Marswells shotgun

Question
I just received a Marswells single shot break-action shotgun from my father. My grandfather had it for years. When he passed he gave it to my father, so I know its an old gun, but I can't find any information on it in any of my books, or online. On the gun itself the only makings I can find are "Merswells" imprinted on the solid ribbed barrel, and "improved Model" on the side of the breach. Can you tell me anything more about this gun? I'd appreciate any information you could give. Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Sean. I had the same trouble finding anything about your Marswells shotgun. I did,however, find that it was manufactured by Iver Johnson for 'Marshall-Wells Hardware Company' in Duluth,MN. Iver Johnson made shotguns for many "hardware" companies in the late 1800's to early 1900's. "GUN SMITH ALERT" Many of the early shotguns of the period were chambered for the shorter '2 1/2 or 2 9/16' Shotgun shell. Firing a standard 2 3/4 shot shell can do great damage to the gun or yourself or both. The shorter shot shells are available through many of the online ammunition companies. If you do plan to use it, first have it checked by a competent licensed gunsmith. The raised rib was used for longer range or quicker shots such as duck or goose hunting. I could not pinpoint a year of manufacture, so it remains a mystery to me. I hope this will help in identifying your grandfathers gun and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage