side.by.side.barrel

Question
hi.i.have.a.16.guage.side.by.side.barrelthe.only.number.
on.it.is.12406.they.say.the.barrel.is.hopkins.and.allen.
but.i.dot.now.have.you.ever.heard.of.thease.numbers
thank.you

Answer
Hi,
Hopkins & Allen was a firearms maker 1868 to 1917 in Norwich Ct.
In 1898 the purchased Forehand Arms Co. of of Worchester, Massachusetts.
H&A produced side by side shotguns based on Forehand design from 1898 to 1917.
Most are utility grade shotguns.


Really only hone and doesn't cover shotguns
Revolvers & pistols from Hopkins & Allen Mfg. & Arms companies
~ Charles E Carder

There is a little history on Forehand
http://www.cornellpubs.com/old-guns/item_desc.php?item_id=1193

The number likily a serial number.
It it could a part number or patient number as well.