essex 16 guage

Question
QUESTION: Can you give me ANY information reguarding an essex gunworks SX 16 guage single barrel shotgun. My husband purchased one of these and we know nothing about this type. Any information is greatly appreciated. I can't find anything in the gun book. Is there another brand I should be searching? When were these guns made? What is the approx value?  Any information you can supply will help us out. He owns many guns and bought this one just to add to his collection. We are just wanting to learn more about this gun.

ANSWER: Hi,
Essex is the House brand for Belknap Hardware Co.
Crescent Arms Company of Norwich Ct. made Hardware Guns 1893 to 1931.
Utility grade arms inexpence but not cheaply made.
Its anywhere from $100 to $1000 depending on model and condition.
Most fall in the $100 to $400 range.
If it has damascus twist steel barrels its not safe to shoot with moderm ammo.


from
http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/cross_reference.html
Essex Gun Works: Trade name used by the Crescent - Davis Firearms Company on shotguns
made for the Belknap Hardware Company of Louisville, Kentucky.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information and help. I really appreciate it. Where would I find a model number on the gun? The only thing I see is a serial number on the bottom behind the trigger. The gun is in pretty good condition. If I knew how to upload a picture I would post one so you could see. My husband says he has not seen a gun made like this particular one he says that there is something different about it kind of a gut feeling that he has something a little special. He was very interested in finding out how old the gun is. Once again thanks for all your help

Answer
Crescent made inexpensive guns in large numbers under over 100  brand names.
From 1893 to 1931 they made 51 different variations of side by side doubles and single shots.
They made box locks and side locks with hammers or hammerless liquid steel and damascus twist steel barrels. If they placed a model name or number on the gun it would be on the side plate.
That would depend on what Belknap wanted one put on it. Serial numbers, model names etc
all added to the cost of the gun.
Belknap had "Danial Boone" shotgun. That is all it said on it.
It was Crescent Empire No. 60.  
If it was made after Crescent bought out Warner Davis in 1929 it could NR Davis design
as well. J Stevens bought Crescent-Davis in 1931.
I would find a well regarded local gunsmith and bring the shotgun to him.
He can then match it up based on its feature to parts catalogs he will have on hand.
Photo here are too small to help.
Since there no collectors interest in these guns there is little written materials on them.
They made about 4 million guns. All the company records were lost in 1940s.