Looking For Info; Bridge Gun Co. "Black Prince" .410

[Oldfenderguy]

Can anyone give me some information/history dealing with the Bridge Gun Company "Black Prince" .410 single shot?

I recently picked the below shotgun at a farm auction, only $40 including 2 boxes of Winchexter Super X-Long Range 2 1/2", 1/2 ounce #6 shot shells.

The gun appears to be in great condition, no rust, no cracks in the stock, and no 'slop' in the action or lockup.  Fired a few rounds through it and it functions perfectly.

The receiver shows "Bridge Gun Company Black Prince", and on the barrel above reads "410-12m/m Choke".  It has a 26" barrel and SN A736XXX.

Thanks for any information you can provide....

[JBlk]

There were many shotguns made with trade names on them.Just type the name bridge gun company into your web search and you will find the answer that you seek.

[dogngun]

I think the "Black Prince" is a trade name brand made by the Crescent Gun Company. They were a manufacturer and importer of mainly field grade shotguns from the 1880's till they were bought by Savage in the 1930's. Many people think of them as junk, but I do not - I have one here made before 1910 for Tryons Sporting Goods in Philadelphia - the brand name is Vulcan Arms, it is a 30" 12 ga double and it shoots very well. I would recommend making sure it is safe by having a good gunsmith check it out, but I think it is a relatively newer gun -1920-1930's and it seems to have been very well maintained. I really like mine, and it is a good handling gun that actually hits what it is pointed at!!!!

enjoy it.
 ADDED: I found they were made by J. Stevens Tool and Arms Co. in the 1930's, and sold through Schapleigh(sp?) Hardware in St. Louis. I am certain it will last you a long time and I think you really got your money's worth. Oh, and the frame is nickel plated.....
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