James Woodward shotgun

3602daryl

3602daryl

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I am fairly new to this forum biut had an interesting story I wanted to share

My grandfather past away roughly 15 years ago and when he died his firearms where distributed among the grandsons and my father.
About 3 years ago my dad gave me his old shotgun as he does not have much interest in guns and it just kept moving from 1 storage spot to another.

After inspecting the gun and case I began to research the firearm.
turns out to be a custom made shotgun from London and really quite valuable.
After taking to a couple gunshows and meeting with people you knew more than I do they guessed its worth between 10 and 12 thousand dollars as is.
definately suprised me and earned a new spot in the gun safe.

James woodward and sons dble shotgun with original case built between 1903 and 1915

thats my story just thought I would share
 
tried to upload a pic to my avatar dont know if it worked or not !
not that computer savy trying to see how to upload photos now
 
IMG_3227.jpg
 
These things never happen to me.:bangHead:

You've got quite a prize there. That pitting under the blacking on the barrel is interesting. A more complete set of photos would be welcome.
 
A beautiful gun you have there, and the family history you have with it should make it priceless. If you want to narrow down the production date this site has some Woodward serial numbers.
http://www.doublegunshop.com/dgsnos5.htm
You're a lucky guy. My grandfather's shotgun was a falling block, single shot 20 gauge. All the sentimental but none of the monetary value.
 
Sigh. It's too bad this gun wasn't better cared for. Judging from the marred screws and what appear to be cracks in the stock at the rear of the sideplate it looks like Bodger (the English equivalent of Bubba) was at this gun.

I love the look of those arcaded fences however. Very cool. Were this gun mine I'd very tempted to put it in the hands of Les Paul or Nick Makinson for a complete restoration. It wouldn't be cheap however particularly if the gun needed to be restocked.
 
yeah it does need work to get back into shape, I sent a large batch of pics to i think it was james purdey company overseas and their cost to go over it and make it like new 11,000 to much for my blood
another gentleman I dont remeber his name but came recommended from another collector said 6000 to fix thescrews and restock it.
sentimental value is good enough for me right now, I have no intention of shooting it.
maybe one day the funds will be there for such an undertaking
 
3602daryl said:
yeah it does need work to get back into shape, I sent a large batch of pics to i think it was james purdey company overseas and their cost to go over it and make it like new 11,000 to much for my blood
another gentleman I dont remeber his name but came recommended from another collector said 6000 to fix thescrews and restock it.
sentimental value is good enough for me right now, I have no intention of shooting it.
maybe one day the funds will be there for such an undertaking
Click to expand...
It's such a tough call. If you spend the money at Purdey who bought the Woodward name for the o/u patent then the gun is refurbed by the maker and is worth more. They will do a spectacular job and if the gun show guys are saying it's worth $10,000 now then consider the possibilities.

What would be a shame though is losing that stock. I'd seek out Les Paul or Nick Makinson to determine if it could be saved. Wood like that is very hard to find and anything you will find today won't be as nice.

In any event refurbed or like it is this guns is a treasure.
 
Good Gawd Almighty, that is a beeeautiful gun. I agree with CB, that wood is dazzling. Thanks for the extra pics. Sure would like to know what is going on with that barrel pitting. Did somebody slap some cold blue or something over it?
How are the bores? Is it still tight on the face? You a lucky man. As to 10,000 bucks or pounds or whatever to set it right, there are plenty of really competent 'smiths out there who could set it right for a heck of a lot less. Two good recommendations already, personally, I'd get hold of Sorensen out on the Coast. Best of luck, and I hope you never sell it.
 
I dont know much but the couple og guys that did look at it said the bores are really good it is still tight , as for the barrel I dont know what to think I will put up another pic of it.

IMG_3233.jpg
 
I certainly cannot see any reason to restock the gun which I think you said one of your quotes was for. I also think I would live with the pitting near the breach unless I was truly wealthy. I also would be leary of having work done in England where their proof laws could do damage were there was none before.

cheers mooncoon
 
Nick Makinson is very good he recently did an older Italian Side Lock for me it was broken in 3 places at the wrist. You can hardly tell it was ever broken. Nick is in Komoka Ont. There is also a gentleman in Mt. Bridges Ont named Arthur Troth he also does excellent work. If you are interested pm me and I will send you there contact info. Or just send me the gun. :)
 
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