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Posted: 4/21/2026 6:01:46 PM EDT
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It was my father's from as early as I can remember. Plain shotgun, hammerless double. Marked "Oxford Arms Co" on one side. No patent dates or import/proof marks. I believe it is a Crescent Arms gun made for the Belknap Hardware company. Serial number matches on barrels, forearm, and receiver. T57983 Top of left barrel is marked "Proof Tested 12 GA" Does anyone have any data on this? Thanks! |
Originally Posted By Det0nate: It takes a special kind of retard to argue the wrong side of second grade spelling.
What made you pick that particular quote for your sig-line?
--Swindle1984
What made you pick that particular quote for your sig-line?
--Swindle1984
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I found these through a couple of searches, not sure if it helps or not. Oxford Arms Co. was a "trade name" used on double-barrel shotguns, typically imported from Belgium or manufactured by Crescent Fire Arms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These classic, utilitarian firearms are highly collectible but generally have low modern market value due to age and safety restrictions. Oxford Arms was a trade brand. Large hardware stores and retail catalog companies (like Sears or Montgomery Ward) would stamp "Oxford Arms Co." onto firearms produced by high-volume manufacturers like Crescent Fire Arms or imported Belgian gunsmiths. Variants: Commonly found in 12-gauge and 16-gauge models. Most versions are side-by-side (SxS) models, and some earlier or imported models feature external hammers.Value & Market: These shotguns typically sell at auction or private sale for anywhere between $200 to $400, depending on condition, bore integrity, and whether it retains its original finish or wood stock. & OXFORD ARMS CO. Tradename used by Belknap Hardware of Louisville, Kentucky on shotguns made by Crescent Fire Arms Company. Crescent Fire Arms Company Established in Norwich, Connecticut in 1892. Manufacturer of shotguns and handguns, it was purchased by H&D Folsom in 1893, and absorbed by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company in 1926. OXFORD ARMS CO. Tradename used by J. Stevens Arms Company on shotguns. |
Here's a page about the Belknap Hardware guns from one of my reference books ("Niles' Guide to 'Affordable' Double Barrel Shotguns in America 1875-1945"). In the gray box at the lower right he says Oxford guns were primarily made by Folsom, with some produced by Stevens. Full disclosure, I often find the author's research and conclusions to be suspect. I wouldn't treat anything he writes as gospel. HLBL = hammerless, box lock HLSL = hammerless, side lock Bottom line is dear old Dad owned a hardware store shotgun. These were lower tier guns produced and sold in huge numbers to guys who couldn't afford or justify a Fox, Parker, L.C. Smith, etc. Basically a "shotgun brand" shotgun. Think white can/black label "BEER" brand beer. In good condition, these can be serviceable shotguns as long as you understand that they were not made for the ammo you can buy at Walmart. It's almost a sure bet the gun has 2-1/2" chambers. Yes, a 2-3/4" shell will drop in and it will fire. The problem is that there isn't sufficient room at the end of the chamber for the shell to fully open. Will shooting modern ammo blow up the gun? No, not likely. But you will be subjecting the gun to pressures it wasn't made for. Over time that's hard on the stock and can loosen up the action. It also will likely kick like a mule. Certainly you should not shoot any steel shot out of it. You can buy factory made 2-1/2" shells from RST but they cost like $25 a box. In a pinch you might try Winchester AA target loads. They seem to have shorter hull lengths than most. Oh yeah, those little mini shells aren't really a great solution either. Although they are short, they are not low-pressure loads. They just pack normal loads in a shorter hull. You could probably do it, but I wouldn't shoot a ton of them. |
BTW, Oxford was one of dozens of brands produced by Folsom. The chapter on Folsom in Niles' book runs 100 pages (the guy definitely needed an editor). Here's a couple of pages that discuss some of the various brands produced by Folsom. Oxford is mentioned on both pages. 
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Regarding Folsom vs. Crescent. Both seem to be correct. The way Nilges explains it Folsom was a marketing company that acquired the Crescent factory, among several others. The following two pages are the first two from Nilges' chapter on Folsom. I think reading it you'll see why I say take what he says with a grain of salt. It's not exactly a scholarly work: 
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Thanks all of you for the information you were able to add. It looks like dating this is pretty much futile, but the history is worth having. FWIW I have no intentions of using this shotgun in any way other than historical artifact; I bought a new sxs as a "using" gun. I remember this one being Dad's gun from as young an age as I have any memories; so about 60 years. It was the only gun in the house through my childhood. |
Originally Posted By Det0nate: It takes a special kind of retard to argue the wrong side of second grade spelling.
What made you pick that particular quote for your sig-line?
--Swindle1984
What made you pick that particular quote for your sig-line?
--Swindle1984
|
Originally Posted By Bladeswitcher: It's a safe bet it was made prior to 1935. That helps, thanks! |
Originally Posted By Det0nate: It takes a special kind of retard to argue the wrong side of second grade spelling.
What made you pick that particular quote for your sig-line?
--Swindle1984
What made you pick that particular quote for your sig-line?
--Swindle1984
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