Produced by the Springfield Armory circa 1881-1885, this centerfire, 20 gauge shotgun, serial number 1183, is one of only 1,376 such pieces produced. Most iron surfaces wear a flat dark plum patina and shows no original bluing or color casehardening. Receiver does exhibit scattered light pitting on the receiver, hammer, buttplate and barrel. Receiver has been enlarged to accept a 20 gauge brass shell. Lockplate has the three-line stamping “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873” with the eagle motif in front of the hammer. Breechblock has only the date “1881” stamped in slanting numerals. Mechanics are tight and crisp. Bore is very good with light pitting overall but should clean to bright.

Black walnut stock with its very slim forend was made from Civil War musket stocks cut down to 28.” Wood never cleaned and exhibits a mellow patina along with its share of normal handling marks, dings and scuffing. Butt stock underside has the stamped circle visible, but the “P” is dented over and difficult to see. Does retain a thin, single cartouche on the left wrist. Stock does show a few hand-carved initials of “F A” on the left side stock. All iron mountings standard and present. No rear sight. Front brass bead sight on the barrel muzzle has been filed down to a nub. Weapon was made for use by government hunters and scouts at various military posts. The last known ‘Forager’ shotguns were issued to troops in Alaska in 1906.

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