Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works RARE Model Skeeter, Blue 28” Side by Side Boxlock Shotgun, MFD 1927-1941 C&R

SOLD
LSB#: 160701GD06

Make: Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works

Model: Skeeter

Serial Number: 25510

Year of Manufacture: 1927-1941, there is no established database of serial number dates.

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Dual Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Tang Safety & Extractor

Markings: The underside of the forend catch is marked with a circled “P”, the underside barrel set flat is marked with the serial number and “F / O”. The left side of the receiver is marked “IVER / JOHNSON / SKEETER”, the watertable is marked “PATENTED / MAR. 16, 1915 / APR 27, 1915 / S” and the serial number, the right side is marked “IVER JOHNSON’S / ARMS & CYCLE WORKS / FITCHBURG MASS. U.S.A.” The top of the forend is marked with the serial number. The recoil pad is marked “RED HEAD BRAND / CHICAGO / PATENT APPLIED FOR” with a duck.

Barrel Length: 28”, with solid serrated rib.

Choke: Both bores are choked Skeet.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a larger white bead, screwed into the rib, with a smaller white mid-rib bead.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece American black walnut set with exceptional grain and tone variation. The beavertail forend has flank checkering and shows some scattered light to moderate depth scuff and compression marks. The butt stock has a flank checkered strait wrist and fluted comb. The stock has scattered light handling marks as photographed. The stocks are free from cracks and major damages. Drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 3/8”. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the rear trigger and 14 1/8” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the red ventilated rubber shotgun-style recoil pad; the pad is set with a black spacer, both items have nice fit to the stock; the pad is supple, showing only light scuffs, rating in about Excellent condition as not original to the shotgun. The stocks rate in about Fine Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright; there are a few very small bumps present from marks on the outside of the barrel set. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling wear on the lower tang, trigger guard, receiver and portions of the barrel; some of the surfaces are shifting to a plum patina with instances of brown patina. The barrel set has some light spots and thinning at the muzzles. The serrated rib has a few dings, the barrels have a few marks that translated as very small bumps on the inside of the bores. There are some bruises on the forward part of the trigger guard plate. The screw head slots have light tooling and are highly serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun has dual non-selective triggers, a tang-mounted safety that returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened and an extractor. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 5oz. 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: Iver Johnson produced the Skeeter from 1927 to 1941 with instant success. The company, more known for its utilitarian revolvers and single shot shotguns, had outdone themselves with the fancy American black walnut stocks and overall fit and finish of the model. This shotgun is in Fine Plus to Excellent condition, with about 85% of its blued finish remaining, bright bores that are free of erosion and beautiful stocks. The action functions correctly, the dual bead solid rib and strait wrist give comfortable, swift sighting and the action has no movement in full lockup. This is a great find for collectors but given its configuration and looks, it will appeal to hobbyists who are into Skeet shooting as well. Please see our pictures and good luck.