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Remington Model 1889 SxS Shotgun, Wells Fargo

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Remington Model 1889 SxS Shotgun, Wells Fargo
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Remington Model 1889 Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun, having documented Western use by Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, #208809, 12 ga., 20'' steel barrels marked with 2-line ''Ilion, N.Y. U.S.A.'' address, originally browned and case hardened finish, varnished pistol-grip walnut stock checkered at wrist and on forearm. Checkered hard rubber buttplate with entwined Remington Arms initials logo. Mfg'd 1885-1909 concurrent with the Models 1885 and 1887. All matching visible serial numbers. Matted barrel rib marked ''W.F. & Co.'s Exp. No. 27'', which is repeated on underside of the receiver and on inside of the forearm. Left side of buttstock stamped ''Wells Fargo & Co.'s Express No.27'' in a 4'' arc. Accompanied by a 1949-dated letter on American Railway Express Company's letterhead (successors to Wells, Fargo & Co.), verifying the above markings and stating that this shotgun's markings and serial number ''were more than enough to trace this shotgun to those used by Wells, Fargo & Co. stage and office employees in Western Nevada on the Humboldt trail from Winnemucca, Nevada, to Virginia City, Nevada. It is number 27 of 30 shotguns authorized for use in that area by the San Francisco Office between 1890 and 1910. These were all 'Grade One' de-carbonized steel with no engraving'', which description exactly matches this gun. Condition is very good+ showing clear markings and an overall light gray metal patina. Stock is solid with wear and a few scattered dings but shows well. Butt had a bevel crudely ground along the right side during its period of use for some unknown reason. Crisp and tight action, bores should clean. Historical antique arms having condition and solid documented provenance are rare; this one has both and is most assuredly a prize. Est.: $2,500-$3,500. (Antique)(Joe Poyer collection)