T Latch and Back Action

[Brian H]

Can anyone give me an opinion on the forum or via PM on the 2 pictured guns. My view is they are more conversation pieces and filling out a collection. The bores are lightly frosted but clean and the overall guns themselves are solid. I am gonna have a look at them tomorrow and will either buy them or help the gentleman determine value. He thinks they are 12-B gauge but is not certain. Thanks in advance for your input.

[David Noble]

Check that the extractors are still in place on the T-latch. They are known for being loose or missing.

[B. Dudley]

The Meriden Manuf. gun is certainly fills a hole for any serious collector looking to put together a chronological collection. And that example looks to be all original and in decent shape compared to a lot out there.

[Brian H]

Thanks each of you for your input on the hammer guns.

I was fortunate to acquire Meriden 450 in 12b, it has what appears to be uncut 28" barrels and is in exceptional condition for a 1865 gun. The bores frankly amaze me and the extractors are perfect.

I also acquired back action 01180 in 12ga. It has cut decarbonized barrels at 26", non rebounding hammers and decent bores. It is a fair example of an early Parker back action.

Enjoy the pictures.

[B. Dudley]

A note on the back action if no one else mentioned it is that the hammers themselves are not original to the gun. They are from a later lifter.

[wayne goerres]

I would like to see one of the T latches in person. I have never ran in to one.