
H&R Damascus Hammered Boxlock Side By Side 12 Ga Shotgun, 1880s
SOLD FOR: $1,061.01
WOA# WY240611RD031
Make: Harrington & Richardson
Model: Hammer SXS
Serial Number: 271
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1880s
Gauge: 12GA 2 3/4” Black Powder
Action Type: Box-Lock Break-Open Side by Side Double Shotgun with Extractors.
Markings: The barrel, water table, and forend are all marked, “271” The top of the barrels on the rib are marked, “HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON, WORCESTER MASS, U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Fixed,Full Left / Full Right.
Sights / Optics: There is a Silver bead set atop the serrated barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut set with a splinter forend, Prince of Wales stock, straight fluted comb, with a checkered plastic buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are scratches, scuffs, and pressure dents throughout. The checkering has worn peaks. The buttplate has moderate handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall the stocks are in Excellent condition for their age. There is a strong right hand cast in the stock. The drop at comb is, 1 ?” and the drop at heel is, 3 ?”
Type of Finish: Oil dipped Crolle ribbon pattern damascus, case color.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright. There is no of erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate at a 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The case color on the receiver is bright. There is wear at the muzzle. The top and bottom tang is worn from use. The screw heads are lightly worn. The firing pins appear to have been replaced. The action has faint wear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition as 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. The action lockup is tight. The firing pins are in good condition.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This H&R (Harrington & Richardson) hammered 12 gauge side-by-side shotgun is an enigma. While H&R certainly made exposed hammer side by side shotguns in 20 gauge all the way down to .410 bore, they don’t appear to have made an exposed hammer 12 gauge shotgun in the 1880s. This shotgun has an extended boxlock frame and circular hammer plates underneath the hammers that lends to its oddity. The action itself has a beautiful shape, but little markings save for a three digit serial number. Yet, the beautiful Crolle ribbon damascus barrels are clearly marked as H&R. with such a low serial number, and its model not appearing to have been recorded, it’s possible that this shotgun was specially ordered in a small batch. Fortunately, we can ascertain a viable date of this shotgun due to its design and damascus pattern barrels. While the exposed hammer style was largely phased out in favor of hammerless designs for modern shotguns, it remains a symbol of the bygone era of American gunmaking. This H&R hammered 12 gauge side-by-side serves as a reminder of the practical, no-nonsense firearms that were once a staple in rural America, used for everything from hunting to home defense.
Overall, this H&R hammered 12 gauge side-by-side shotgun is a piece of functional history. It exemplifies the qualities that made H&R firearms popular: reliability, simplicity, and affordability. Whether used in the field, kept as a collector’s item, or appreciated for its historical significance, this shotgun represents a practical and enduring legacy of American firearm design. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
