Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by David Williamson on June 21, 2012, 11:36 am
174.49.147.138

In the responses I have received for both Syracuse hammerless and hammer and also Fulton serial numbers for hammer guns, I am trying to determine when Fulton actually started gun production. Serial number 25470 c.1888-89 is a Syracuse gun, has L.C. Smith Maker, Syracuse, N.Y. on top of barrels. The next serial number I have is 26351 c.1889 no writing on barrels, square lug. All Syracuse hammer guns including Quality F, the name L.C.Smith was engraved on the side plates. The convex ribs on the bottom of the receiver were large. The long side plate connecting screw was rounded and most had engraved marks on them. The barrel lug had squared corners, the checkering was 22-24 lpi, and the serial number was on the trigger guard. The for-arm tip has an ebony inset. Lastly, the name L.C. Smith Maker was on the top of the barrels. Serial number 26351 does not have L.C. Smith Maker on barrels, does have engraved name on side plates, does have 24 lpi checkering, does have squared barrel lug. I do not have the information if it has the serial number on the trigger guard, and the shape of the convex ribs. Hopefully the owner will let me know. Serial number 26644, has the rounded barrel lug, engraved L.C. Smith on side plates, no barrel markings, checkering isn't as fine and the convex ribs are narrow. With no name on the barrels would seem to me that these are true transition guns. And whether Syracuse started making changes in 1888 before selling to John Hunter is only a guess, but if made in Syracuse why no name on barrels. In exchanging emails with Tom Archer, he and I both agree that Fulton had to have started earlier than 1890. The blank pages of history between 1888-1890 are gone. I do have a Syracuse 1889 reprint catalog, but it is basically the same as an 1888 one. Our guess is that Fulton started in either 1888 or 1889. The serial numbers that I am looking for above would help to determine this with the description of the gun. Thanks and hopefully we can fill in the missing years.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by Will favre on June 21, 2012, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
208.7.132.226

Hi David, On 26351 the serial number is engraved on the trigger guard tang. The convex ribs are narrower than on my 1884 Syracuse. On the sighting rib the knurl starts at the breech end of the rib and runs the entire length and looks as if no barrel markings were intended. The 1884 has a box created by an engraved outline on the rib where the barrels are marked. Will

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by David Williamson on June 21, 2012, 1:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
174.49.147.138

Will, again thanks for your help. That is a good point about the box. Since most of the Fulton's I have seen, the name on the barrels were roll stampled not engraved like the Syracuse guns.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by danw on June 21, 2012, 3:44 pm, in reply to "Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
67.142.161.19

Hi David, Did I give this one to you before? I can't remember. 25665 F, Number engraved on trigger guard tang, LC Smith engraved on lockplates. Large convex ribs, 22LPI, square lug, fine two iron damascus with no marking except serial number. Looks like a Syracuse gun.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by David Williamson on June 21, 2012, 4:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
174.49.147.138

Dan, no you didn't, and thanks. I only have one number lower than yours, s/n 25627. I have pictures of it, but none for the barrels and I hate to guess and say it does not. Hopefully a lower one will appear with all the vital information. Thanks again. My original theory was that Fulton hammer guns started at 25500. Getting closer to it.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by Jim Thomas on June 23, 2012, 3:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
24.52.143.187

Hi David: I went to a country auction this morning and picked up a dandy LCS Fulton (roll stamped) 12 ga hammer gun. Ser # 79982 F grade with Royal steel barrels. The exterior of the barrels could use some TLC but other than that the gun is ready for hunting (my gun smith was with me.) What do you recommend to clean the exterior of the barrels? Also, dirt residue has built up on the stock and could use a light rub down - any suggestions. Thaks very much...Jim

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by David Williamson on June 23, 2012, 4:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
174.49.147.138

Jim, thanks for the information, and good luck with your new hammer gun. I'm sure you will have gun shooting it. To clean the barrels I would use 0000 steel wool with some oil and it will remove any surface rust and clean them up. After wiping the barrels down, give them a light coat of oil and rub it in. The stock, you could use Murphy's soap to clean some of the old dirt off and then give it a coat or two of True Oil after.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by Jim Thomas on June 23, 2012, 6:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
24.52.143.187

David: You're very kind sharing this with me ...Thanks Jim

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by Terry Reckart on June 25, 2012, 9:12 am, in reply to "Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
173.89.173.163

David; I have a Syracuse 10ga. hammer gun with serial # 13604. Hope this helps fill in the holes.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by David Williamso on June 25, 2012, 9:21 am, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
174.49.147.138

Terry, thanks. Your gun is from 1885.

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by Carl Erickson Jr on July 2, 2012, 9:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
69.248.116.238

Dave: I have 25902. The side plates have engraved LC Smith, the trigger guard has the engraved serial number the lug is square and the barrel is twist with no name on the rib. The barrel was probably cut. Carl

Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n

Posted by David Williamson on July 3, 2012, 6:35 am, in reply to "Re: Looking for 25xxx, 26xxx very early Fulton Hammer gun s/n"
174.49.147.138

Carl, thanks for the information.