I've come upon a Wards Hercules Model 10, so stamped on the left side of the action. The barrel is stamped Proof Tested 12 Gauge, on it's left side, near the breach. The right side of barrel is stamped Selected Forged Steel. The shotgun is single barrel.
Interestingly, the receiver/action is unmarked except as above noted, no serial numbers in evidence, and no sign of any having been removed. If the action was ever blued or color finished, said finish has long since worn off. As near as I can measure with a dial caliper, the bore at the muzzle is .685".
Re no serial numbers, It's been quite a long time since serial numbering was required on U.S. made guns, or so I had thought. Anyone have any ideas?
Interestingly, the receiver/action is unmarked except as above noted, no serial numbers in evidence, and no sign of any having been removed. If the action was ever blued or color finished, said finish has long since worn off. As near as I can measure with a dial caliper, the bore at the muzzle is .685".
Re no serial numbers, It's been quite a long time since serial numbering was required on U.S. made guns, or so I had thought. Anyone have any ideas?