Marswell Shotgun

[Feldhege]

Hello Everyone,
I recently received a Marswell Single Shot shotgun that belonged to my great grandfather. My dad was wondering if I could find any information on it. He believes it is a model 1915. Any ideas? I found only one link on the web and it appears to be built by Ivers Johnson for the Marshall-wells Hardware Company of Duluth Minnesota. That would make sense as my family is from Minnesota. Any idea where I could find some pictures or information on the company or the gun? Mine has a solid rib along the barrel which I have been told is unusual. We are just curious as it has become a family treasure.

Thanks.

 

[mnrivrat]

Around the turn of the century there were a lot of "hardware" guns being produced for large distributors by several companies including Iver Johnson. For a history of this particular Hardware store you can search the web for www.marshall-wells.com this site will give you a good historical accounting of this business.

The solid rib barrels are much harder to find than the typical plain barrel on single shot guns. While not super rare they generaly do draw more attention and are worth perhaps 25 to 35 % more than their counterparts.