Meriden Firearms Model 58 C30 30″ Chain Damascus 12 GA Double Shotgun, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,200.00

LSB#: LSB251206BC020

Make: Meriden Firearms Co.

Model: 58, Grade C

Serial Number: 70018

Year of Manufacture: 1907-1918

Gauge: 12 GA, 2 5/8” Shells, Black Powder

Action Type: Top-Break Sidelock Hammerless Double Gun with Extractor

Barrel Length: 30″

Choke: Left: Full, Right: Full, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the solid rib. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with a schnabel-tip splinter forend, horn-capped pistol grip, straight comb and serrated horn buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few very thin scratches at the rear of the lockplates and the back of the top tang. There is a crack at the heel on the left. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ and 12 7/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and some worm-holes with generally well defined serrations. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Browned Chain Damascus & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match. 

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright with some scattered light erosion. There are a few wavy spots where it appears that dents were pressed out. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 7+/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have generallys trong chain damascus patterning with some small patches of wear. The receiver has some strong color with some areas muted or worn to white. The guard shows handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock to the frame with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. 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: The Meriden Firearms Company is a wonderful example of the incestuous nature of early American double gun manufacturing. The company was formed by Sears Roebuck on purchasing Andrew Fyrberg & Sons, Fyberg worked before and after with various firms such as Iver Johnson, Harrington & Richardson, as well as C.S. Shattuck. Some of the engraving on higher grade guns, such as this C-Grade Model 58, was performed by William Gough, who also engraved for Parker Bros, A.H. Fox, Hollenbeck, Colt and Winchester.

While produced by Meriden for Sears, this gun is not a bargain-basement budget gun. It has fine chain damascus barrels, nicely engraved fowl scenes on the lockplates, and attractive select walnut stocks adorned with horn grip cap and buttplate. It is an attractive piece from the early 20th Century that would make a fine display in any collection and may still prove worthy to head back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Bud