Spencer Arms Co. Model 1887 30″ 12 GA Pump Action Shotgun 1887-1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1435
LSB#: 210713ME01
Make: Spencer Arms Co.
Model: 1887 Spencer Shotgun
Serial Number: 2284
Year of Manufacture: 1887-1888
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 1/2″, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SPENCER ARMS CO. WINDSOR, CT. U.S.A. PAT. APR. 1882”. The bottom of the barrel and the front face of the receiver are marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Cylinder Bore
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a single front bead front bead and the top of the receiver is grooved to provide a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The slide handle is checkered hard rubber in the size/shape of original wood 1887 models. The buttstock is smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb and checkered hard rubber buttplate. The slide handle shows wear with some light scuffs and scratches, its checkering is slightly smoothed. The buttstock has cracks in each side of the wrist and a few losses around the front edges of the wrist, most notable on the right. The heel has an inlet for a buttplate tang, it is not clear if the plate’s tang has chipped off or if the plate is not original to the stock. The buttstock has scattered nicks, dings, scratches and scrapes. The wood is generally shy to the metal. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The plate has scattered wear, heaviest at the heel and toe. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Damascus
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. There is light erosion and minor pitting scattered throughout the bore. There is a dent in the left of the barrel, about 4″ from the muzzle, visible in the bore.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 50% of its metal finish. There is a dent in the left of the barrel, about 4″ from the muzzle, visible in the bore. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has generally strong damascus patterning with some light wear and scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The magazine tube and receiver have mostly gone to a light-moderate patina. There is some blue finish around the triggers and some case color on the lifter assembly. The receiver has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The Screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: There is a dent in the left of the barrel, about 4″ from the muzzle, visible in the bore. The action functions correctly. We have not test fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Most famous for the Spencer Carbine, one of the few repeating rifles to serve in the US Civil War, Christopher Spencer was a prolific inventor and designer producing a sewing machine, horseless carriage and the first pump-action shotgun in 1884. Minor tweaks produced models 1886 and 1887, with both models being tested and approved by the Ordnance Department and a total of 354 shotguns purchased by them for guarding prisoners. However, this did not spur commercial sales and in 1890, the tools and machinery were purchased by Francis Bannerman who continued to produce and develop the design. This is the model 1887, a very interesting shotgun with a top-ejection system with the firing pin mounted in the lifter rather than on a separate bolt as we are now used to seeing. This shotgun is in about Very Good condition as Antique. This shotgun has a very interesting history, tied back to the very first pump-action shotgun produced. Please see our photos and good luck!