathew E. Moran was in partnership with Fremont P. Stannard, and Gus Habich in Indianapolis was installing the M & W ejectors.

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Pictures from Dr. Gaddy --

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By September 1903, the Moran & Wolfersperger ads were stating that they had fitted their ejectors to over 500 Parker Bros. guns --

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By 1904, they had reformed as Moran & Wolf Gun Co. with C.A. Cooper as President, Ross C. Wolfersperger as Vice President and Mathew E. Moran as Secretary, and their ads were offering "Our new Breech=Loading Hammerless Shotgun."

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In the Chicago City Directory for 1904, there is also -- Crowdus Battery Co. Frank H. Cooper pres; Chas. A. Cooper treas at the same 541 Wabash Avenue address. Chas. A. Cooper is also listed as treas of the Crowdus Automobile Co. also at 541 Wabash.

That would make sense. This gun was originally ordered by "The Fair" in Chicago in June 1902. It would have at least been local.

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The R.C. Wolfersperger & M.E. Moran patent for ejectors on Parker Bros. guns is Patent No. 717,486 granted Dec. 30, 1902.