Iver Johnson Skeet-er SxS 28ga

Iver Johnson Skeet-Er Side-by-Side Shotgun 28ga Hammer Forged Fitchburg, Massachusetts Circa 1933–1941. The Iver Johnson Skeet-Er in 28 gauge is one of the most coveted small-gauge American doubles ever produced, and this example from the Arms & Cycle Works in Fitchburg, Massachusetts represents the model at its finest. Made during the gun’s production window of 1933 to 1941, this is not a utility-grade field gun — it is a purpose-built skeet and upland double that Iver Johnson produced to compete directly with the finest American side-by-sides of the era, sold through prestigious retailers including Abercrombie & Fitch and Griffin & Howe. The Skeet-Er was built on the same small frame as the .410 Hercules Hammerless, with each barrel and lug forged as one piece, proofed, and then joined together — a construction method that set it apart from ordinary production doubles of the period. The Skeet-Er doubles were specially built high quality guns with excellent fit and finish, representing the top of the Iver Johnson double barrel line. The 28 gauge version in particular has always commanded a significant premium over its larger gauge counterparts among collectors, and examples in presentable original condition are genuinely difficult to find. The Skeet-Er was available with either extractors or ejectors, and offered with either a double trigger or a Miller single trigger in either selective or non-selective variety. The 28 gauge was standard with a straight grip, though full pistol grip was available as a special order option. The receiver on this example is stamped “IVER JOHNSON / SKEET-ER / HAMMER FORGED” on the left flat and “IVER JOHNSON’S / ARMS & CYCLE WORKS / FITCHBURG, MASS. U.S.A.” on the right — the correct and desirable markings for the later production Skeet-Er. The action is fitted with a Miller marked single trigger and a manual tang safety and barrel selector — the Miller single trigger being a premium factory option that adds meaningfully to both the practical appeal and collector value of this example. The Miller single trigger option commands a 25% premium over standard double trigger Skeet-Er examples. ? The blued finish on both the receiver and the barrels remains strong throughout, showing the honest patina of a well-kept but lightly used gun rather than the neglect or abuse that plagues so many guns of this age. The bores are clean and the action is intact. The stock is a standout feature of this gun. The walnut displays genuinely attractive figure — warm amber and chocolate tones with character grain running through the butt — and is dressed with the Skeet-Er’s signature bold diamond-pattern hand checkering at the grip, crisp and well-defined after all these decades. The forearm is equally impressive, fitted with the large beavertail profile characteristic of the model, carrying its own diamond checkering panel and the distinctive Iver Johnson forearm latch release. The wood-to-metal fit throughout remains tight and correct. The 28 gauge Skeet-Er commands a 50% premium over large gauge models, with values at 100% condition reaching nearly $6,000 and documented sales as high as $6,500 for exceptional examples. With the Miller single trigger adding its own premium on top of that, this gun sits at the very top of what the market supports for this model. The 28 gauge Skeet-Er with Miller trigger is the kind of American double that serious collectors actively pursue and rarely let go of once acquired — lightweight, beautifully made, historically significant, and genuinely fun to shoot on a skeet field or in the uplands. *FFL transfer required. All applicable federal and state laws apply*. Please see photos. Iver Johnson Skeet-er SxS 28ga Break 26 Shiny S27690E Excellent