doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com oak and leather case identification

Original label was from Abercrombie and fitch as sole distributers for whatever was in the case.

So before I modify it for another gun i thought maybe i should see if it was identifiable.

By the shape of the barrel section, It appears to be for a single barrel gun with perhaps a beavertail fore end.
As well it only has a spot for a single snap cap. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.


where to store your pictures

How long is the barrel section? I sure could use a nice case for my Woodward single barrel trap.

Hi eightbore

I actually should have put that in the post.
The barrel section is 33 inches.

The felt looks very clean. I can’t tell if the removed circle spots were to hold down a rifle barrel. The handle isn’t sewn on, but an earlier and better method for attaching the handle to the case. How does the leather look on the outside of the case? Do you think the inside of the case was refitted for another gun (not original gun)?

Ken

I suspect this was for a single barrel trap gun, such as those made by Ogden Smiths & Hussey. I attach a photo from their catalogue which shows one of these guns, with it's distinctive fore part, which seems to match the space in your case. It states 32" length for the barrel, though I dare say they would make to a client's requirements. HH Hussey patented his ventilated rib attachment method in the US: "Securing ribs to pigeon guns. Patented June 10th 1924. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE No 1,496,852. HENRY HUGH HUSSEY, of LONDON. ENGLAND. SMALL Arm Application filed June 6 1923 Serial No 643,705"

It is also known that OS&H used Abercrombie & Fitch to distribute their guns in the USA.

Tim

A single barrel trap gun is the easy answer, but the back spacer that stops halfway to the breech doesn't seem to make any sense to me. I don't recall ever seeing a shotgun barrel with rib that would need this. Conversely, there doesn't seem to be enough space for a rifle scope, especially a barrel that would be that long on a takedown gun. Leaving half of the spacer off seems illogical as it would only support half the barrel when carrying the case. The only thing that I can see that would work is with a short block where the removed piece was to support the rear of the barrel, but that doesn't seem logical against just having full length support.

Maybe a single barrel rifle with the forearm on the barrel and a set of adjustable sights on the top of the barrel? That's the only thing I an think of that would fit that profile.

All good ideas.

I will say that from a case restorer perspective, the felt in this case is original to the case, as well as the configuration. As well I believe it would have been for a hammer gun, as you can see where the case is fitted for hammers, I can’t imagine why else it would be built that way. As for the barrel section, could it be for a rifle as someone has mentioned. Laid on its side with the front wood attached and a quarter rib on top….? However the barrel supports at the end of that section indicate support on the flats, as does the fact that it has a single snap cap 12 gauge spot….? The case is in very fine original condition ,leather as well as inside. The bottom section allows for a full length cleaning rod.

Maybe a single barrel hammer gun…..?

It is an interesting case and it sure would be nice to figure it out.

The Abercrombie and Fitch case for my Woodward is missing. Apparently, the owner thought the oak and leather case was too heavy and carried the Woodward in a VC case with a Churchill label and oddly, with the name of the owner embossed in the lid. I would not be surprised if the case in question may be the original case for my Woodward. Yes, my Woodward was sold by Abercrombie and Fitch. I would love to try my gun in this case if possible. Original poster, where are you located? I am in Maryland about 40 miles directly north of the White House.

Hi eightborh

Would be more than willing to see if it fits however i am much north of you in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Not sure how that would be accomplished.

And as stated in an earlier post I believe it would be for a hammer gun, is you wood ward a hammer gun....?
Unless the woodward trap gun has a very high receiver, I suppose it is possible. The tell will be in the height (thickness) of the receiver at the front.
I will pm you with my phone number.

I feel sure that the case started life looking similar this originally for a double side by side.



The lay out seems to be a little askew with things being in the wrong place, the cleaning rod turn buckle is there but doing what? Also the divider's seem to be a mishmash of divider thicknesses with what looks like the stock compartment and the extreme left compartment have clumsy strips to hold compartment covers. Finally it looks as if stops have been attached to the case lid to hold the barrel stopping it from rattling, a correctly fitted case would have the spacers below the barrel and the case lit would hold it secure. All in all I think it has been a amature re line and fit but they lost their way.