Shotgun question

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Tomahawk674

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2007
Messages
613
Location
St. Joseph, MO
Hello guys, I went to a local antique store and saw a double barrel percussion shotgun, in a case that was for civil war items. I believe there was also a rifle but I didn't get a good look.

I would like to know exactly what they are selling and see if they have it for a fair price. So I plan on going back and asking to take a look at the shotgun. Where do I look for the manufactoring info? model/year? What kind of stampings or proofmarks should I look for and where?

I'd appreciate any tips...
 
Proofmarks are usually on or under the barrel because that's what is proofed.

These sites show what proofmarks look like:

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/PDF/Firearm/Proofmarks.pdf

http://www.gunaccessory.com/Proof_Marks/proofmarks.htm#4

http://davecushman.net/proofmarks.html

http://www.damascus-barrels.com/More.html

Here's a picture of Pohill's antique Belgian gun and there's a lot of marks representing the proof, inspector, manufacturer, supervisor, dates, caliber, gauge, serial number etc.. on various parts including the lock.

oj2qo9.jpg

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=406815&highlight=proofmarks
 
American Makers usually had makers marks on the locks or the top rib between the barrels. Proof marks are rarely present unless foreign barrels were used.

A lot of imported guns were marked so as to mislead the buyer into thinking he was getting a high grade English maker but was actually buying a Belgian gun.

Old double guns are an interesting quest, enjoy yours.
 
Hey guys I have some question for you all.

I went to another antique store today and found a double barrel 12 gauge percussion shotgun for $235. It is in ok condition; There's lots of pitting spread on the barrel and whatnot. Both locks still work, but one of the hammers crushed a nipple. I can't seem to find a stamp on the gun so I don't know its history.

Now here's the good question. Antique gun collectors hate when you refinish an antique (destroys the value and whatnot). Well, this gun is $235 vs $800 for the cheapest pedersoli replica. So would it be worthwhile to buy this gun and try to refinish it? Make it look nice, and possible sell it? Also, how can I check the barrel to see how safe it is to shoot?
 
You could try. But a used Pedersoli double can be found for as little as $400 [rather than $800 new], and a used Navy Arms or CVA double may be found for even less.
I saw a used modern Australian double on a gun rack for $225 about 2 years ago. I really hemmed and hawed over that one and the only thing wrong with it was that one of the locks had a really heavy trigger.
A good rule of thumb is to only buy a gun if you wouldn't mind owning it for keeps just in case it doesn't resell very easily.

Also, how can I check the barrel to see how safe it is to shoot?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure how you could arrange to do that before you buy it. :rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top