Hemenway's New Model Damascus Hammer Top Lever

[Bruce B.]

Located and purchased a Hemenway's New Model Damascus SxS today. Real nice overall condition. The big question I have is the underside of the barrels are stamped "13", what does that mean? I believe the gun is a 12 bore, but perhaps a 13 bore? A 12 gauge shell fits nicely though. Check out the many photos. Someone here knows about these London or Birmingham guns. Looks similar to the early Isaac Hollis guns. The carved horn butt plate and for-end tip are well done as are the engraved side plates and bolsters. A surprising amount of "case color" still exists. Oh, the serial number is kind of low...#46. I didn't give a whole bunch for the piece (you'd laugh) but with the condition I felt it needed to go home with me. The quality is perhaps arguably similar to a Parker top lever "D" grade. The barrels measure a touch over 30 1/8". The bores are absolutely perfect and shiny. My appreciation for Parker Guns has opened my eyes to other vintage side by sides and hope you can understand, though Parker Bros. are my favorite.