doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Crescent New Empire

Have been putting together a small collecton of the so called workingman's side by sides. Was able to find a pretty decent Crescent New Empire 12 guage sidelock,serial # 3291x,all numbers match, 30" barrels,ivory sight.
Pretty good shape,does not appear to have been used much,no shell impressions on breach face,tight lock up,no cracks or chips in wood,bluing decent with some light rust that will mostly clean off,fair amount of case remains.Gun appears to be solidly built,heavier than my LC. Looks like sat in closet for many years.
Have been trying to get information on Crescent such as dates of production without much luck.If anyone knows a source I would appreciate it. Also where did the New Empire rank in Crescent's line?
I have used 0000 steel wool and oil to get most of the light rust off the barrels with out damaging the blue, anyone have a better method
Thanks,
John

A broadside I have from right near the end of H&D Folsom's production of Crescent guns, 1930/1931, lists the New Empire (No. 88) with a checkered American Walnut stock, recoil pad and twin white bead sights for $23.50. The New Empire (No. 9) with a checkered American Walnut stock lists for $18.75, and the Empire (No. 60) with a plain "walnut finish" stock was $17.75.