Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this "trade brand name" side-by-side shotgun for a penny-start auction; this is the Belknap Hardware & Mfg. Co., Essex!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Belknap Hardware & Mfg. Co.
Model: Essex (Trade Brand Name)
Serial: 359394
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 28"
Optics/Sights: Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Round Knob Stock and Forearm
Action: Side-by-Side, Break-Action Shotgun with Hammers
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame is marked "ESSEX / TRADE MARK" with a large "SX" superimposed over the first markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Essex side-by-side, break-action shotgun with external hammers is an excellent example of the widespread “trade brand” firearms that were distributed across America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Essex name was not a standalone manufacturer but rather a trade brand owned by Belknap Hardware Co. of Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest hardware distributors in the United States at the time. Belknap contracted well-known gunmakers—most notably Crescent Firearms Company, and in some cases Harrington & Richardson—to produce reliable, affordable shotguns that could then be sold under the Essex name through hardware stores and catalogs. These shotguns were generally designed as practical field guns, featuring exposed hammers, a sturdy break-action, and dual barrels in popular gauges such as 12, 16, and 20. Their simple yet effective design appealed to working-class hunters and farmers who needed a dependable shotgun for hunting, pest control, and general use without the premium cost associated with higher-grade doubles from companies like Parker or L.C. Smith. Although Essex-branded shotguns were considered economy-grade firearms, their construction by firms such as Crescent gave them a solid reputation for durability and straightforward functionality. They were not lavishly finished, but they offered features that made them reliable in the field: robust locking mechanisms, checkered hardwood stocks, and the safety and familiarity of external hammers. Today, Essex side-by-sides hold interest primarily among collectors of trade brand shotguns, who view them as historically significant pieces that reflect the democratization of firearm ownership in America. They embody the era when hardware stores served as the primary firearm outlets for rural communities, providing affordable options that ensured nearly any household could own a serviceable shotgun. While they may not command high collector values compared to custom doubles, Essex hammer guns carry cultural and nostalgic importance, offering a tangible connection to the traditions of American hunting and the hardware trade of the early 20th century.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Essex (Trade Brand Name)
Serial: 359394
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 28"
Optics/Sights: Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Round Knob Stock and Forearm
Action: Side-by-Side, Break-Action Shotgun with Hammers
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame is marked "ESSEX / TRADE MARK" with a large "SX" superimposed over the first markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Essex side-by-side, break-action shotgun with external hammers is an excellent example of the widespread “trade brand” firearms that were distributed across America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Essex name was not a standalone manufacturer but rather a trade brand owned by Belknap Hardware Co. of Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest hardware distributors in the United States at the time. Belknap contracted well-known gunmakers—most notably Crescent Firearms Company, and in some cases Harrington & Richardson—to produce reliable, affordable shotguns that could then be sold under the Essex name through hardware stores and catalogs. These shotguns were generally designed as practical field guns, featuring exposed hammers, a sturdy break-action, and dual barrels in popular gauges such as 12, 16, and 20. Their simple yet effective design appealed to working-class hunters and farmers who needed a dependable shotgun for hunting, pest control, and general use without the premium cost associated with higher-grade doubles from companies like Parker or L.C. Smith. Although Essex-branded shotguns were considered economy-grade firearms, their construction by firms such as Crescent gave them a solid reputation for durability and straightforward functionality. They were not lavishly finished, but they offered features that made them reliable in the field: robust locking mechanisms, checkered hardwood stocks, and the safety and familiarity of external hammers. Today, Essex side-by-sides hold interest primarily among collectors of trade brand shotguns, who view them as historically significant pieces that reflect the democratization of firearm ownership in America. They embody the era when hardware stores served as the primary firearm outlets for rural communities, providing affordable options that ensured nearly any household could own a serviceable shotgun. While they may not command high collector values compared to custom doubles, Essex hammer guns carry cultural and nostalgic importance, offering a tangible connection to the traditions of American hunting and the hardware trade of the early 20th century.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
