Questions about JH Smith & Co SXS shotgun

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takman74

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Hey All

I inherited a JH smith and co shotgun and would like to learn about it. I am curious if anyone has ever heard of this company? its an old one.... I'd say turn of the century at least. It has damascus barrels and exposed hammers for each chamber. There is also nice engraving on it too. It looks like is been around awhile. If anyone can point me in the right direction to learn about this maker that would be great! Thanks,

Takman
 
Some pictures / descriptions of the proof marks on the barrels and table would be a good place to start - could at least give the country of origin. My "guess" would be it is the name of the retailer although a few Smiths where British gunmakers. Just to add, also look under the forend and under the locks for any names, marks etc. --- John303.
 
There were several J Smiths who were British makers in the late 19th century. Is there an address on the rib? Can you provide photographs, specifically the engraving & proof marks. That should narrow things down a bit.

Mark
 
Pictures of the shotgun

Hi There

Not too sure how to post pics off my Mac on here so I have created a photobucket account and have loaded some pictures of the shotgun. I have not tried to clean it up at all as it is old and til I find out if this is a collector or not I would much rather leave it as is. I did wipe it down with a corrosion inhibiter to prevent further rust from forming. it really is a nice gun balanced well and everything works well. I think this is a black powder gun and as a result I will never fire it. I would like to learn about the maker though. All it has for markings are J H Smith and Co on the side of the pistol grip engraved in the steel. On the top of the BBls it has been engraved with the marking Fine Laminated Steel on the center rib. Other than that there is no more markings. Here is the photo bucket link:

http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz232/Takman74/

Thanks!

Takman
 
Appears to be English. If you can remove the barrels, there will be proof marks on the bottom of the barrels, and on the receiver. The proofs would confirm where it was made.
Looks to be a decent quality gun, fairly early, I would guess 1870s.
It needs some careful, gentle cleaning, but apart from the missing forend tip looks to be in nice shape.
 
I have the gun apart

Hi There

I have managed to get this thing apart and it turns out there is a number stamped on the bbls and on the receiver of the gun. it doesn't say anything about where its made but there is another maker stamp there it is B.J.W & Co

The matching numbers on the BBL are 15669. There is a 16 stamped on the receiver as well as what looks like a small coat of arms???? On the BBL there is a 14 with the same coat of arms and the B.J.W & Co. As well as the same number 15669. I have loaded more photos of this to photo bucket to get your assistance in identifying this gun. Thanks all!

http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz232/Takman74/J H smith Shotgun/



Takman
 
takman74 said:
Hi There

I have managed to get this thing apart and it turns out there is a number stamped on the bbls and on the receiver of the gun. it doesn't say anything about where its made but there is another maker stamp there it is B.J.W & Co

The matching numbers on the BBL are 15669. There is a 16 stamped on the receiver as well as what looks like a small coat of arms???? On the BBL there is a 14 with the same coat of arms and the B.J.W & Co. As well as the same number 15669. I have loaded more photos of this to photo bucket to get your assistance in identifying this gun. Thanks all!

http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz232/Takman74/J H smith Shotgun/



Takman
Click to expand...


Takman,

Your camera should have a "macro" setting. This setting focuses close to the camera for sharp, clear closeups. It would help if we could see images of the proof marks that are in focus.

Regardless of the maker's origin, I would suggest that this particular piece is in very poor condition. In my opinion, it would be risky at best and potentially very dangerous to fire that gun - even with black powder shells, but especially otherwise. I own and shoot many double guns that are in excess of a hundred years old, so I usually encourage doing so, when the condition warrants it.

It is also my opinion that this particular gun is not a suitable candidate for restoration, due to the overall condition of both wood and metal. If asked to appraise this gun, I'd set the value at $50 or less.

Having said that, it is a wonderful curiosity and, like you, I'd like to learn more about it by researching the proof marks. I hope your camera can produce better images.;)
 
Gun condition

Hey Straight shooter

I agree that the gun is in poor overall condition. I also agree that its not safe to even consider firing it and as such its just a wall hanger for me. when my father passed away in 1978 this gun was donated to our local museum and they had no clue how to preserve such an item or even now how to store it correctly. This is how all the visible corrosion came to be on it. Fast forward to 2001 I went through all the necessary steps to claim this gun back from the museum and was disappointed when I saw the condition of it. Since its been in my possession I have just treated it with a corrosion inhibiter and have basically forgotten about it until recently when I posted here trying to look for information on the maker. I will look for the macro setting on my camera and will try to post more clearer close ups once I get the opportunity. I will have to rely on the action of the gun for pictures and I don't even think the macro will help to get clear ones of the BBL. I will repost on here soon. I am not really expecting too much from this really from a financial standpoint its worth way more to me as an heirloom and just the history of it in general.... To be around from the late 1800s to now just imagine the stories that this thing could tell if it could speak

BTW thanks for the tips on the camera settings for close up photos!

Cheers,

Takman:cool:
 
Functional condition

The action on this thing is really tight and everything works well on it. From inspecting the bores I would say that they are in better shape than the exterior of the gun. Its interesting to look in them as you can clearly see the damascus patterns inside the bores.
 
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