Looking for value on a Sidelock Husqvarna Shotgun

Ashcroft, my information shows that the 200 & 201 were made in 12 and 16 gauge but no breakdown of production quantities between the gauges. And the 300 series guns appear to only have been 12 gauge.

It would appear your gun was made approx 1913 and was finished by Oskar Fredriksson. Mr Fredricksson had a long career at Husqvarna, starting in 1897 and retiring (I hope he stopped work because he retired) in 1944.

The key difference between the 200 and the 201 models as well as between the 300 and the 301 models is upgraded steel used in the barrel.

In addition to the 200 series and 300 series hammerless sidelocks, there was also a Model 60 hammerless sidelock, the first hammerless sidelock offered by Husqvarna. It was in production for 1901 to 1905. While I haven't any hard production numbers I can only guess the number was relatively small, given that total production of the other two series totaled around 970 from 1901 to 1918.

Finally and interestingly, five additional 301 LYS were produced by Husqvarna in the 1970s. My guess is they found five actions, or perhaps five barreled actions.

IIRC 42,000 graded Remington 1894 produced. Roughly 40,000 graded Fox guns and about 160,000 Sterlingworth. I don't have the other American makers production numbers off the top of my head. But you can see what a minuscule number this Husqvarna production is AND given they were not imported into NA, they obviously are exceedingly rare here. Without the Husqvarna's (mostly boxlocks) more recently being brought into Canada by Trade Ex, we'd likely just about never see one.
 
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According to the information about my gun that was supplied by Frederik Franzen my gun was made in 1912. And the quoted total of 300 guns was for all grades combined, 300, 301 and 401LX.
Value of a non current production item such as a vintage firearm is established by many factors, some more important than others and that order can change due to the presence or absence of another feature. Generally original quality is at the top of the importance list followed closely by current condition. Current condition competes against original condition, some people value originality much higher than others, for some current condition trumps everything. Brand name recognition is important to some, and provenance such as a famous or important owner or an association with an important event is important to others. Scarcity adds value but only if the item is popular enough that a number of people want it. Can’t remember the last time I saw a Chevette, don’t want one either. So if a particular item ( gun in this case) is so scarce as to be nearly unknown there is very little demand regardless of any other attractive features, lower demand = lower price. However to some this same exclusivity increases the value. In general, the OP’s gun, even though it has most things in common with mine falls down the value scale because of condition. Condition alone would suggest a value of $350-$500 as a shooter but the Husqvarna name brand adds value, maybe 20%? Where this gun gains value is in scarcity, it is one of only 300 made of which much fewer survive and it’s one of only two known in Canada. You want exclusivity? This is about as close to the definition of rare as you will find and this adds significant value to some people. How much? Is it worth $500? $750? $1000? More? Nobody can predict the actual value of a gun like this because it will vary so much depending on what a prospective buyer finds attractive.
My gun is in much the same position at the opposite end of the stick. It ticks so many boxes; original quality, current condition, brand recognition, originality, attractiveness, rarity. But it fails in popularity. The value here is heavily weighted downwards because there are few people who know these guns exist and fewer yet who can’t live without one, unlike some people I know whose lifetime goal is to own a Purdey ( or Fabbri, Holland and Holland, etc.). Before my friend showed up with this gun years ago I had never heard of any Husqvarna shotguns, didn’t know such a critter existed and for many years this was the only one that I knew about. I know one thing for sure, Husqvarna truly knew how to build a really fine shotgun and it’s a pity that there are so few in the world. J.
 
Jim, that is a gorgeous gun in just incredible condition. I’ll not quibble about the discrepancy in some of the production information we both have. I’m well aware of FF and have read all he’s had published in the DGJ. I’m also getting information from a Swedish enthusiast and researcher. I feel like I’ll leave it to the two Swedes to duke it out. Lol. In any event, they are remarkable small numbers. I feel like the small numbers have worked against Husqvarna in getting it’s just due. Although they are rather better known for their rifles.

One day, perhaps when I’m next in BC hunting, I’d like to compare my Sauer to your Husqvarna. Not just design but feel.

The OP’s gun needs help. The market will only value it so much. But at it’s core it’s a fine gun. I hate seeing the ravages of time.

Three summers ago I saw a mint AMC Matador at a show and shine. First one I’d seen in a long time. I suspect, like your Chevette allusion, that guy is the only guy in Ontario who just had to have a Matador. Lol.
 
Hah got a chuckle there Canvasback, the AMC Matador is a great comparison, at least two of us see wheels the same. I agree, the OP’s gun is a great gun at heart in so many ways and it has obviously fallen upon hard times, hard use and neglect. This gun is easily the equal of many fine better known English and Continental sidelocks, and while being fully appreciated in the Scandinavian countries is a genuine sleeper here and with our southern neighbours. If this gun had a name like Grant, Lancaster, Westley Richards or even Parker or A H Fox there is no doubt that assuming sound barrels it would be a desirable restoration project. The original quality is there, the lack of recognition however limits the amount of money a person could invest in this gun without going upside down. As you well know, it costs the same to restore a plain ordinary gun as it does to restore a best gun by a best maker, we try to spend our limited funds wisely and restoration projects are rarely inexpensive. If the barrels are salvageable this would be a great project for a talented hobbyist gunsmith where time is measured in satisfaction rather than dollars. I do wonder about the stated 18 inch length of pull, who was this gun made for, King Kong? Maybe measured incorrectly ( like butt sole to breech face) ?Anything over 15” is long and the longest I’ve ever measured was almost 16”, I had to tuck it under my arm!
Happy to hear that we can add to your knowledge bank Pinfire, usually it’s the other way around with us learning from you.
 
And just a PS Canvasback, yes, if you find your way to my part of the world you’re welcome to empty the safe pick a gun ( or two) we’ll go shooting - or hunting - or both. J.
 
The one I have has a factory 15 lop stock for now ,gun will get a full rehab ...if I can stop shooting it long enough -gun is a frigging laser on ptarmigan
 
Thanks again for all of the great information. Thought to include the additional pics, maybe redundant but a little better lighting?:


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I was wondering when we would hear from you Chris. And pics of yours? It is a 300, not a 301?

IIRC it seems to me that William Larkin Moore in Arizona had one a couple years back.
 
KC, your gun appears to have been produced approx 1910 and it was also finished by Oskar Fredricksson, same guy who did Ashcroft’s gun.
 
I have to ask, KC.

For the LOP are you measuring from the front trigger to the middle of the butt? Like Ashcroft, I have never heard of a LOP much beyond 16".
 
KC, much better pictures, the gun looks much better now. I find your gun fascinating, I thought I had an orphan and now I find that it had a long lost sibling! For a project of this kind the condition of the barrels is critical. Barrels that are too badly pitted internally, too badly dented or have been rebored too thin are not salvageable and also not replaceable for less than the cost of a good used car. Everything else on a gun can be refinished, repaired, restored or replaced but the barrels are the vital part of a shotgun that the rest of the gun is built around, not the action as on a rifle. IF after close scrutiny the barrels on your gun prove sound, your gun may be a candidate for sympathetic restoration but it won’t be a project for the faint of heart or a shallow pocketbook. The results could be an outstanding gun but with the unestablished value of these guns the risk of spending far more than the finished product would be worth would be great. Been there, done that, but sometimes it can be worth it for personal satisfaction, everything doesn’t need to have a dollar value. If the barrels are usable and the lockup is reasonably tight, once the stock is fitted it could be a fine gun for hunting (with the proper ammunition ) at little or no additional expense.
 
Just re-measured the LOP, it's 17 3/4"

As for a major refresh, I'm not interested in taking that on. Had lot's of nice pieces well beyond this Husqvarna and due to an ATV accident (due to a defect in my quad) my wing shooting days are really numbered. More of a point and shoot kind of person now, unfortunately. The barrels? Couple small superficial dents and the bores are "very good" condition and a re-blue would definitely change the look a lot. With forend removed there is zero wiggle and it locks-up tight. Great piece, but you see the cosmetic. Of course 110+ year old shotgun....so.....


The piece suits me if wearing a light shirt (so a piece for fair weather for me, at very least). My sons are about 6' 5" +/- so this piece fits them (they'll most likely be the primary users - they find it light). My scale isn't working so can't confirm weight, though figure 7 lbs. The custom buttstock is dense so would definitely have added to a slight increase in weight.
 
Ashcroft said:
KC, much better pictures, the gun looks much better now. I find your gun fascinating, I thought I had an orphan and now I find that it had a long lost sibling! For a project of this kind the condition of the barrels is critical. Barrels that are too badly pitted internally, too badly dented or have been rebored too thin are not salvageable and also not replaceable for less than the cost of a good used car. Everything else on a gun can be refinished, repaired, restored or replaced but the barrels are the vital part of a shotgun that the rest of the gun is built around, not the action as on a rifle. IF after close scrutiny the barrels on your gun prove sound, your gun may be a candidate for sympathetic restoration but it won’t be a project for the faint of heart or a shallow pocketbook. The results could be an outstanding gun but with the unestablished value of these guns the risk of spending far more than the finished product would be worth would be great. Been there, done that, but sometimes it can be worth it for personal satisfaction, everything doesn’t need to have a dollar value. If the barrels are usable and the lockup is reasonably tight, once the stock is fitted it could be a fine gun for hunting (with the proper ammunition ) at little or no additional expense.
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This is really for KC. I've done what Ashcroft is describing, numerous times. I'm in the middle of doing it to a very similar gun, a Sauer sidelock, that was in similar condition.

Here are some quick numbers to make Ashcroft's comments real. Walnut blank that makes the project worthwhile....$600-$1200, actual restocking of the gun, including chequering and finish......$2500 to $3000, reblue of the barrels.....$400, new CCH.....$400, miscellaneous fixes and changes that are stupid not to do if you are doing all the rest......$250 to $1000.

All that assumes the barrels are worth it and the work is being done by a competent vintage SxS gunsmith, of which there are not that many. When I look at a project gun, the cost of buying it is usually just the entrance fee. There are not many who will spend this kind of money on guns like that and one thing is for sure......the gun, regardless of its value in the market, MUST be of a original quality that makes it worthwhile. Most don't measure up.

Just saw your post on the LOP. That is crazy long! Don't think I'd want to argue with you and your boys! ;)
 
That’s the main point right? Is a restoration worth it? To keep? Maybe to resell? What makes it worth it?

I’m ok with owning a great quality 110+ year piece that I can use . One word: “nostalgia.” I have hunting magazines going back to the late 1920’s (Field and Stream and Outdoor Life) that leaves me to dream of what it might have been like hunting then, my past hunts afield, then prompting me to go back to my cabinet, to view what I have left, smelling an old spent shell, dreaming of getting out chasing grouse and woodcock. Of course, then the realization that my wing shooting is relatively done. :(
 
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KC said:
That’s the main point right? Is a restoration worth it? To keep? Maybe to resell? What make it worth it?

I’m ok with owning a great quality 110+ year piece that I can use . One word: “nostalgia.” I have hunting magazines going back to the late 1920’s (Field and Stream and Outdoor Life) that leaves me going back to my cabinet, to view what I have left, and smelling an old spent shell, dreaming of getting out chasing grouse and woodcock. Of course, then the realization that my wing shooting is relatively done. :(
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The quick answer to your question is never for financial gain. Lol. For me, it’s worth it to put certain guns back on the road to another 120 of use and enjoyment. I use the guns I have restored. I like to get them almost perfect and then get started on the next century of use.

Sorry to hear your wing shooting days are mostly behind you. I’m sure you have many great memories. But I know we will all find it hard to stop. I bought a couple guns from a couple in Idaho two years ago who had decided that at ages 79 and 84, their chukar chasing days were over. I hope I’m still able to get out when I’m 84.
 
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