pre 1874 12 gauge lifter

[B. Dudley]

A lot of these early guns have a sort of letter prefix with the serial number. Most commonly a "B". And yes, there is no clear consensus as to what it means. And I do not think anyone knows for sure what the "F9R" marking is either. This is also a very common marking on guns within the first several thousand serial numbers.

If your gun is fitted with Damascus barrels, it is likely a front action gun. Since usually back actions were decarbonated steel.

Your gun would have the early features such as the lifter pin in top of frame (unless returned to factory for converting), the keyed forend, wedge forend tip, and the flush finished hinge pin. And, likely your gun does not have rebounding locks.

Value is depending on condition, and we cannot determine without good photos.

With a barrel length like 27", they could be likely cut. But, odd and fractional barrel lengths are more commonly found on earlier guns.

[nate kuenzer]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

A lot of these early guns have a sort of letter prefix with the serial number. Most commonly a "B". And yes, there is no clear consensus as to what it means. And I do not think anyone knows for sure what the "F9R" marking is either. This is also a very common marking on guns within the first several thousand serial numbers.

If your gun is fitted with Damascus barrels, it is likely a front action gun. Since usually back actions were decarbonated steel.

Your gun would have the early features such as the lifter pin in top of frame (unless returned to factory for converting), the keyed forend, wedge forend tip, and the flush finished hinge pin. And, likely your gun does not have rebounding locks.

Value is depending on condition, and we cannot determine without good photos.

With a barrel length like 27", they could be likely cut. But, odd and fractional barrel lengths are more commonly found on earlier guns.

hey thanks for the info I will try to get photos up for viewing. thanks again!!