R B Rodda

[maxim08]

Wasn't sure whether to post here or in the Shotgun forum, but here goes.
An example of a gun that followed me home from a relative. I know next to nothing about shotguns or even if this is an antique as I could not find any date markings on the gun.
As far as I can tell, the manufactruer is R B Rodda. The gun is a side by side smooth bore, shotgun in 12 gauge. 3 piece breakdown, seperate trigger for each hammer, fully chassed (sp?) barrels and metal work, ejector.

Now for the not so good news.: heavy crack at the neck of the stock; very glossy refinish on the wood; two severe dents in the right barrel about 3" from the muzzle; home made case.

Can anyone tell me anymore than a quick net search reveals about this gun? My relative has asked me to define a fair price for it and, if reasonable I'll buy it.

Regards,
John

 

[mooncoon]

I am guessing that the date would be in the 1890s to very early 1900s. Rodda started out as Brown and Rodda in 1846 but by 1900 had become Rodda and Co, Stafford, Birmingham. In 1910 they moved to 24 Whittall St and a couple of times more after this gun was built. Boothroyd says they had guns manufactured for them by the Birmingham trade. The barrels are not chased but damascus or laminated steel ie many pieces forge welded into a strip then spiral wrapped and forge welded into a tube.
Value in this area would be probably $300 - $500 although back east, possibly more. You do need to check the barrels for pitting; mild pitting is common and not to worry about while deep pitting makes the gun nearly worthless. With good serviceable barrels, you should be able to shoot it with black powder plastic shells. It probably has 2 5/8" chambers which means that you do not want to shoot 2 3/4" paper shells in the gun since they are much thicker than plastic.
Also take a good look at the ribs and make sure the ribs are on solidly.

cheers mooncoon

 

[ben hunchak]

I agree with the above, every Rodda that I have seen has been a very well made gun, and a nice gun for it's period and they tend to be worth more then lower end British guns of the period. Most are valued up with the Cogswell and Harrisons, etc.

 

[oldstarfire]

Rodda

R B Rodda were/(are) a sporting goods (arms) supplier in India, notably Calcutta, into the 1930's at least - Google them, a very interesting Centenary catalogue reprint is available on the net. They sold all levels, including H&H if you had the money, down to cheap muzzle loaders.
Nice shotgun - any interest in parting with it?