identifying antique shotguns

Then, the shooter has to light a fuse and wait for the resulting explosive reaction to launch the shoved projectile. New Gear Designs Added! the two major price guides. . market & can be slow sellers. Dont be surprised (or sorry) if you find yourself spending hours learning about them and looking for the perfect one. . Learn how your comment data is processed. List all information known about the gun's workings, and include all lengths. To add the gun to your collection, you will need $39,995. However, this is sometimes quite a But its still classy enough for the discerning upland hunter. Side by Sides of the World by This detailed guide will answer this question for you. Record any numbers, letters or design on the guns to help research information about the guns. If a gun was designed with old-fashioned workings, it is usually considered an antique whether or not it was made before 1898. Contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (BATF) for help determining if your gun is an antique and does not need to be registered. Love them or hate them, but almost impossible to ignore them, I think. that started as flintlock, were converted to percussion, and more They are often artificially aged and WebBut there are three reasons why you should consider using an antique shotgun. Or perhaps it was those vintage ammo-tin ads up at the old gun shopsthe ones with the quintessential upland hunting scene! Well-loved field guns can be had for a couple hundred dollars, while those in exceptional condition, anything under 12 gauge, and high-grade examples can fetch higher prices and up to a couple thousand dollars in the used-gun market. Smiths made. No ifs, buts, or doubts. Hoping I might find some help in identifying an old shotgun that was handed down to me (I am nearly ready to give up) I am told that it is in the 180-200 year old range but cannot vouch for that. I dont know. You should post this request in the "Gun ID & Value" forum, with as many pictures, close up and whole gun. Aluminum receiver versions do exist (designated as Light-Model 31L) but are quite rare. WebBut there are three reasons why you should consider using an antique shotgun. This Colt Cowboy revolver boasts a 7.5-inch barrel with an attractive worn patina on its metalwork. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Saloon and Gambling5 Every upland hunting magazine seemingly has a double gun emblazoned on every other page. Remember that there might be a conflict of interest when a shop owner values your antique gun. One of the most interesting things not mentioned is the guild gun. I clutched the cold-vintage steel and wood in my clammy hands. Home Firearms and Shooting Shotguns Exploring Vintage American Pump Shotguns, Jorge Ramirez is a writer, artist, and upland hunter who. Strange. Colt is also carrying a shotgun, so we have to make sure the shotgun is not a shotgun that looks like a hip gun. The GC would source the guns from various craftsmen. The action and triggers look like someone spent more time creating them (because they did); Metal and wood dont just meet, it looks as if they have grown together. Antique guns have a certain appeal that attracts collectors. These are guns where For example, they may want to purchase it and then resell it at a higher price for profitthis means they may value the antique gun at a lower price. This will be an on going source of Manufacturer Serial Numbers. Smith name until 1950. With a selection including Brownings, Over/Unders, Semi-automatic, Pump, Single Shots and much more, we have something for everyone from the serious collector to the occasional shooter. Collectables16 found a double barrel with C.Parkner & Co Boston stamped on it and cant find any information on it. Upland hunters have a firm foot in tradition, and tradition apparently is a double gun. The most valued antique Smith and Wesson pieces are the model 3s that often have a price of thousands of dollarsa good example is the 1907 long-strap model 3, whose price is currently set at $12,600. Great read. Colt38 Taking advantage of Brownings unique design, the Model 37 utilizes a bottom port for loading and ejecting shells. They usually have little collector value & are Coins 14 New: All original parts, 100 percent original finish and in perfect condition. This article originally appeared as Avoiding Double Trouble in Issue Zero of Project Upland Magazine. will nearly always be a modern reproduction. Antique guns were generally made before 1898 and are considered collectors items because they are not designed to use as a weapon. If a gun is marked "BLACK The heft. They boast attractive stocks and ebony butt caps featuring ivory buttons. This especially applies to Values tends to focus more on mid-20th Century trade names evaluating historically attributed firearms. The Model 12 ceased mass-production in 1964. Am I bold to say that I find the Model 12 and Ithaca 37 sleek and elegant guns, rivaling even many double guns that are so coveted? Guild guns were made by gunmakers who functioned as general contractors and produced guns for retailers. Antiquegunlist.com is the leading provider of antique guns for sale. However it is sometimes possible to identify the maker through what markings are found. sold as old guns. WebA shotgun typically has a smooth bore and is designed to fire multiple small projectiles (called shot) at the same time. *Not our quarterly print publication. In auctions, this piece can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the people who have previously owned it. Small Arms Makers by Gardner lists both American and It does not have a mark on it anywhere identifying anything, no numbers, letters, nil! According to the seller, this pistol was at some point in the Royal House of Saxony until it was sold in the early 2000s. Antique guns are classified as excellent, fine, very good, good, fair, or poor. Centuries, several large manufacturers would make guns with any "provenance") than any other factor. WebAntique Shotguns (Pre-1899): Belgian Shotguns, Side by Side Shotguns Our inventory of antique shotguns is made up of shotguns manufactured before 1899, including English, French, and Belgian shotguns. Agree on the guild guns. Yes, there were many makers of single barrel shotguns both domestic and foreign between 1880 and 1940. Get the latest articles, films, podcasts, and exclusive offers for the upland obsessed curated to your email each week. fine artisans can be quite valuable) and Pinfire CAUTION: Things may appear closer in the rear view mirror! newsstand type magazines. Marlin1 British 1780 Royal Navy Seven Barrel Flintlock 4. The serial number of this shotgun is 47915 and when I compare with my old guns the 1185 is the number of the barrel maker but not certain. They are often very ornately decorated This gun is never going to be fired again because I don't think it is safe. Stocks come in three basic styles: Straight grip, half-pistol grip, and full-pistol grip. Yet they remain overshadowed by doubles in the upland hunting community. Some general considerations for antique flint & percussion arms by small makers: Generally, signed guns will bring more than unsigned. Currently listed on the International Military Antiques, this piece has a price tag of $99,995 attached to it. Rifles-Shotguns1, Hand Guns24 There are literally thousands of small individual makers, and often 2014-2023 Project Upland Media Group, LLC. The serial number of this shotgun is 47915 and when I compare with my old guns the 1185 is the number of the barrel maker but not certain. Know that only antique guns can be purchased and transferred without a license. The Dutch 1710 Flintlock Pistols feature incredible decoration, masked butt caps, and long ears. Western Memorabilia and Accessories7. This is quite an informative post. All rights reserved. Philip Skene Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol, calvary Colt Single Action Army revolver produced in 1877 is currently listed for $30,000, 1886 rifle sold for 1.265 million in 2016, 1873 rifle realized a price of $3,450 in 2019, 1907 long-strap model 3, whose price is currently set at $12,600, list of gun price books provided by the Library of Congress, you will need a total of $19,995 to buy it, Antique Furniture: Identification & Value Guide, Antique Table: Identification and Value Guide, Antique Marbles Identification and Value Guide, Antique Crosscut Saw: History, Identification, and Value Guide, Antique wrench: Value, Identification, and Price Guide, Antique and Vintage Irons : Identification and Value Guide, Antique John Deere Tractors: Identification and Value Guide, Vintage Linens (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Luggage: Brands, Identification, and Buying Guide, Vintage Playing Cards (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Japanese Music Box Rare Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia Price and Identification Guide, White Sewing Machine 101: Everything you need to know. proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. Others, such as well worn no name have purchased from the factory and then had engraved, inlaid, or i wish I could afford this addiction, I have 3 s xs 12(AYA),20 and 28 both newer CZ love being able to change chokes. Instead, they break like dry kindling. Its also important to note that some shotguns are vintage rather than antique.Those older than 100 years are considered antique while those between 20 and 100 years old are vintage. I think Colt is just as comfortable shooting from the hip as he is from the shoulder. Antique guns are a special category under the NFA and do not have the same licensing requirements as other firearms. California hunting. We provide antiqueguns prices and pictures of each antique gun we sell. S stamped under each barrel. Box lock. They were common among working class folk, whose no-nonsense approach and practicality made the pump a match made in heaven. Henry Deringer released his first pocket pistol in the 1820s. Before 1891 no official proof marks were used and when the proof marks law started in 1891 older guns were marked only with a V under crown. Hoping I might find some help in identifying an old shotgun that was handed down to me (I am nearly ready to give up) I am told that it is in the 180-200 year old range but cannot vouch for that. WebAntique Shotguns (Pre-1899): Belgian Shotguns, Side by Side Shotguns Our inventory of antique shotguns is made up of shotguns manufactured before 1899, including English, French, and Belgian shotguns. Some collectors prefer to say that those made before WWI or before 1900 are considered antique. In addition to collecting antique gunsby type, collectors also check the brands. Side by side shotguns of this era are highly collectable and our inventory changes frequently. get them sold - sometimes half or less. British Blunderbuss Flintlock 9. What do I mean by quality? Some of these retailed called themselves gunmakers, but never built a gun. manufacturing concerns, usually prior to the era of mass Give us a call at 800-333-3288 to learn more about how you can add a piece of history to your Browning firearm. Born in 1855, John M. Browning dedicated his life to inventing revolutionary firearms that were desitned to shape the future. decoration would bring. Some collectors prefer to say that those made before WWI or before 1900 are considered antique. The seller notes that it is brass mounted, proving it was produced by Thomas Jordan, a famous gun maker residing in London. Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket 6. I cannot say the same for some of the classic doubles Ive owned. And the gun feels dynamic and alive, whether youre shooting it or just carrying it in the field. I had a goal in mind, and it had just become a reality. Both these last Marketed as a direct competitor to the widely popular Winchester Model 12, the Ithaca Model 37 saw production in 1937 after some delays. If you already have the gun on hand, consider taking it to a gun shop. Fishing5 After his grandfather passed away he dug the guns out and discovered that they were all badly rusted and all the works were frozen. made in these regions for sale to tourists for centuries, and are There are a lot of parallels here with how we think about the internet as well. SMALL EUROPEAN CARTRIDGE REVOLVERS, ca. Philip Skene Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol 8. The best place to look is Gunsinternational.com. I love how the author explores the unintended consequences of gun ownership and how hunting was associated with this. There is a familiarity you experience with a vintage pump-action thats like being around an old friend. However it is sometimes possible to identify the maker through what markings are found. I was part of a nostalgic group of hunters who felt the same way. It also has a humpback shape hammer. Finally. The Model 31 had a buttery smooth ball bearing action that rivaled any of the pump guns mentioned here. Dependable. Thousands of gunmakers have built side-by-side shotguns over the last century and a half. They are really beautiful shotguns. From gold inlaid and finely engraved masterpieces to scarcely produced pieces, how can you nail antique gun valuation to ensure you are paying the right price? However it is sometimes possible to identify the maker through what markings are found. identification is often more art than science, and value estimates You can expect to pick up a well-used field grade in 12-gauge for around $300, while pristine examples, sub-gauge and graded variants can fetch several thousand dollars. With unique designs that were ahead of their time and inspired later well-known models like the Remington 870, classic pumps are worth the effort of collecting and taking out to the field. The smooth and sleek looking Model 12 is one of the most popular pump shotguns of its time and nostalgia has ensured that they fetch a premium price. Both shotguns , after a shell is fired and the bolt is opened, a new round pops out on top of the rail guides then, as the rail guides lift the new round up toward the chamber, a second shell pops out of the magazine below the rail guides preventing the bolt from closing. appears on the barrel. An appraiser should be able to furnish you with identification information and a market value. In our case, Colt would have no problem. *Not our quarterly print publication. They may not be for everyone, but their heritage cannot be denied. Any more details? Lefever Arms Co: Introduced in 1883, these side-by-sides are part boxlock, part sidelock, and the first commercially successful hammerless shotguns made in the United States. Sure. Error Code pii_email_a42277285fa7a777ff7e Solved, Personally identifiable information PII doesnt belong in your email University Information Technology The University of Utah, How to Get Rid of the pii_email_e7ab94772079efbbcb25 Error. British P1730 Brown Bess Musket 3. Books can also be an accurate way of antique gun valuation. To get in the antique gun collection game, you need to understand antique gun valuation and identificationthis will help you pay the right amount of money for the right antique gun. death & birth, locations, and general types of guns made. These are often designed to commemorate Learn how your comment data is processed. Opinions are those of the author and not necessarily Second, the shotguns are incredibly heavy and expensive. He's been interested in shotguns and gundogs since he was a kid. The smell. Antique guns can be as cheap as under $1000. The Model 37 did not quite reach its popularity until well after WWII, however. The rare 28-gauge version is a sought-after collector gun, so if your grandpa has one of these, get on his good side! The smooth and sleek looking Model 12 is one of the most popular pump shotguns of its time and nostalgia has ensured that they fetch a premium price. British 1780 Royal Navy Seven Barrel Flintlock 4. AYA Shotguns Aguirre y Aranzabal A Spanish Gunmaker Profile, Parker Shotguns A Vintage Shotgun History, Gregg Elliott is the Shotgun Editor for Project Upland. One of the rarest pieces made by John Vaughn, only 20 are currently available, with 14 in museumsthis means that this piece is one of the 5 in private possession. There are many Are there any books out there that might have photos of old guns without having to pour through 40 years of gun digest? Of course, I also love the guns, especially vintage side by-sides. I get them in the shop occasionally, and I find that I sometimes Take notice of the gun's construction. may have some value. We have 3,560 current members. I shot my first few upland birds with that hunk of junk. Wild Bird and Hunting Dog Series: Shop Now Dismiss, Our site uses cookies. Born in 1855, John M. Browning dedicated his life to inventing revolutionary firearms that were desitned to shape the future. Others, such as well worn no name double barrel shotguns of average quality & low condition may be worth well under $200. First, it directly competed with the beloved Winchester Model 12 and did fairly well in its short run (1931-1949). However, some antique firearms can cost millions of dollars. There are about 2 million Model 12s that were produced, and thats good news for someone looking to get into a Classic American Pump-Gun. Rifles-Shotguns2, Hand Guns17 WebBut there are three reasons why you should consider using an antique shotgun. WebSome may have considerable value, in thousands of dollars. In every cornfield and duck blind, a Model 12 could be found! Its also important to note that some shotguns are vintage rather than antique.Those older than 100 years are considered antique while those between 20 and 100 years old are vintage. If your antique guns have been modified, make sure they are still considered antique. WebShotguns usually have the brand symbol on the rear barrel and the model number on the back of the gun handle stock. European - especially English, French, German, and Remember that for the Blue Book of Gun Valuesto help you; you will need to know the following: Also, you can check the list of gun price books provided by the Library of Congressone of these may help you with the antique gun valuation. two may be out of print, try inter-library loan or Amazon.com, Researching Trade Name Guns - Tables showing Because of their small size, most peopleincluding womenfound these pistols extremely effective for protection. I bought two 1920s doubles, Ithaca NID 12 gauge and NR Davidson & sons 20 gauge! Winchester Model 12 from the First World War to Hunting, A Beginners Guide to Buying a Used Shotgun, Remington 870 Pump Shotgun The All-Around American Classic. The musket has a total length of 62.5 inches and boasts brass furniture as one of its materials. Even then, the have to retail them for significantly below their original price to This design also keeps the elements out of the Model 37s action. Browning Arms Company boasts numerous designs for its guns. such guns are unsigned with no sure way to identify the Century spur-trigger revolver trade names. He also goes into some of the unintended consequences of how the internet has affected the way people think about guns. Before 1891 no official proof marks were used and when the proof marks law started in 1891 older guns were marked only with a V under crown. Rifles-Shotguns22, Reproduction1 probable maker, condition, quality of construction, style & His blog primarily consists of articles dedicated to the traditions of quail hunting with an emphasis on introducing new hunters to DIY public land hunts, without a dog. Some general considerations for antique flint & percussion arms by small makers: Generally, signed guns will bring more than unsigned. Philip Skene Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol 8. The diameter of a shotguns bore is called its gauge. Not much has changed today. Smiths made. At least that is what everyone is telling you. etc. German Wheellock Puffer Holster Pistol, 5. Get the latest articles, films, podcasts, and exclusive offers for the upland obsessed curated to your email each week. There were literally dozens of firms that made single barrel shotguns over the years. There were probably over 150,000 L.C. Wondering if mine is a guild gun. Sauers can be great guns. So it might surprise you that when it comes to the antique gun valuation, the most valuable antique firearm was a handgunthe gun used to kill Billy The Kid attracted a price of $6.03 million. In 2021, for example, the antique handgun used to kill Billy the Kidan infamous outlawthe single-action army colt revolver previously owned by a man known as Pat Garret was sold for $6.03 million. Use your computer to go to the manufacturer's website and see if they keep information about serial numbers. gunsmith is generally considered to be the name (if any) that i.d. First time without any improvement or explaination. Similar situations apply to other Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In collectible space, however, the term muzzleloader often refers to small arms and rifles loaded from the front. These guns are popular among the SASS (Single Action Shooters Society) crowd and come in several variants, such as the common Field Grade, the fancy Pigeon Grade or the legendary WWI issued Trench version. specialist manufacturers like action maker, barrel makers, stockers, etc.. This is probably a result of our obsession with cowboys and their popularization in cowboy films. The pistol reportedly uses cutting-edge technology from the 16thcentury. Signed works by Antique guns were generally made before 1898 and are considered collectors items because they are not designed to use as a weapon. 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. Lefever Arms Co: Introduced in 1883, these side-by-sides are part boxlock, part sidelock, and the first commercially successful hammerless shotguns made in the United States. Hoping I might find some help in identifying an old shotgun that was handed down to me (I am nearly ready to give up) I am told that it is in the 180-200 year old range but cannot vouch for that. Antique guns were generally made before 1898 and are considered collectors items because they are not designed to use as a weapon. JavaScript is disabled. The diameter of a shotguns bore is called its gauge. Smiths made. copying makers' names. The type of gun will impact value. Non-factory open-ended production commemoratives I don't mind your posting here. According to the seller, this piece was popular among cavalry officers and allowed a total of four shots before a reload. Some collectors prefer to say that those made before WWI or before 1900 are considered antique. Im not sure. WebShotguns At Collectors Firearms, we pride ourselves on our ever evolving inventory of antique shotguns and used shotguns for sale. Give us a call at 800-333-3288 to learn more about how you can add a piece of history to your Browning firearm. If you find a gun similar to what you are interested in, the antique gun valuation should be more straightforward. those of NRA or the National Firearms Museum. They are built to not only fire, but to be fired from a certain angle and to This was very common in the Belgium & France and Austria. Your email address will not be published. Take an old friend hunting, why dont you? Any thoughts on 12 gauge sauer and son shot gun? Single barrel, single shot gun with NO markings at all except on the very top of the barrel that says "20 gauge choke." British 1780 Royal Navy Seven Barrel Flintlock, 4. Currently listed online, this piece is selling at $4,995. Yes, there were many makers of single barrel shotguns both domestic and foreign between 1880 and 1940. Then theres how everything goes together and works: On a top-quality gun, the for-end pops into place without you having to squeeze it home; the gun opens without any grinding or resistance; and when you work the safety and pull the triggers, they dont creep and drag. While numerous types of antique guns exist, collectors tend to hunt for the classes outlined below: When most people think of the antique gun collection, the first thing that comes to mind is western firearms. This detailed guide answers all the questions about antique gun valuation and identification. early 1900s. What else can I say? The second time without clear explaination and without significant improvement. maker. In most cases, people will shoot and not think, Ive never shot a gun before. They will think, Are those people in the video? Italian - guns can also have good value. 25 inch metric length. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. always, Belgian-made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" Philip Skene Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol 8. and American Gun Makers by Gluckman & Satterlee Antique guns hold historic and monetary value to collectors based on unique characteristics and rarity. My grandfather has always been interested in vintage firearms. For this reason, identifying antique shotguns from the Browning company can be pretty complicated. Take a gander at any upland hunting related social media account, and youll quickly notice that most of the top influencers all run a double. In this video, the author highlights how many gun laws changed over the years and how hunting has been affected by different versions of gun laws.