Rifleman Q&A: Syracuse Arms Co.

by
posted on August 16, 2023
Syracuse Arms Co. Ad

Q: I came by a double-barrel 12-ga. shotgun made by Syracuse Arms Co.: Serial No. 11300. It is marked “Improved Damascus.” What can you tell me about the company and gun?


A: Your Syracuse Arms Co. shotgun was made in Syracuse, N.Y., the company being in business from 1893 until 1908. Its production actually ended in 1906, and it was bought by the Ithaca Gun Co. in 1908. The guns were made based on designs by Frank Hollenbeck, and his name appears on Syracuse Arms Co. guns made before Serial No. 10000.

Frank Hollenbeck was born in upstate New York in 1851; he was a machinist, inventor and master gunmaker. He was associated with Syracuse Arms, Ansley H. Fox, Baltimore Arms and Dan Lefever. He also made locks and bicycle seats. Ultimately, he formed the Hollenbeck Gun Co. to manufacture his patented three-barrel shotguns—which re-organized in 1905 as the Three Barrel Gun Co. Hollenbeck died in 1933.

“Improved Damascus” refers to one of several grades of Damascus or twist-steel barrels. Because Damascus barrels are made of twisted steel and iron, corrosion can invade the softer iron, causing undetectable voids and potentially leading to barrel failure. Because of its age and construction, this shotgun should not be fired under any circumstances unless it is certified safe to fire by a qualified gunsmith familiar with older firearms.

—John M. Taylor, Contributing Editor

Latest

John Parker flowing piece flintlock muzzleloader right-side view on white background
John Parker flowing piece flintlock muzzleloader right-side view on white background

Captain John Parker's Fowler: Witness To History

While thousands of firearms were used in and around the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, few survive today. One survivor is the flintlock fowler used by Capt. John Parker of the Lexington militia.

New For 2025: Mossberg 590M Standoff & 500 Slugster Pump Shotguns

The Mossberg 500 is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns ever made. That doesn’t keep the company from making updates and improvements, as evidenced in the new-for-2025 590M Standoff and 500 Slugster series.

Preview: Warthog Sharpeners V-Sharp Elite A4

Warthog USA’s V-Sharp Elite A4 pairs the company’s most feature-packed portable blade-sharpening unit with a detachable wooden base for added stability.

The Men & Guns Of Lexington Green

On April 19, 1775, 250 years ago, approximately 80 armed militiamen from Lexington gathered on their village green to confront several hundred British infantrymen. The events of that morning began a conflict that would ultimately establish the United States of America.

"Battle Road" & The British Retreat To Boston: 250 Years Later

After the fights at Lexington and Concord's North Bridge, the British column had to return to Boston. On its way, the regulars were set upon by hundreds, then thousands, of armed militiamen hell bent on revenge.

Preview: Hawke Airmax 2-7X 32 mm AO

Shooters looking to add optics to their air rifles should choose airgun-specific scopes such as those in Hawke’s Airmax line—which offers four models.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.