[email protected] said
Please excuse. I’m new here and only a guest. I have a question that I can’t find the answer to. The answer is probably so obvious that nobody has bothered to put it on the internet.

I recently acquired an 1887 shotgun. It is in poor condition, 70% at best. Stock has a crack on the right side where the stock meets the receiver. There maybe other cracks. The grip is wrapped and some type of tape that I have never seen before. It appears to be thin leather treated with some material that makes it hard as fiberglass.

Where is the serial number located on this shotgun? I am guessing it is probably under the tape, on one of the tangs?

I acquired it very inexpensively. Because of its poor condition, I’m considering having it restored. I don’t want to remove the tape until I make a firm decision on restoration.   But then without a serial number I have a tough time deciding whether to go ahead with the restoration. i.e. serial number two might make me reconsider.

Sorry. As a guest, and my first post, I don’t think I’m allowed to post pictures. Yes I know it’s difficult without pictures. The stock is almost completely black, with the aforementioned crack. The engraving on the side of the receiver it’s still relatively sharp. Moderately heavy rust marks on all metal although not any deep pits. Bluing /case hardening  is almost totally gone . Action works beautifully, but I’ve never fired. Don’t have any black powder rounds.  

The serial number is on the bottom side of the receiver near the end of the barrel.  You would be better off buying another gun in good shape than restoring this one.  Restoration costs will be more than another gun in most cases and a restored gun brings less value in the long run.