What was the Hunter Arms Co. “Hunter”?

Thomas Hunter’s 1904 Hunter Arms Co. Annual Report, dated January 11, 1905, states “14 Hunters” were made in 1904. 15,451 boxlock shotguns were produced before Hunter Arms Co. received a patent for the G.S. Lewis designed gun Feb. 7, 1911, and another 8,190 before the introduction of the Fulton in 1915. A total of 38,754 boxlocks were produced 1904-1918, and they were referred to as “Hunters” until the name was changed to “Fulton” in 1915. Unfortunately, the shipping records simply list serial numbers; without gauge, barrel length or destination. No “Hunter” boxlock is known to exist today.

The Hunter Arms “Hunter” boxlock should not be confused with the Crescent “Hunter” sidelock made for the Belknap Hardware Co. of Louisville, Kentucky.