F.A.Loomis 12g side by side info.

[Royzo]

Does anybody have any info on F.A.Loomis shotguns? Trying to date and find out if this thing is worth anything or collectable.

 

[gunsaholic]

A name doesn't really make a gun valuable or collectible. Grade, condition, originality, then maker will dictate value. Even if we knew something about the maker, we still need pics and need to know if it even functions or is safe to shoot. Proof marks (or lack of) also gives information. However, I have a gut feeling that it's on the low end of value scale. Pics would prove otherwise. Below is a blurb from the net regarding a question about a FA Loomis shotgun.

What you have was imported by Folsom Arms, late 19th to early 20th century, probably made in Belgium, which will be stamped on the bottom of the barrels. Not worth much except for its sentimental value to your family. Probably shouldn't be shot as laminated steel barrels can de-laminate with age and are not suitible for the pressure of modern ammo.

 

[Royzo]

Thanks for the reply. I have not figured out how to post pics yet (not computer savy at all). This old loomis has no model number or made in info on it. It only has the name, fine domascas on barrels, a few numbers stamped in brass buttplate and lots of engraving. The gun is complete but needs a very good clean up. The tip is worn off one firing pin (easy fix) and one hammer has been changed. I will try and send a pic (once I figure out how). Is there a site anywhere to help figure out rough date of manufacture?

 

[gunsaholic]

If you take the barrels off are there any proof marks on the bottom side of the barrels? If it was made in Belgium and imported by Folsom, there will be Belgian proof marks that will help date it some. If no proof marks that means it was made in North America and I'm not sure how you would date it other than it will be late 1800's or early 1900's. Is this an external hammer gun? If not, the firing pin might not be as easy to fix as you might think.

To send a pic you need to use a host such as photo bucket.

 

[Royzo]

It is an external hammer gun. There are a few proof marks. One mark is E over LG with a starbelow all inside an oval. Another mark is a star over an M. On the brass buttplate there is a WD with an arrow above pointing straight up and below that is a crown above E and 90 below. Also on the buttplate is stamped 10 RG above 57. This gun was left to me by my grandfather who apparently got it from his father. He also left 3 other rifles, one is a marlin 27s pump in 25/20 and the other two are both 1894 winchester levers in 38/55 and 44 wcf. All three rifles have oct barrels. All the rifles seem to work fine but desperately need cleaning. Faded bluing and a few dings and scratches is all I see wrong with them. I will research these as time permits.

 

[rembolt]

Here is a link to various proof marks . http://www.nramuseum.com/media/940944/proofmarks.pdf the one you describe E over LG inside an oval is British ? proof for a Belgium made gun . Liege proofed for Black powder cira 1811 - 1892 .

 

[tiriaq]

I suspect that those Liege proofs mixed in with the British proofs are there in error.

 

[rembolt]

I suspect that those Liege proofs mixed in with the British proofs are there in error.

Yes that could be very much the case . either way a Belgium made gun .

 

[gunsaholic]

I question if that buttplate is original. That WD with an arrow marking is the same that is on the brass buttplate of an 1858 enfield I have. We really need to see pics.