Bannerman’s Spencer Model 1890 12 GA 32″ Pump Action Shotgun, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB251004RT032
Make: F. Bannerman
Model: 1890
Serial Number: 11144
Year of Manufacture: 1890-1893 Antique
Gauge: 12 GA
Action Type: Pump Action
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “F. Bannerman MNFR, New York U.S.A.”. The top of the barrel is marked “Spencer RPTG. Shotgun Pat. APL.1882” The lower tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 32” damascus barrel
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, and grooved forend. There are numerous nicks, scratches and compression marks throughout. The wood has receded around the upper tang. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Good overall condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. There is significant wear and some pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rate 5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains almost none of its metal finish. The bluing has worn to a brown patina. The damascus pattern is still quite visible. There are numerous dings and scratches throughout. There are scattered spots of corrosion throughout. The trigger and action bar have been brazed. There is general operation wear on the action and action bar. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not 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: Bannerman’s Spencer Model 1890 stands as a tangible artifact from the earliest years of American repeating shotgun development, bridging the gap between exposed hammer designs and the fully modern pump actions that would follow. Manufactured and marketed by Francis Bannerman in the early 1890s using the Spencer repeating shotgun design, these arms were offered to sportsmen at a time when repeating shotguns were still novel and mechanically ambitious. The Spencer system, protected by 1882 patents, represents an important evolutionary step in American shotgun history, and examples bearing Bannerman markings are closely tied to the surplus and sporting arms trade that defined late nineteenth century New York firearms commerce.
Chambered in 12 gauge and fitted with a long 32 inch damascus barrel and fixed Full choke, this shotgun reflects period preferences for dense patterns and long sighting planes suited to waterfowl and pass shooting. The brass bead front sight and substantial barrel length emphasize deliberate, smooth swings rather than quick handling, aligning with the sporting practices of the era. The damascus barrel retains visible patterning, an aesthetic and functional hallmark of nineteenth century barrel making, and remains one of the most visually distinctive features of early shotguns such as this.
Condition is consistent with an antique repeating shotgun that has seen extensive use across more than a century. The metal finish has largely worn to a uniform brown patina, with the damascus pattern still clearly evident beneath scattered corrosion and handling marks. The bore is semi bright with notable wear and pitting present, rating 5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks show numerous nicks and compression marks, with some wood recession around the upper tang, yet remain solid and appropriate for age. The action functions correctly, though the trigger and action bar have been brazed, and general operational wear is present throughout. No box, paperwork, or accessories are included. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
