ID this double barrel 12 ga

[Deavis]

Marked Ward's Westernfield Deluxe

Model 55 - SD145A

My references dont list this one.

Pre '68

I am guessing Stevens?

12 ga sxs, hammerless, extractors, tang safety, two triggers.

Read More

 

[ShadowedStorm]

Hey man! I haven't seen one of these in a little while. Tho I do like a puzzle, any chance you can snap a pic where the trigger guard and tang are included?

You may very well be right that it's a Stevens, but given that this model number isn't backed up by any historical Sears catalog or otherwise, which would make a lot of sense pre 68.

Additionally, I'm not seeing SD being used for Stevens / Savage rebranding in any other catalogs.

Are there any other markings on the firearm? Inside the break? Or under the tang? Not trying to say you don't know how to done a mark, just that I'm trying to narrow it down.

 

[Deavis]

Here are a few:

 

[WAYNO]

Looks like a Stevens 530 or a variation.

 

[ShadowedStorm]

Here are a few:

View attachment 2212007 View attachment 2212008 View attachment 2212009

Hey again!

I'm inclined to agree with WAYNO.

That style of trigger guard with the little flair before the triggers, the markings on top of the barrels, tang and safety style, lack of side panels and so on point that direction.

There's likely additional markings inside as you break to open. Should be a couple on both pieces where they seat together.

Might help you to figure out when it was manufactured or where, if you're in to that sort of thing. Though it's always a toss up with Ward.

 

[Deavis]

Trying to ID the original model so I can order some repro wood.

When I get home I will take some interior pics.

 

[Deavis]

More pics

 

[1911Fanatic]

So, this was from the Montgomery Ward catalog?

 

[ShadowedStorm]

Ooo okay. I've changed my mind!

Looking at these pictures again but changing my reference times I actually think it may be a Stevens 311 Series 1 from before or around 1959.

That circled A maybe denoting 12G, the R likely being a stamp to indicate the "deluxe" upgrade, whatever that got you, consistent with other Ward firearms. The circled H seemingly matches up with proof marks for those shotguns, but no concrete info on it. The circled K stamp is eluding me.

Equally likely, depending on who actually manufactured this, that my thoughts are wrong, as everyone used their own independent marking system. Some used serials, a lot didn't. Some used Proof/Date/Inspector stamps, which is kind of where I'm leaning with those four stamps.

OR it could have just been each step of the process stamped each piece independently so they could reliably find their way back to each before leaving the factory! Also a common practice.

However, a big tell is that from about 1940 to 1948, Savage/Stevens didn't use any serial numbers on their double barrels. And it would have been printed where that RKAH roughly by the hinge pin.

Frustratingly, that "Model 55 SD145A", i don't seem to be able to find in anyone's historical catalogs as having been a model for Western Fields.

Thankfully able to entirely rule out Ithaca or any of its child companies as the manufacturer for this shotgun for the time period.

 

[monks]

Looks too much like a Steven's/savage 311 or fox model b to be a coincidence. I'm betting it's a Steven's shotgun.

 

[ShadowedStorm]

I had considered a Fox model, but by everything I can find they ALWAYS marked it A.H.Fox on that receiver by the hinge pin, as they were supposed to a 'higher end' make of the not-so-Stevens Stevens. It's not impossible, for sure.

 

[Deavis]

Getting back to this project.

The dimensions for the 311 Series 1 match per Boyds and other web sites.

Repro wood is inbound.

The action functions fine it is just ugly.

New wood will help, probably a matte finish to the steel.


Now…. Sadly there is a bulge in the left barrel at 14" where the tape is…

And my understanding is that SBS stamps are now free!

 

[dangerranger60]

Bulges can sometimes be removed. a smith that is skilled runs a heavy mandrel down the barrel and tap's the bulge down from the outside. Its a little like doing body work. DR

 

[gmerkt]

Interesting stuff about a similar model:

Seeking ID info on Ward's Western Field Model 50...

Hello All, I just inherited this Ward's Western Field Model 50 side-by-side 12 gauge, and the search for info on her brought me to your forum, in other words, I'm new here. Searching around on the forum I understand this is a trade brand built for Monkey Wards (anyone else's remember...

www.shotgunworld.com

Including a page from a 1941 MW catalog. Which shows the Model 55 series, doesn't quite show the 145A model, but that could be only a year or two difference in the catalog listing. The page shown was from 1941.

The Stevens 530 and the 311 were similar guns, the difference being the 530 was more deluxe. Since the Model 55 is shown as a deluxe model in the MW catalogue, maybe it's a Savage 530. 530 made 1936-54, 311 made 1940-89.

Note the comments re. why the top snap (locking lever) has a bias to the left.

 

[bluebird800]

Agree with the others. Looks to be a Savage/Stevens/Springfield 311 or very close variant. I have a 311 that the receiver and barrel look the same, little different stocks.

 

[Deavis]

Confirmed: Savage 311

I just received replacement wood from Boyds.

Will fit with minor fitting.