Manufactured c. 1890-1895 by Francis Bannerman of New York. By the 1890s, the Bannerman firm had become known as the world leader in resale of military surplus equipment and firearms and acquired the failing Spencer Arms Co. in 1890 through a less than peaceful takeover, quickly moving the production equipment to New York to resume manufacturing. Bannerman's would go on to sell this basic shotgun design in a few different variations until around 1904, with approximately 9,000 of the Model 1890 variation produced in around five years. This specific example is a high grade deluxe variation of the Model 1890 featuring factory engraving. The receiver shows about 50% coverage, masterfully executed floral scroll engraving with vignettes on both sides, the right being engraved with the Bannerman maker's mark, and the left side having a buck in a mountain scene (writer believes this to be the work of Louis D. Nimschke). There are also flourishes of floral scroll on the slide arms and trigger guard. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The top of the barrel is marked "SPENCER RPTG.SHOT GUN PAT.APL.1882." The Damascus patterned barrel is fitted with a brass bead sight. The slide handle on this example is the early, multi-point checkered gutta percha style which was utilized from about 1890 to 1895. It is mounted with a deluxe, multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with a serrated hard rubber buttplate.

Fine, retains traces of the original brown finish in sheltered areas, faint Damascus twist patterns on the barrel and magazine tube, and 50% of the original case colors on the receiver with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and the engraving crisp overall. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor handling marks, a minor chip at the toe of the buttplate, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare high grade, factory engraved example of the Spencer patent Model 1890 shotgun!