This Remington Model 1100 Custom is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge (2 3/4" shells). Serial number 96891V. This is a remarkable custom configuration featuring a short 350 mm barrel, a copper Cutts Compensator manufactured by Lyman (Middlefield, Connecticut), a copper perforated handguard, ornate factory scroll engraving on the receiver, and an oval metal grip cap depicting a hunting dog in relief on the walnut stock.
This shotgun is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
The Remington Model 1100 is one of the most commercially successful semi-automatic shotguns in American firearms history. Introduced in 1963 and designed by Wayne Leek at the Remington Arms Company in Ilion, New York, the Model 1100 was the first gas-operated autoloader to achieve widespread acceptance among sportsmen. Over four million units have been produced since its introduction, making it the best-selling autoloading shotgun in U.S. history. This particular example represents a highly customized variant: the short barrel, copper Cutts Compensator, and matching copper perforated handguard make it a distinctive and unusual configuration. The Cutts Compensator itself is a historically significant device, invented by Colonel Richard Malcolm Cutts of the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1920s. Originally designed to reduce muzzle climb on military weapons including the Thompson submachine gun, the manufacturing rights were acquired by Lyman by 1930, who marketed it to hunters and competitive shooters. The compensator reduces felt recoil by 30 to 45 percent and allows for interchangeable choke tubes — a revolutionary concept before modern screw-in choke systems became standard.
Technical Specifications
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Manufacturer: Remington Arms Co. Inc., Ilion, New York, U.S.A.
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Model: 1100 Custom
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Serial Number: 96891V
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Caliber: 12 gauge (2 3/4" or shorter shells)
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Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
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Magazine Capacity: 2 rounds
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Barrel Length: 350 mm (approx. 13.8")
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Compensator: Cutts Compensator by Lyman, Middlefield, Connecticut — copper finish with ventilated slots
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Handguard: Custom copper perforated handguard with circular ventilation holes
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Stock: Walnut with oval metal grip cap (hunting dog in relief)
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Receiver: Factory scroll engraving, blued finish
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Country of Manufacture: United States of America
Markings
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Left side of receiver: "Remington Model 1100" in script, ornate floral scrollwork engraving
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Right side of receiver: Matching scrollwork engraving
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Left side of barrel: "REMINGTON ARMS CO. INC., ILION, N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A." / "PATENT NO'S: 2,645,873 - 2,675,638 - 2,719,375" / "OTHERS PENDING"
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Left side of barrel (forward): "12 GA FOR 2 3/4 OR SHORTER SHELLS"
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Cutts Compensator: "Cutts" in diamond logo / "TRADE MARK" / "(R)" / "LYMAN" / "MIDDLEFIELD / CONN." / "PATENT NUMBERS 1,773,260" / "2,058,617" / "PAT. PENDING"
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Serial number "96891V" on receiver (suffix "V" = 12 gauge, full-size frame, 2 3/4" ejection)
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Grip cap: Oval metal medallion with hunting dog (pointer/setter) in relief
Condition
Good overall condition. Receiver shows factory scroll engraving with normal wear — minor surface scratches and light handling marks visible on the blued finish. Walnut stock is solid with an honest patina from use; minor dings consistent with age. Copper Cutts Compensator and copper perforated handguard show an attractive aged patina with some tarnishing. Oval grip cap with hunting dog motif intact. Mechanically functional.
What's Included
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1x Remington Model 1100 Custom semi-automatic shotgun (S/N 96891V)
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1x Cutts Compensator by Lyman (copper finish)
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1x Custom copper perforated handguard
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Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
