Essex Gun Works: Reliability & History of Crescent Arms

Question
I know guns but I never heard of Essex gun works I bought a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun I wanted to know if they are reliable to shoot.

Answer
Hi,
Essex gun works is one of the dozens of trade names used by Crescent Arms Company of Norwich CT. They were in business from 1892 to 1932. Your was sold by the Belknap Hardware Company of Louisville Ky. If your gun does not have a damascus steel barrel it should be ok to shoot with standard velocity ammo. I would have it looked by gunsmith before firing it. These low dollar guns were actually pretty well made.