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In 1917-1918, World War 1, Hunter Arms Co. was making flrearms for Sears and some under the Gladiator name. Most were a variation of the Fulton Gun, some were the L.C. Smith Hammer Gun with special engravings and markings. The Sears statement says "Through a special contract from a widely known Eastern firm for firearms we offer a line of high grade shotguns at remarkably low prices. etc,etc."
All barrels were high grade carbon steel having a tensile strength of 85 to 95,000 psi.
The Gladiator (engraved Fulton )12 or 16 ga $24.60 (1917).

Records indicate that there were 233 Gladiator Field, 66 Gladiator-Diamond, and 66 Gladiator-Tournament in Hammerless (Fulton model).
Hammer (L.C.Smith) Gladiator Field 173, Gladiator Ideal 1.

Daryl, I would say that was a rare gun you got rid of, since there was only 1 made.

MD and Larry-I got those pics of the Fulton Gladiator and Ranger from an auction site.

Rev: There's a nice 12 bore Ranger by Nunter on there now .. Almost mint, unless I'm missing something.. MDC

MD-The pic is one p. 1

here is something a little different in a Fulton 16ga

http://www.auctionarms.com/Search/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=8008642

There is a gun that looks for all the world like a Fulton pictured in the 1912 SD&G catalogue and called their Manhatten Arms Co. gun. The "Books" say the Fulton with a half-pistol grip was introduced in 1915 and the Fulton Special with a bit of engraving and a capped pistol grip was introduced in 1916. I wonder if Hunter Arms Co. was making these economy boxlocks under contract for SD&G for a few years before they brought them out with their own name?

The Fultons had a wedge bolt while the later The Hunter Special had the rotary bolt of the classic L.C. Smith.

In the 1929 Stoeger Catalogue there were two grades of The Fulton -- The Fulton for $29.00 and The Fulton Special for $35.00 with a little bit of engraving, a capped full pistol grip, and checkered stock cheeks. Both were wedge bolted and offered in 12-, 16-, and 20-gauges. By the 1932 Stoeger Catalogue the price had dropped to $22.55 and $28.35 respectively. By the 1934 Stoeger Catalogue the Fulton was down to $21.85 and the Fulton Special was no longer listed.

In the 1939 Stoeger Catalogue The Fulton was $25 and $31.60 with a non-selective Hunter single trigger. The Hunter Special was $30.75 and $37.35 with a non-selective Hunter single trigger. Both offered in 12-, 16-, and 20-gauges.

By the 1941 Stoeger the prices were up for The Fultons to $29.95 and $36.70 while The Hunter Specials were $35.10 and $41.75. In the 1948 Stoeger Catalogue only The Fulton is listed at $75.70.

While Stoeger never seems to have picked up on it, by about 1940 these guns were also being offered in .410-bore.

Rev:

"and a Fulton Gladiator for Sears 1917-1919"

That's sure an interesting one!

I have a Henry 12 ga hammer double of the hardware store variety. Shot little if at all. Locks have three moving parts. Must have retailed for about $3. Henry Co. was in St. Paul, MN I believe.

Here's one from a St. Joe, Mo. , Co. It's a 20 ga.

Yes, it was rare and quite nice. Also sold the sam fellow an A Grade Smith hammer gun. I think it is in the new Smith Book. Two guns I wish I still had.