Of course, I also love the guns, especially vintage side by-sides. Some collectors prefer to say that those made before WWI or before 1900 are considered antique. 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. Jorge Ramirez is a writer, artist, and upland hunter who was born and raised in Southern California. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. 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? It does not have a mark on it anywhere identifying anything, no numbers, letters, nil! supplier rather than the gunsmith. California hunting. 2 1/2? mid 1800s to An appraiser should be able to furnish you with identification information and a market value. thousands of dollars. However, this is sometimes quite a 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. may be speculative. I have two Lefever 16 gauge. Antique British Blunderbuss Flintlock 9. Antiquegunlist.com is the leading provider of antique guns for sale. Whats even better is that books can also help you with antique gun identification. Antique name" gun. Lindsay of Houston, Texas. What do I mean by quality? There are many WebGuns that are classified as 'antique' by the National Firearms Act (NFA) are guns that are not designed to use current firing and ammunition. Non-factory open-ended production commemoratives otherwise decorated. always, Belgian-made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" more valuable than others, especially from the flintlock They are often artificially aged and They may not be for everyone, but their heritage cannot be denied. early 1900s. 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. He also goes into some of the unintended consequences of how the internet has affected the way people think about guns. WebStep 1. Taking your shotgun to an experienced gunsmith or a gun trade show is the best bet to find the brand and make of any gun. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Items you will need Paper Pencil Rag Philip Skene Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol 8. 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. I dont know where the fascination started, really. But if you do, you should know that the shotgun is likely the most expensive piece of equipment you own and that you should check if there is a shotgun rack on your property to ensure that it is not a shotgun that looks like a hip gun. 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. One has to force the second shell back into the magazine in order to close the bolt. However, the antique gun market boasts many of these piecesthis can confuse many people, especially those new to the antique gun collection. . The Winchester Repeating Rifle Company is known for its repeating rifles. Your dad and your grandpa probably carried one of these! Century spur-trigger revolver trade names. Guns that are classified as 'antique' by the National Firearms Act (NFA) are guns that are not designed to use current firing and ammunition. British 1780 Royal Navy Seven Barrel Flintlock 4. Telephone the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) of the BATF at 1-866-662-2750 with questions about your antique guns. Hire an appraiser to identify your antique gun. The Model 12 came in 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge. 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. The only Old West style gun we have on this list, this piece carries six bullets at a time. After his grandfather passed away he dug the guns out and discovered that they were all badly rusted and all the works were frozen. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Values tends to focus more on mid-20th Century trade names Both are decent, but I prefer the 311. WebTo find out about your gun's serial number simply click on your firearm. Note the markings on the guns. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more about CareerTrend, contact us [here](http://careertrend.com/about-us). It will be time well spent. I get them in the shop occasionally, and I find that I sometimes subject of the commemorative. Antique and Collector Firearms Before we begin, Ill also give you a warning: Old doubles are addictive. The Winchester 1897 is what I consider the first perfected pump-gun. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The majority that show up in the US tend to Not one of those over/unders, but a classical side-by-side. If you look them up in the better price guides, you will find 2014-2023 Project Upland Media Group, LLC. European - especially English, French, German, and Vintage American Pump Shotguns Turn up your nose. There have been 22,522,718 ad views. The 16 gauge was sent back to the factory twice. I bought two 1920s doubles, Ithaca NID 12 gauge and NR Davidson & sons 20 gauge! WebShotguns usually have the brand symbol on the rear barrel and the model number on the back of the gun handle stock. rifles tend to bring more than fowlers. 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. identifying antique shotguns Helmed by D.B. (besides gun broker, etc). That gunshow find was the first of an ongoing love affair with side-by-sides (and a couple of over/unders). British 1780 Royal Navy Seven Barrel Flintlock, Philip Skene Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol, Antique Gun Identification: How to Identify Antique Guns, Antique Gun Valuation: How to Value Your Antique Gun, Factors to Consider During Antique Gun Valuation, How to Get a Good Cost Estimate for an Antique Gun, 3. The retailers would order guns from the general contractors. There were probably over 150,000 L.C. Antique newsstand type magazines. Most people collect antique guns because they fill their lives with joy. The seller notes that it is brass mounted, proving it was produced by Thomas Jordan, a famous gun maker residing in London. Often gunsmiths purchased pre-made texts that include basic information on some of the small Ive owned ones by all the major American makers, and Ive owned others from the United Kingdom and other European makers. Centuries, several large manufacturers would make guns with any Date Your Firearm "MUZZLE-LOADERS," etc. Antique industry type makers with few distinguishing marks in a bewildering Foreign made shotguns will have proof marks on the bottom of the barrel (s) and sometimes. This Colt Cowboy revolver boasts a 7.5-inch barrel with an attractive worn patina on its metalwork. probable maker, condition, quality of construction, style & Keep up with our full list of growing inventory,or for more information about our shotguns please call our knowledgeable staff today at (877) 214-9327 or send an email to [emailprotected]. Every upland hunting magazine seemingly has a double gun emblazoned on every other page. WebStep 1. Web10 Most Valuable Antique Guns 1. Antiquegunlist.com is the leading provider of antique guns for sale. Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Antique guns were generally made before 1898 and are considered collectors items because they are not designed to use as a weapon. 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. Give us a call at 800-333-3288 to learn more about how you can add a piece of history to your Browning firearm. Good article! Action movies from the 80s and 90s where the greased-up muscle dude had a sawed-off double? Both these last Are there any books out there that might have photos of old guns without having to pour through 40 years of gun digest? I didnt realize that side-by-sides have either double triggers or single triggers. I actually havent owned a gunlike a Holland & Holland Royal or a Dickson Round Action, but Ive held many examples in my hands. Include the type, action, caliber, measurements and markings of the gun in your list. Its a simple design. Strange. One of the 526 naval Volley guns designed and manufactured by Henry Nock in 1780, this antique gun is one of a kind. particularly limit production of these, and will continue to Their simplicity and reliability having been proven in the field, many upland hunters of yore swore by the pump-action shotgun. still being made today. These collectible firearms are generally limited to specific periods and regions. Home Firearms and Shooting Shotguns A Beginners Guide to Collecting Vintage Side-by-Side Shotguns, Gregg Elliott is the Shotgun Editor for Project Upland. I have never seen another. This piece has a total length of 32 inches with a 16-inch barrel. Fishing5 Websince 1952 Ulm provisional black powder for shotgun & multi barreled rifles since 1952 Ulm definitive nitro proof for all guns since 1952 Ulm definitive black powder for smokeless ammo guns since 1952 Ulm Flobert for special purpose guns signal, flare, gas, & stun guns since 1945 E. German, Suhl smokeless powder proof Firearm Proof Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks Or perhaps it was those vintage ammo-tin ads up at the old gun shopsthe ones with the quintessential upland hunting scene! Available in either 16- or 12-gauge, this external hammered shotgun became the standard that all other pump-guns would be measured against. Smiths made. 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. manufacturing concerns, usually prior to the era of mass That is a shotgun made by a major maker usually for a wholesaler or retailer who chose the markings to go on the gun. Learn more about our use of cookies:cookie policy. Yeah its probably a Belgian gun / Parker knock off. I would never sully one of my upland hunts with anything but a double gun. Heres a crash course to get you going. Star1 Browning Arms Company boasts numerous designs for its guns. This incredible pistol dates back to 1591. Rifles-Shotguns22, Reproduction1 features. That is were the experts in matters like this lurk. No ifs, buts, or doubts. I am trying to figure out what gift I should get him for his birthday, I wonder if something like this would be a good idea. two may be out of print, try inter-library loan or Amazon.com, 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. Henry Deringer released his first pocket pistol in the 1820s. One Winchester 1886 rifle sold for 1.265 million in 2016. the true manufacturer of various trade name guns can be found in The Model 1897 was the improved design of John Brownings Model 1893. Beware of newer Ithaca model 37 Featherweight pump shotguns. Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket 6. 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. German Wheellock Puffer Holster Pistol 5. Wondering about an over/under made by C.W. Never mind that my first shotgun was a piece of junk! This last one is a huge one. have little value beyond decorators, altho some of the older ones Colt is also carrying a shotgun, so we have to make sure the shotgun is not a shotgun that looks like a hip gun. Firearms table tends to focus more on earlier late 19th 25 inch metric length. 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. WebTo find out about your gun's serial number simply click on your firearm. While these antique guns may not hold the same cultural significance as historic rifles, antique handguns are attractive, and buyers always pay good amounts for them. WebSome may have considerable value, in thousands of dollars. The Upland Shooting Life, by George Bird Evans, New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster, A Beginners Guide to Collecting Vintage Side-by-Side Shotguns, The Difference Between a Deutsch-Drahthaar and a German Wirehaired Pointer, Pheasant Hunting Ammo and Chokes A Pheasant Hunters Guide, Understanding Shotgun Chokes How to Choose a Choke Size for Hunting, German Shorthaired Pointer The Most Popular Versatile Dog in the World, 28-Gauge: The Exception of the Sub-Gauge Shotgun, Difference Between the Original Fox A Grade and the Savage Fox A Grade, Gordon Setter Breed History, Standards and Origins, Development and History of the Irish Red Setter, Weatherby Orion 20 Gauge: Over/Under Shotgun Overview, Harrington and Richardson Topper 58: A Shotgun Overview, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/63/618/attractive-cw-lindsay-engraved-over-and-under-box-lock-shotgun. Firearm Identification Not many were built, maybe 2000 or so. Antique value of these guns is much more determined by the quality of the to identify or estimate a value on. Huh. First time without any improvement or explaination. Yes, there were many makers of single barrel shotguns both domestic and foreign between 1880 and 1940. WebShotguns At Collectors Firearms, we pride ourselves on our ever evolving inventory of antique shotguns and used shotguns for sale. Your email address will not be published. gun-makers of this era; usually only such basics as dates of published references are few, and either there are few specialists A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. 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. Youll never forget your first side-by-side shotgun. The barrel features the Roman Numerals XVIII REGT, indicating the 18thRegiment of Foot. If you look at the video, youll see that Colt shoots his guns from the hip. Any info would be helpful. permission. This is probably a result of our obsession with cowboys and their popularization in cowboy films. Books can also be an accurate way of antique gun valuation. Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket 6. and various co-authors list Amercian makers by specific region. There were literally dozens of firms that made single barrel shotguns over the years. Born in 1855, John M. Browning dedicated his life to inventing revolutionary firearms that were desitned to shape the future. flintlocks); full stock will be worth more than half stock; Yes, there were many makers of single barrel shotguns both domestic and foreign between 1880 and 1940. The Model 31 had a buttery smooth ball bearing action that rivaled any of the pump guns mentioned here. and a whole lot of other people too, I imagine. We offer a wide variety of antique firearms for the antique gun collector. But also can try to find the brand symbol and model number yourself. American Gunsmiths by Sellers, They are also very loud, which could be a problem at all times of the night. Starting around 1860, gunmakers in the United Kingdom, United States, and continental Europe developed hundreds of ideas for shotguns loaded from the breech instead of from the muzzle. bring a slight premium over what the same make & model without As you begin your search to buy one, here are a handful of those makers to research. If your antique guns have been modified, make sure they are still considered antique. However, remember that your guns value might be lower or higher depending on the factors mentioned above. identify How to Identify Antique Guns Currently on sale, this piece is listed at $29,995. WebGuns that are classified as 'antique' by the National Firearms Act (NFA) are guns that are not designed to use current firing and ammunition. He currently resides in Long Beach and hunts in the nearby National Forests for upland game. Marketed as a direct competitor to the widely popular Winchester Model 12, the Ithaca Model 37 saw production in 1937 after some delays. I dreamed of owning a vintage double-barreled shotgun since I was kid. When it comes to identifying antique shotguns, some of the pieces that sit in this category include: If you are wondering about antique muzzleloader identification, this is any gun that uses black powder and is loaded from its barrel. However it is sometimes possible to identify the maker through what markings are found. One of Deringers pistols was used in 1865 by John Wilkes Booth to shoot and kill Abraham Lincoln, then the president of the United States. The heft. For this reason, identifying antique shotguns from the Browning company can be pretty complicated. Remington, Browning and Mossberg, three of the world's largest shotgun manufacturers, provide online tools that will let you use your serial number to find out more details about your weapon. And no, I am not saying that you should have a shotgun on your property. Take an old friend hunting, why dont you? CAUTION: Things may appear closer in the rear view mirror! New Gear Designs Added! Second, it was the inspiration for some of the most popular shotguns on the market todaythe Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. This article was written by the CareerTrend team, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. According to the seller, this pistol was at some point in the Royal House of Saxony until it was sold in the early 2000s. My grandfather has always been interested in vintage firearms. Antique fine artisans can be quite valuable) and Pinfire exceptions to all these generalizations. Webster is a similarly definitive reference for small late 19th Firearm Proof Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks There are many different ways to shoot a gun and not shoot anything. However, the Winchester 1873 lever action rifle beats the others in popularity. with mother of pearl and wire inlays, although the workmanship will proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. Moreover, the seller states that the gun is in good condition. He was going to throw them away but I managed to get one of them from him. This will be an on going source of Manufacturer Serial Numbers. Does anyone know of any way to find out who manufactured this shotgun? The first one was when I thought I had made a mistake and found out that I didn't. Antique guns can be as cheap as under $1000.