Parker Bros. began offering 16-gauge guns around 1878 or 79. Remington Arms Co. didn't add 16-gauge doubles to their offerings until 1897, though a handful of earlier E.Remington & Sons 16-gauge doubles have been reported. It appears that Hunter Arms Co. added 16-gauge guns to their L.C. Smith offerings in 1898.

My earliest ammunition catalogue is a 1903 Union Metallic Cartridge Co. From that vintage on into the 1930s, the North American "standard" 16-gauge paper shell was put up in a 2 9/16 inch case. Longer 16-gauge shells, with more and better wadding, were offered in 2 3/4, 2 7/8 and 3-inch lengths.

A good place to score a box of pre-WW-I 16-gauge shells may be the currant Wards Auction --

https://www.wardscollectibles.com/viewcat.php?category=1

A nice box of period shells is a great "collector's" item to have with a gun, but I wouldn't have much faith at this late date that any even pre WW-II primers will go.

Last edited by Researcher; 11/12/11 01:43 PM.