Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. 16 Gauge Shotgun

[smithy]

Recondition in process -- See updates below.

Latest update:

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[smithy]

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I grabbed one of the more noticeable later additions to the collection, propped up beside the doorway. The heaps of electrical tape patching her together scream that she’s a recent piece, yet it’s astonishing how she looks rougher than nearly half the older relics in here. What was Grandpa thinking when he included this one, given its condition? I needed to dig deeper and figure it out.

This shotgun has earned the endearing nickname "Sticky Girl," and with all the electrical tape wrapped around it, you can see why. Electrical tape is impressive stuff, but I learned early on that while it can handle high temperatures, even sunlight can gradually warm it up, leaving both the tape and anything you touch afterward feeling tacky. It’s more than just a minor annoyance for me—it drove me crazy. I had to muster all my patience to snap these photos before tearing off that tape, muttering curses about the mess I’d have to clean up. Seriously, steer clear of using electrical tape to fix your firearms!


Initial Assessment:

This shotgun appears to be an old, heavily worn firearm, likely a single-shot break-action model, showing significant signs of age and neglect. The wooden stock and forearm are extensively wrapped with black electrical tape, which is frayed, peeling, and covered in debris, suggesting makeshift repairs and prolonged exposure to the elements. The metal components, including the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and hammer, are deeply rusted with pitting and scratches, indicating years of use without proper maintenance.

The buttplate features the embossed logo and text "Stevens Arms Co.," and the frame bears "Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. Worcester, Mass. U.S.A.," pointing to H&R likely being a trade brand, though the exact model remains unclear without further markings or context. Overall, the firearm’s condition reflects a rugged, utilitarian history, likely used extensively in outdoor or rugged conditions before falling into disrepair.

• Condition: The shotgun is in poor condition, with extensive rust, pitting, and wear on all metal parts, and the wood is scratched and weathered, held together with deteriorating electrical tape.

• Materials: Constructed with wood for the stock and forearm, and steel for the barrel and frame, all showing signs of significant aging.

• Manufacturer Indications: Markings suggest associations with Stevens Arms Co. and Harrington & Richardson Arms Co., but the specific model isn’t identifiable yet.

• Design: Appears to be a single-shot, break-action shotgun, typical of early 20th-century designs, with visible internal springs and a simple trigger mechanism.

The first image shows the left side of a full shotgun, featuring a weathered wooden stock and a rusted metal barrel. The stock is wrapped with black electrical tape, particularly around the grip area, which appears worn and slightly frayed. The metal components, including the trigger guard and hammer, show signs of rust and age, giving the firearm a rugged, well-used appearance.

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This shot provides a close-up view of the right side of the shotgun's frame, revealing a heavily rusted metal surface with visible wear and pitting. The area around the hinge shows a small exposed wooden section, contrasting with the black electrical tape wrapped tightly around the barrel and frame. The trigger guard and hammer are also visible, both showing signs of rust and age, adding to the firearm's weathered look.

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Image #3 displays a close-up of the shotgun's wooden stock, showcasing a worn and weathered surface with visible scratches and discoloration. The grip area is heavily wrapped with black electrical tape, which appears frayed and covered in dust or debris. The wood grain is faintly visible beneath the tape, indicating the stock's age and extensive use.

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Image #4 presents a side view of the shotgun, highlighting the weathered wooden stock and rusted metal barrel. The stock is extensively wrapped with black electrical tape, particularly around the grip and lower section, showing signs of wear and fraying with some debris clinging to it. The metal frame, trigger guard, and hammer are visibly corroded, with the barrel appearing aged and rough, suggesting long-term neglect.

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[smithy]

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This image shows a close-up of the shotgun's buttplate, which is made of black material with a textured, checkered pattern for grip. The surface bears the embossed logo and text "Stevens Arms Co.," indicating the manufacturer, along with a screw securing the plate to the wooden stock. The surrounding wood is worn and scratched, with a brownish hue and minor debris, reflecting the firearm's aged condition

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This image depicts a close-up of the shotgun's frame, showing a rusted metal body with the breech open, revealing internal springs and mechanisms. It is very hard to read but the frame bears the embossed text "Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. Worcester, Mass. U.S.A.," indicating the manufacturer, along with a small circular mark. The trigger guard and part of the trigger are visible, both showing signs of corrosion and wear, consistent with the firearm's overall aged condition.

[smithy]

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The electrical tape proved useful, effectively binding the broken pieces together. Aside from that, the stock remains in relatively good shape considering its age.

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[smithy]

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Following a bath and some gentle cleaning techniques, the barrel and frame now appear in their best condition yet.

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[smithy]

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We discovered in a journal of the JCastaway Legends series, this shotgun comes with a rich history, its stock once finished in a striking aqua blue-green hue with swirling cream-colored highlights. We believe that repainting the stock isn’t the ideal approach for its long-term care, so we propose creating a replica by taking a mold of the original stock to craft a custom piece. We’re still unsure if this plan will succeed.

[smithy]

With the shotgun now restored to working order, let’s take it apart, clone and reassemble it to reflect the legend. We’ll do our utmost to recreate the stock according to the description in the legend’s journal entry. From the legend: “The shotgun featured a bluish-green stock with cream-colored accents."

So this isn't my preferred color but think we are getting close to the legend description. Hopefully Millie would approve!

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