Make: Whitney Arms Company

Model: Phoenix

Serial Number: 3180 (matching numbered parts)

Year of Manufacture: 1867-1881 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: 20 Gauge

Action Type: Single shot, side-hinge breechblock, extractor

Choke: Cylinder, Fixed

Barrel Length: 32"

Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead fixed at the muzzle.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is smooth wood with a straight wrist grip, straight comb, and a smooth metal buttplate. The furniture shows pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. There are multiple cracks in the wood. The LOP measures about 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is about 2 1/2" and the drop at the heel is about 3 1/8". The buttplate has heavy handling wear. Overall, the furniture rates in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with scattered oxidation. There is heavy pitting and erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 3 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about none of its metal finish. The finish has almost entirely turned to patina. The metal surfaces show edge wear, oxidation spots, scratches, and dings. The action shows moderate operational wear. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. Overall, this shotgun is in Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: Action does not function properly; the breechblock is loose and can swing open on its own. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Whitney Arms Company Phoenix was a unique American single-shot shotgun produced by the Whitney Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut, during the late 19th century. The Phoenix utilized a side-hinge breechblock design and was produced in a variety of gauges and cartridges. Whitney Arms Company was active from 1867 until approximately 1888, with the Phoenix representing one of the company’s sporting arms offerings during the post-Civil War period.

This shotgun retains essentially none of its original blued finish, with the metal surfaces having largely transitioned to an aged patina with scattered oxidation, edge wear, scratches, and handling marks throughout. The smooth wood furniture remains in Good condition with numerous pressure dings, scuffs, scratches, and multiple cracks throughout the stock and forend. The bore is dark with scattered oxidation, heavy pitting, and erosion throughout, rating 3/10. The action functions, though the breechblock is loose and can swing open on its own. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots, and the shotgun retains the appearance and character of a well-used 19th-century American arm. Overall, this Whitney Arms Company Phoenix rates in Good condition as an Antique, with its age, matching-numbered parts, and distinctive action design being notable features. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!