Albert J. Harper

He was actually located at 126 Steelhouse Lane in Birmingham from 1897-1900. He appears to be the son (grandson?) of Samuel Harper a gun and pistol maker that had those premises from 1862-1895. Samuel started making guns in 1847 at various locations around Birmingham before moving there. Does your gun have Birmingham or London proof marks?
 
Harper Shotgun

The actual name on the gun, both sides, is Jas Harper. London is stamped on the barrel. I don't know where the Canadian Firearms Centre came up with the name Alfred J Harper, but that is what they decided to register it as. It is 12 ga and has Damascus, or twist barrels. I don't know what the proof marks would look like.
 
There was a James Harper at 85 Weaman Street in Birmingham from 1842-72. There may well have been another living in London and I don't have a record of it. The Birmingham makers often had an office or an agent in London so they could put the more prestigious London name on their guns. Some even sent Birmingham guns to London to have them proofed to enhance the image.
 
That's impossible to guess at without a lot more information and photos. What's a Ford worth? British gunmakers made guns suitable for the poor to royalty. The condition of the barrels and the rest of the gun have to be known as well. If you post some pictures and a good description someone who knows more about them than I may take a guess.
 
I'm afraid I can't figure out the photo posting bit. The gun I have has lots of engraving, Damascus barrels, bad bore, is a bit loose, has been revarnished (poorly) but otherwise is in good shape. I wasn't inquiring about the value of mine but just wondering if there is any collector interest in these guns. I know there is considerable interest in some well known makes, but don't expect there is much with these less known ones. Thanks for your help.
Gerry
 
The bad bores in particular bring the price down plus being loose certainly does not help relative to value. Without seeing a photo, I would guess $100 maybe unless the barrels are shootable. With tight barrels and good bores plus good exterior finish etc etc my guess and again without photos, would be 5 -600 tops but they are a hard sell. At Duncan this past weekend there were 3 hammer dbl shotguns ranging from $85 with a hammer missing to 125 and one that I don't think was much more. That is particularly cheap even for this area. In terms of collector interest, there are some of us who enjoy shooting old hammer guns and an english gun in good condition is of value and interest but we also tend to be frugal (which some mistake for cheap :>) ) Barrels can be sleeved but it is a lot of work and not something that I would rush into.

cheers mooncoon
 
Essentially, there's LOTS of interest in both London and Birmingham guns. The keys are grade and condition. Even a gun from a relatively unknown gunmaker from Birmingham can command serious money, if it is a high grade in excellent condition.

The broken specimens aren't worth much because you can't shoot them.

The rule of thumb is to judge each piece on it's own merits, and avoid generalizations about any particular brand (brand in this context takes into account that makers names become trade names, trade names can be bought and sold, and materials, quality and workmanship depend on grade and date of manufacture).
 
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