JD Dougall double barrel LockFast 12ga, Comments/observations welcome

[Morkill]

Well folks, here we have a beautiful side by side J.D. Dougall. Passed down through hunting generations, the history of this piece has been lost. We'd love to know more about it and ultimately it will be posted for sale. Tried to take as many pics as I could and I'm hoping they all present enough to elicit your comments and estimate of price.

Made at the 59 St. James Street location.

Thank you to all in advance.

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[9.3mauser]

What you have is known as a "Lockfast" action, and the name is engraved on the bottom of the action body. Date of manufacture would be between 1875-1882, when the address changed. The design had a good following, and the Prince of Wales reportedly used one. As far as I can determine, probably less than 2000 were built, not counting earlier pinfire guns.

Condition of your gun is well used, but probably restorable, as long as there is no deep pitting in the bores. I can see some light surace pits near the muzzles. Most likely it still has only black powder proofs, if it has been handed down through one family.

Value is tough to peg, since they don't turn up that often, and would depend on the condition of the bores, and whether the locks are sound.

 

[gunsaholic]

Nice gun and restorable but restoration doesn't come cheap so that will figure into what the value is and what someone will pay. I would think most people who would want to own it would have the restoration done. The downside is it is a damascus hammer gun and this is Canada. Do not expect high dollars in this country the way it is now. If you follow the EE you will see there are a few vintage English guns listed at prices that they will never sell for in Canada. And one can't expect top condition or restored prices on a gun that needs restoration. Also, most buyers of vintage guns, especially damascus barrels, will want to know what the bore measurements are now and what barrel wall thickness is at various intervals. If the barrels are beyond acceptable safe limits then you have pretty much nothing. Without these measurementds, I doubt anybody who knows doubles will pay very much.\
You should take a pic of the proof marks and other marks on the underside of the barrels. Are they Birmingham or London marks? You just can't go by the address on the rib. From what I have found, Dougall also sourced guns from other makers and some bore Birmingham marks.

 

[Morkill]

Incredibly insightful comments Mauser and AAAguns. I'll take a pic of teh proof marks soon and post. Likely take it in to SC Gunworks for a lookover too. Like you said, anyone looking to buy this will want to know wall thickness at critical points. I'll post more info as I find it. Not much info on these beautiful guns around.