J.C. Dane 1870's SxS 12ga - Rare Antique Description Please read the following carefully. I have provided as much verifiable information as I can about this very unique shotgun and its rather ingenious and talented manufacturer. I have a roughly 145 year old, very scarce, complete, and functional J.C. Dane SXS 12ga breechloader shotgun. The information about this 1870's SXS, and its manufacturer, is almost as scarce as the guns themselves produced by Mr. Joseph C. Dane in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Some characteristics of this shotgun:. J.C. Dane is inscribed on the left and right sideplates. Breech-Loading 12ga Damascus barrels (bores rough of course, but I've seen much worse!). They have a quite intricate Damascus pattern, but mostly hidden w/ a dark patina. Made in 1870's - two patent dates in 1874, inscribed on the top rib, referencing Patents #146658 and #150538. On top rib is the inscription: "J.C.DANE. LACROSS. WIS. LAMINATED STEEL. THIS GUN IS FREE FROM ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. PAT. JAN. 20 & MAY 5, 1874" Exterior Rebounding hammers; The "Free from Accidental Discharge" inscription on the top rib likely refers to his improved Rebounding Hammers, for which Dane was granted Patent #124939 on March 26, 1872. The use of this invention was assigned to Charles Parker of Parker Brothers the same day it was issued. From American Society of Arms Collectors.org, "History-and-evolution-of-Parker-guns-B090_Parker.pdf": "In its 1872 catalog, Parker Brothers first offered as an option rebounding locks, meaning that the hammers rebounded and did not rest on the firing pins once the gun was fired making it safer to carry a loaded gun. The first rebounding locks Parker used were based on Joseph Stokes’ 1868 patent, which was owned by Wesson Firearms. A royalty had to be paid for each lock. Presumably, the Parkers were less than thrilled at having to do this. On March 26, 1872, a patent was issued to Joseph C. Dane for an improved rebounding lock, and the patent was assigned to Charles Parker on that same date (Figure 10).25 By 1874, the Dane rebounding lock was standard on all Parker hammer guns." A very unique Barrel Release mechanism --The typical "Top Action Break Lever" is relocated as a forward-backward thumb lever located inside the trigger guard, forward of the triggers. The Double triggers are inside a longer than normal trigger guard - elongated to accommodate the unique Action Break Lever. The Forearm release is a Key/Wedge, as on muzzle loader forearms. There is much detailed engraving over all receiver parts. There are 2 "serial" stampings found - both "100", on the action flats and on the forend metal; (a closer look at the action flat can appear to be "001" , with the 1 being mistakenly stamped upside down, followed by 00). Also, "No. 100", in script form, is inscribed on the backstrap of the trigger guard. And most interesting -- the buttstock is removeable from the pistol grip - held by one bolt, with 2 steel concave/convex disks as mating surfaces for the 2 stock pieces. The purpose of such construction appears to be a mechanism to adjust both Comb Drop and Heel Drop, by means of a vertically sliding bolt lug. Please see the pictures of this unique buttstock for its construction and adjustment range! Other References found for Joseph C. Dane: From American Gunsmiths by Frank Sellers: DANE, JOSEPH C. La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1870 – 1885. Patents #146,658 January 20, 1874, breechloading firearm, and #150,538 May 5, 1874, breechloading firearm. Breechloading shotgun, From: Cornell Publications; SHOTGUN MARKINGS: 1865 TO 1940, A LIST, Compiled by Joseph T. Vorisek CAMP & WISE Dealer located in Stoughton, WI c. 1877. Sold shotguns marked DANE DANE, J.C. Gun maker located in LaCrosse, WI 1870 to 1885. DANE J.C. Dane From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 748., City of La Crosse J. C. DANE, manufacturer of breech-loading fire arms, was born in Skowhegan, Me., in 1816; learned the machinists' trade in Bangor, Me., and came West in 1855. He lived at St. Anthony, Minn., till 1861, then came to La Crosse, where he has since resided. He has been engaged in his present business since 1872. He was married in Bangor, Me., in 1842, to Miss Matilda E., daughter of Lewis Hancock of that place, and has no children. Condition and Preservation of this shotgun: This antique firearm is, to my knowledge, complete and original - except for a possibly missing wedge plate insert that may have originally been in the tip of the forarm (speculation). All components are fully functional, although I would not attempt to fire live rounds due to its age. I have not disassembled the receiver, but it has been lightly sprayed internally with Ballistol to retard any further deterioration, and to lubricate the components. The exterior components have not been refinished, buffed, or sanded in any way. They have been cleaned and protected with a light rub of Renaissance Wax. In my research over time, so far I have only found 3 other complete JC Dane Shotguns: Two are in the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, in Cody Wyoming: One is in the posession of a very nice gentleman I spoke to some time ago in another western state. As none of these 3 specimens have the same break lever inside the trigger guard, but have the barrel release lever as the forward part of the trigger guard, I might speculate that the "serial" 100 may be the notation for the first complete prototype of this action design. I do not know if the other 3 have stamped serial numbers - at least one of the Cody speciments was documented as "not serial numbered". Specifications Make: J. C. Dane Model: Unspecified Chamber: 12ga, 2-1/2" Action: Double - SXS Capacity: 2 "Serial" No.: 100 Mfg. Date: - 1870's Barrels: 29" LOP: 13-3/8" and 14-3/8" Overall Length: 46" Weight: 9.0 lbs.

Has been in private hands. I acquired about 3 years ago.