Value of Tobin Arms, Woodstock, 32 inch Trap gun

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Willy Tincup

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I see there is a Tobin 32" trap gun with dogs head engraving listed in the Kidd icollector auction. Anyone have an opinion about their value?
They also have a Thomas Egan [Halifax] SxS listed. Egan is written about in James Gooding's book about early Canadian gunsmiths.
 
IMO, a Tobin "trap gun" could be many things. In my Tobin catalogue (reprint), the trap model has upgraded engraving of birds on the plates and nicer wood. I have seen a trap model Tobin and it had the bird engraving as described. The "dogs head" is not uncommon and can be found on the No. 40 grade field gun. Barrels were offered in 28, 30, and 32" in that model and long barrels don't necessarily make it a trap model. If it hasn't been altered, it will almost certainly have a short chamber (2 5/8") with a short abrupt forcing cone and tightish chokes. If it is in high condition, even if it is a field No. 40, it will be a cool gun as many were working guns and were well used to the point of no-return.

I like them because they are Canadian and not that awful to look at and shoot, so I have a bias. In REALLY NICE condition, it is maybe $800-$1000 gun. Well used....quite a bit less.

I know nothing of Thomas Egan.
 
The Egan gun is likely English (or maybe Belgian) made. The proof marks would tell the tale. Looks to be a very conventional export grade gun, retailed by Egan. Just looking at the photos, I'd suggest it is later than the 1870s.
 
dilly said:
I am shocked at the bids on some of those guns.
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Nothing on icollector is slipping under the radar these days. I have sent several guns to auction this past year rather than deal with the buyer's expectation of a great deal on the EE. People at auction will run each other up then swallow the commission and GST and shipping. Not how I want to buy, though.
 
Yeah, I have a family heirloom Marlin '93 octagon .38-55 with Lyman tang peep, case colour remaining on lever, and strong blueing throughout. No-one in my family values it as I do but ultimately it's just a thing and
sometimes the temptation to send it to auction to buy other things is strong.
 
That was the impression I got. I was told virtually all the guns got to the US. Apparently some buyers will by several guns with no rhyme or reason. Their dollar is so much stronger, they just buy everything they can.
 
I skimmed through the list. Some decent deals and others went pretty high. Typical for an auction I suppose. I saw a 12ga Baker went for $250....
 
I kind of liked the J. Kirk boxlock ejector from Switzers this morning. At least I liked it before it hit $900. Sold for $1725 plus GST and shipping. I wonder if they said sleeved in the description if it would have made any difference?
The Lang and Hussey went for $1750, had a repaired stock, and needs to be rejointed. That's a $450 job. Maybe the Tradex British gun prices are starting to affect the public's perception!
I was going to criticize the image quality for both these online auctions but maybe the fuzziness is part of the sales strategy. I guess I've seen worse. Ellwood Epps btw does a very good job of photographing its online used guns inventory.
 
I think the only reason they went for those prices (as did a lot of the guns) is because it was an auction and people just trying to out bid each other. On a private sale with the condition problems of some of them, they would have a heck of a time getting those prices. Just my opinion.
 
gunsaholic said:
I think the only reason they went for those prices (as did a lot of the guns) is because it was an auction and people just trying to out bid each other. On a private sale with the condition problems of some of them, they would have a heck of a time getting those prices. Just my opinion.
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Just both our opinions.
The Lang and Hussey was a very nice gun at one time and may have been a good gamble for the buyer or maybe not. Hard to tell from the photos provided and description.
 
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