Help with Value and Date of Horton Shotgun

[sneakysix]

Hello

My neighbour was given this by a friend. It's so out of the realm of my knowledge I thought I'd post here to see if you guys can shed any light on value/date.

It looks like a self ejecting double barrel percussion break action shotgun made by "W Horton, 29 Union St, Glasgow".

I can't find a date anywhere on the gun, but took pictures of the proof marks on the underside of the barrel.

Unfortunately my neighbours friend dropped the gun and caused the stock to break off at the wrist.

Any help on dating or valuing the gun would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Ashcroft]

Well that was unfortunate wasn't it? Imagine to survive nearly 150 years in operating condition only to be wrecked by butterfingers. Birmingham proofed between 1813 and 1904, not much help in dating the gun. There were other marks that came into use starting in 1875 but were only used for certain conditions such as to indicate choke or nitro proof, the absence of them on this gun means little. The 13 is the diameter the barrel was proofed at (.709") which would be quite normal for a 12 gauge at the time. HP would be the initials of the barrel maker. The style of this gun ( action type, forend fastening, etc) suggest late 1860's - early 1870's manufacture. Horton was a well known and respected Glasgow maker, this was once a fine gun. If the wood break is clean and the wood sound and not oil soaked this can be repaired to be presentable and usable. Note, there is also a crack in the forend and there is probably other damage as well.On the other hand, bubba can ruin it forever if he gets his hands on it. Unfortunately this gun has negative value now, it would cost more to have it repaired than the finished value would be. Unless you know a very talented and experienced person who works for free ( yeah, right) Saskbook has it nailed for value. Bear in mind, this wasn't a valuable gun before it was broken and even if beautifully repaired it will be worth less than before it was broken. Too bad.

 

[saskbooknut]

You have a Jones underlever cartridge double gun, Damascus barrels, black powder proof.
It has been badly resoldered, lifted under-rib, shattered stock and is not economically repaired. This doesn't take into account if it is tight on face, or if the barrels are in acceptable condition.
W. Horton and Sons has been restarted in Birmingham by the family descendants.

If all the stock parts are available it could be glued up as a wall hanger.
As a decoration, you might find someone to give $100 for it.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[sneakysix]

That’s what I thought

Thanks guys I’ll break the news to him