1902 28 Gauge Ejector/Extractor Modification

[JWH]

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.

IMG_6517.JPG
IMG_6518.JPG
IMG_6519.JPG
IMG_6515.JPG

[Kevin McCormack]

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

[Researcher]

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.

Gus Habich, F.P. Stannard & Moran, Nov. 17, 1906.jpeg

Pictures from Dr. Gaddy --

M&W Ejectors on GH Parker 73542.jpg

M&W Pat No. 805.jpg

More M&W Ejectors in GH 73542.jpg

[Researcher]

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

American Field, September 5, 1903.jpeg

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."

American Field, April 23, 1904.jpeg

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.

[JWH]

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

IMG_6757.jpg

[Researcher]

New Era, April 20, 1901, American Field.jpg

American Field, December 26, 1903.jpeg

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