gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Well that's about the value that can be given on many threads. There has been, especially recently, a number of threads where someone wants a value on their vintage double barrel. Yet, absolutely no photos or description is given or it is described as being "in good condition for its age". That means nothing. It is important to give as accurate of a description as possible with any firearm but even more so with vintage doubles if you even want an estimate of value that is in the ball park. The following are some points that should be disclosed when trying to evaluate a vintage double.
1) Who is the maker. If it says on the gun, then say so. If not there may be markings on the gun that identifies the maker.
2) Take clear photos of the gun. Also remove the barrels and take clear photos of the barrel flats. This will give information on proof marks (most guns except North American made) and may identify the maker as well as the year made.
3) Describe the gauge, what length the barrels are, is it black powder only, what are choke measurements, what the trigger length of pull is, and what length the chambers are, does it have ejectors or extractors, type of forearm release.
4) Give an accurate description as to whether the barrels have any dents, bluing loss, pitting on the outside or pitting in the bores, cracks in the stock, original buttplate, pitting on the action or worn engraving, loose ribs, do the barrels "ring", are the barrels off face or is there play in the action both with the forearm on or off, is the opening lever right of center.
5)Does the gun function as it should in relation to points mentioned in #3 and #4.
6) Has the gun had any alterations. That includes the barrels refinished or shortened, the stock refinished, the stock shortened or bent, the barrels sleeved, the chambers or forcing cones lengthened, the case coloring redone.
7) Can the bore measurements be measured to tell if the gun is still in proof or can barrel wall thickness be measured to know if the barrels are within safe limits. These measurements need to be taken by a person with the proper gauges to do so and knows how to do it properly. While this is not often done and is beyond the ability of most, it is critical information, especially when dealing with vintage guns that might have a fair value. A gun that is a fair ways out of proof or has unsafe wall thickness is a useless gun as it is (for the most part) and value will be greatly affected. Anyone thinking of buying a vintage gun of any value will want to know these measurements. Not knowing will be a gamble which will affect what a person is willing to pay.
8) A lot of points mentioned may be beyond what the average person can describe. None the less the person buying will want to know (or should want to) as much as possible about the gun. As true as of a description should be gives as possible by the person asking for a value. Clear photos may be able to answer some of the questions that a person might not be able to answer.
9) Know in Canada that, generally speaking, value for vintage double barrels is lower than in other countries including the United States. Also consider that because a gun is old doesn't mean it has high value. If a would be $3000.00 gun needs $2500.00 or more worth of work to get it to that value, then guess what actual selling price will be. In most cases when dealing with vintage doubles that need a fair bit of work, the selling price should be the cheapest part of the gun. It is not cheap to have a gun restored properly. The selling or buying should reflect the condition of the gun and work needed. It is not valuable just because it's old.
10) The above may seem like a lot just to describe a gun but there is much more to a double barrel which may affect value than people realize. Believe it or not, it could get even more complicated and in depth depending on the gun and the value. It might not matter as much if it's a bottom end, low priced gun, but it makes a big difference if the gun might have some value. A knowledgeable buyer will then want to know as much as possible before purchasing.
There may be (and probably is) points that I have forgotten to mention. Feel free to add to the list.
1) Who is the maker. If it says on the gun, then say so. If not there may be markings on the gun that identifies the maker.
2) Take clear photos of the gun. Also remove the barrels and take clear photos of the barrel flats. This will give information on proof marks (most guns except North American made) and may identify the maker as well as the year made.
3) Describe the gauge, what length the barrels are, is it black powder only, what are choke measurements, what the trigger length of pull is, and what length the chambers are, does it have ejectors or extractors, type of forearm release.
4) Give an accurate description as to whether the barrels have any dents, bluing loss, pitting on the outside or pitting in the bores, cracks in the stock, original buttplate, pitting on the action or worn engraving, loose ribs, do the barrels "ring", are the barrels off face or is there play in the action both with the forearm on or off, is the opening lever right of center.
5)Does the gun function as it should in relation to points mentioned in #3 and #4.
6) Has the gun had any alterations. That includes the barrels refinished or shortened, the stock refinished, the stock shortened or bent, the barrels sleeved, the chambers or forcing cones lengthened, the case coloring redone.
7) Can the bore measurements be measured to tell if the gun is still in proof or can barrel wall thickness be measured to know if the barrels are within safe limits. These measurements need to be taken by a person with the proper gauges to do so and knows how to do it properly. While this is not often done and is beyond the ability of most, it is critical information, especially when dealing with vintage guns that might have a fair value. A gun that is a fair ways out of proof or has unsafe wall thickness is a useless gun as it is (for the most part) and value will be greatly affected. Anyone thinking of buying a vintage gun of any value will want to know these measurements. Not knowing will be a gamble which will affect what a person is willing to pay.
8) A lot of points mentioned may be beyond what the average person can describe. None the less the person buying will want to know (or should want to) as much as possible about the gun. As true as of a description should be gives as possible by the person asking for a value. Clear photos may be able to answer some of the questions that a person might not be able to answer.
9) Know in Canada that, generally speaking, value for vintage double barrels is lower than in other countries including the United States. Also consider that because a gun is old doesn't mean it has high value. If a would be $3000.00 gun needs $2500.00 or more worth of work to get it to that value, then guess what actual selling price will be. In most cases when dealing with vintage doubles that need a fair bit of work, the selling price should be the cheapest part of the gun. It is not cheap to have a gun restored properly. The selling or buying should reflect the condition of the gun and work needed. It is not valuable just because it's old.
10) The above may seem like a lot just to describe a gun but there is much more to a double barrel which may affect value than people realize. Believe it or not, it could get even more complicated and in depth depending on the gun and the value. It might not matter as much if it's a bottom end, low priced gun, but it makes a big difference if the gun might have some value. A knowledgeable buyer will then want to know as much as possible before purchasing.
There may be (and probably is) points that I have forgotten to mention. Feel free to add to the list.
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