Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #86
  • Lot #29
Lot #28
Lot #30

Lot 29: JR Platt Texas Rangers The Continental Double Barrel Shotgun

Historic "The Continental" Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun with Gold Inlaid "J R PLATT TEXAS RANGERS" Inscription

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2022

Lot 29: JR Platt Texas Rangers The Continental Double Barrel Shotgun

Historic "The Continental" Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun with Gold Inlaid "J R PLATT TEXAS RANGERS" Inscription

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2022

Estimated Price: $5,000 - $7,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Historic "The Continental" Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun with Gold Inlaid "J R PLATT TEXAS RANGERS" Inscription

Manufacturer: Belgium
Model: Double Barrel
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 30 inch solid rib
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4981
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 52
Class: Antique
Description:

These shotguns were made in Belgium by Simonis, Janssen & Dumoulin. The underside of the barrels and watertable have matching serial numbers and Belgian proofs (pre-1893 style). The watertable and right lock also have patent markings, most clearly "Patd. June 20 1883" on the lock. The left lock is marked "The Continental." The matted, concave rib is marked "THE CONTINENTAL-.-FINE DAMASCUS" and has "J R PLATT TEXAS RANGERS" in gold inlay and a single bead front sight. The forearm and round knob pistol grip stock are checkered, the former features a contrasting tip, and the latter has a hard rubber buttplate embossed with a basketweave pattern and scene of a dog, shotgun, and shot birds. The chambers measure 3 inches with a single extractor, the choke constrictions measured .015/.006 (R/L) inches. Stock measurements: 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 3/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull. John Radcliff Platt (1862-1911) was one of the several Platt brothers that served in the Texas Rangers in the late 19th century. Their father, Captain Radcliff Platt (1822-1909), is also listed as having served as a mounted volunteer during the Mexican-American War and was a sheriff, farmer, and livery stable owner in Austin. J.R. Platt worked in the stable before he enlisted in the Texas Rangers on June 20, 1886, as a private in the Frontier Batallion in Captain Sam McMurry's Company, and left the Texas Rangers on August 31, 1891. Prior to working as a ranger, he was recorded as working in a stable. The Frontier Battalion was tasked with protecting the Texas frontier from Native American raids and outlaws starting in 1874 at the end of the Reconstruction era in Texas. Texas was very rural at the time and hampered by the depressions of the late 19th century and labor conflicts, and part of Captain McMurry's Company's duty included dealing with labor disputes at the Texas & Pacific Coal Company in Erah County.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with bright gold inlay, 80% plus original brown finish on the barrels with some fading to gray and distinct twist patterns, areas of strong original case colors, 30% original case colors and blue finish, smooth gray patina on the balance, minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The wood is also very fine and has mostly crisp checkering, and some light scratches. Mechanically excellent.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #847: Dreyse Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun

    Lot #844: Two Double Barrel Shotguns

    Lot #201: Two Double Barrel Shotguns

    Lot #70: Colt Model 1878 Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun

    Lot #1307: Game Scene Engraved Alfred Davis Boxlock Shotgun with Case

    Lot #681: Engraved English Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun from TW Cofer