Hopkins and Allen purchased Forehand Arms in 1902, so sometime between then and 1915 when the company closed.
1983
Hopkins & Allen
If the shotgun is marked Hopkins and Allen Manufacturing Company, Norwich Conn. it was made between circa 1880-1885 and 1898. If marked Hopkins and Allen Arms Company, it was manufactured between 1898 and 1915. No records are available to give a more exact date of manufacture.
If it is Hopkins & Allen MFG Co, sometime between 1868 and 1898. Hopkins & Allen ARMS Co would be from 1898 to 1915. A 16 gauge would more likely (but not certainly) have been made after 1900.
1884
1900, give or take a couple of decades
There is no serial number data for the Company Hopkins and Allen in the private sector available.This firm was in business from 1867-1916.No laws required serial numbers at that time,and those that were marked with a serial number have no records remaining today.If you have a single shot shotgun,these were made from 1887-1902.If the markings say Hopkins and Allen Manufg.Co.Norwich,Conn on the gun then this was made from before 1896.If you have a double barrel shotgun,then these were made from 1902-1916,when they went out of business.
Provide the serial number.
Your shotgun which was made between 1903-1915,will bring between 80-125 dollars,depending on overall condition.
if the top of the barrel reads Hopkins and Allen MANUFACTURING CO, it was made before 1896. If it reads Hopkins and Allen ARMS CO, it was made after 1898.....
Unfortunately, a serial number ALONE does not impart any information. H&A made rifles, shotguns and handguns. The company closed in 1916.