[Bowman36]

I would like some info on this double. No s.n. Just the markings in the pictures.

 

[nmckenzie]

Best I recollect, the Newports were made by Crescent and Iver Johnson, and I believe yours is one of the latter. If you hop on Google Image and tap in IVER JOHNSON DOUBLE BARREL it'll pull up some photos.

 

[hrf]

Vorisek's "Shotgun Markings" lists the Newport Model CN as made by Crescent Fire Arms Co. for Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co.

 

[nmckenzie]

I might be wrong on this, but think the Crescent made Newports had internal hammer sideplates. The IJs were more along the lines of a Stevens 311, much like the double in the OP's photos.

 

[Bowman36]

What do the three circles mean on the bottom of the gun

 

[nmckenzie]

Afraid I can't help you with regard to the three circle marking. If I had to make a wild guess, I'd say it might be a factory service stamping of some sort - perhaps for tightening the barrel/receiver lockup?

 

[Bowman36]

Whats it worth?

 

[nmckenzie]

I'd only be guessing, and I won't do that. Searched on this and several other Forums using the terms NEWPORT SHOTGUN and IVER JOHNSON DOUBLE BARREL, but came up dry. I'm sure there are folks here who can point you in the right direction regarding price. Just a thought on the chance you intend firing this shotgun; it may have chambers shorter than the standard 2 3/4" we're used to these days, so have it checked by a qualified gunsmith first.

 

[nmckenzie]

Did just a bit more digging. hrf is correct and I was wrong; your Newport CN was made by Crescent of Norwich CT. Still haven't a clue regarding the three circles.

 

[Bowman36]

About 20 years ago we went deer hunting and a friend on mine shot a slug threw it and got a deer.

 

[RJay]

These old " Trade Name " Crescents don't retain a great deal of value. They were sold in hardware stores for the every day man to put food on the table and keep the fox out of the hen house. I have seen them go a gun shows ( in good condition ) for 100 to 150. I saw one go that was in bea-tee-full shape for 200. In the condition that most of these old shot guns survived, in well used condition, I would venture the lower value. As for the circles stamp ( actually it looks like four circles, one is worn away ), many of the odd markings on old American long arms were made by long gone and unknown workers, doing unknown inspections and assembly in a long gone factory. In other words I don't have a clue, it could mean something or nothing. I would guess it means something only to the people on the assembly line at the time.

 

[Bowman36]

Thank you RJay, That is what I am here for, the honest truth. This one is on the keep list, I know that this one was my grandpaps. One other question is that there is nothing left on the stock. What should I put on it to protect the wood?

 

[Hawg]

The three circles are a Spanish proof mark.

 

[hrf]

The three circles are a Spanish proof mark.

Hawg, that Spanish proofmark dates from Dec 1929, and the gun in question likely predates that.

It also appears there was a 4th circle not plainly stamped (note the space between left and right circle, and top arc of another circle faintly visible below them)