First, I apologize for the atrocious pictures. I’m away from anything that resembles a decent camera or light box. Best I can do is a kitchen table and an iPhone. Hopefully get something better soon.

This gun has been in my possession for a bit over 30 years now. I received it from now departed good friend. Not much info was provided, but this was pre-internet days and info was more difficult to come by. I’ve never shot it due to not being able to ascertain the condition of the barrels. My friend did include two boxes of 10ga hand loaded black powder shells which sit on the shelf to this day.

In my initial investigating I recall having doubts on its true pedigree and despite the engraving on the locks and the nice wood...it has sat since. I have not been particularly kind to her either. It has sat above a cabin mantle only to be occasionally brought down to wipe the exterior and barrels. It locks up like a vault and the barrels have a nice ring, despite the pitting and my ignorance.

I’d really like to shoot it. It has sentimental value obviously. How and if that goal can be realized is another question entirely. Any info is welcome. I’ll try my best to get some better pics soon.







lol

See proper assessment first

https://www.mbabllc.com/page/page/7927803.htm

Call him (area code 715, Northern Wisconsin) and seek a path forward

Is that close to Upper Great Lakes?

Judging by the area code and some of the links...it could be spitting distance. His website says not accepting new work currently, but I will give him a ring.

Thank you much.

Google is your friend. Lots of info on this maker there.

For information on Goodman, of Cooper and Goodman, this will be of interest:

https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine/a-hardware-store-gun-with-a-difference

Nice gun.

I’ll look around a bit more, but what I found was limited. Other projects on the burner as well. My knowledge is limited, and back the clock up prior to about 1890...it’s pretty much non-exsistant. Digging will be a good exercise. I’ll get some “better” bad pics today with some natural light and get them up.

It looks like Birmingham proofed between 1855-1875. Found both online resource, as well as the copy of my old soft cover book. Nothing found on the “C H” that is on the barrel flats, nor the “B ^” that is on the under rib. I have never had the lock plates off, that might be a next step. One of the odd things I encountered is the lack of any serial number or such. That could lend perhaps a clue to its pedigree (cheap copy?) or an idea of manufacture date. Does anyone know when they started to serialize them?

I was able to mostly disassemble the gun and get a better look at things. The screw that fastens the underlever to the action still will not budge. Several cycles Kroil, heat, gentle tapping will not help. The screw head is already deformed, and I don’t want to risk additional damage. All the other screws were easily removed using Kroil and a proper fitting screwdriver.

The inside of the locks appear to be in fairly good shape. Each lock is stamped: “Joint Patents Stanton & Co” with respective numbers of 15977, and 15978 stamped below that. No other markings. The stock is stamped “C. Greenshall” on a singular spot behind the triggers. No other serial numbers or identifying makes seem to be present.

There are remnants of case hardening colors on the rear of the action block and tang. The firing pin springs appear to be hand wound wire.

A few questions if you don’t mind. I’d like to clean it up a bit. You can see the dirt and detritus within the engraving. Both on the receiver and the side plates. I have read in a few other posts of folks running parts thru an ultrasonic cleaner using a gentle solution of Dawn and warm water. Any harm in this? It would be nice to see if the case colors will “pop” and clean up the locks a bit. Submerge the locks assembled?

The barrels are another issue. I might need to invest in a few tools and a bore scope to see what we have there. One step at a time tho. Thanks for the help. Pics below.