Meriden Firearms Co.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Firearms manufacturing |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Headquarters | Meriden, Connecticut , United States |
| Products | Revolvers, shotguns, rifles |
| Parent | Sears, Roebuck & Co. (ownership during operation) |
The Meriden Firearms Company, located in Meriden, Connecticut, USA, was engaged in the manufacture of small arms from 1905 until 1918. By the year 1906, the firm was producing 20 different models of both hammer and hammerless revolvers, reaching a production rate of approximately 100 firearms each day. In addition to revolvers, the company also fabricated shotguns and rifles.
The inception of Meriden Firearms occurred after Sears, Roebuck & Co. purchased the Andrew Fyrberg & Sons firearms factory and transferred its operations to Meriden in 1905, situating it within the premises of the Malleable Iron Company. Firearms were marketed through Sears' catalog as well as other retail outlets under several brand names. In 1912, Meriden launched the Model 15 slide-action .22 caliber rifle, which utilized patents licensed from Savage. The primary manufacturing facility was sold to New England Westinghouse in 1916; this company subsequently sold it to Colt. After World War I concluded, Sears ceased operations of Meriden Firearms in 1918.
Revolvers
Meriden produced a range of double-action top-break revolvers available in various barrel lengths and finishes. These revolvers were chambered for .32 S&W or .38 S&W cartridges and came with either exposed or enclosed hammers. Each firearm bore the inscription "Meriden Firearms Co. Meriden, Conn USA." Marketed as compact "pocket pistols," these models were manufactured between 1905 and 1915.
Double & Single barrel shotguns
The company manufactured sidelock double-barrel shotguns in gauges 12, 16, and 20, featuring barrels made from steel, laminated steel, twist steel, and Damascus steel. Certain models included decorative engravings crafted by artisans who had previously worked for Parker, another Meriden-based firm. These finely made shotguns were offered in multiple grades and incorporated automatic safety mechanisms along with cocking indicators. Barrel materials ranged from twist and Damascus (available in several grades) to armory steel and Krupp steel. Both hammerless and hammer versions were produced with various levels of engraving detail.
AJ Aubrey
In 1906, Albert James Aubrey—who had formerly served as plant superintendent at Wilkes-Barre Gun Co. and was the designer behind Aubrey shotguns—joined Meriden Firearms as vice president under Sears' ownership. He was elevated to president of the division in 1908 and held that position until 1916. Throughout his leadership, Aubrey obtained eight patents related to firearms innovations that improved safety features, sighting systems, shell ejection mechanisms, and barrel design.
| Description | City Filed from | Patent Number | Date Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Safety Mechanism for Break-Open Guns | Hopkinton, MA | 859477 | July 9, 1907 |
| Firearm Sight | Meriden, CT | 839535 | December 25, 1906 |
| Firearm Sight | Meriden, CT | 835091 | November 6, 1906 |
| Automatic Shell Ejector for Firearms | Meriden, CT | 887569 | May 12, 1908 |
| Fore-Stock Fastening Device for Firearms | Meriden, CT | 887568 | May 12, 1908 |
| Gun Lock Mechanism | Meriden, CT | 902639 | November 3, 1908 |
| Hammer Safety Device | Meriden, CT | 911362 | February 2, 1909 |
| Rifle Barrel Construction Method | Meriden, CT | 918491 | April 20, 1909 |