Old gun question

[Flench]

I got this 12 gauge shotgun back when my Grandfather died in 1979 . Wonder how I can tell how old it is ? I could not find anything on the gun ,

[megadud]

I would say it is at least 34 years old

[smoe]

Maybe remove the wooden forearm and check for engravings.

Careful not to strip any screw heads.

[uptown]

You know the manufacturer or have the serial number of the gun?


If I had to guess I'd say 1890s but I don't know..... It's in too good of shape to be that old. It's every bit 60 or 70 years old though.

[Flench]

Well my Grandfather got it from his Grandfather . When I got it , it still had paper shell's in it . I got it in a safe up at my mother's now . I'm going to bring it home this weekend and strip it down if I can and see if I can find anything .

[SmokinLoon]

The exposed hammers and narrow fore-end scream pre-1940 to me.  Also, the shade of the steel dates it as well.  I'm not an expert, but if I were you I'd not fire anything but the lightest of loads through that shotgun and certainly no steel shot.

Somewhere on that shotgun it names the maker, model, and possibly a year.  Look closely at the barrels and receiver.  Butt-plate? Inside the wood?  It could be an old LC Smith.

[Flench]

I have looked every where on the gun for number's or something but never could find anything .
No way I would ever shoot it . I just want to re-do the hole thing and put it over my fireplace .

[colmbo]

I have one that looks almost exactly like yours, just a difference of a plate and a couple pins.  Hammers, triggers, stock all look exactly the same.  On mine the left side of the receiver is stamped Hopkins & Allen Arms Company, SN 40480.  Serial number on mine is under the breech, you have to break the action open to see it.

Google shows H&A shotguns made early 1900s, most of what I saw were hammerless.

[gyrene81]

so as far as you know, it originally belonged to your great great grandfather, how old was your grandfather when he gave the gun to you? if it is from sometime near the early 1900s i wouldn't refinish it, could lose any collector value it may have. a little oil and some buffing maybe, but that's all i would do...and get rid of the electrical tape if possible.

[puller]

I have looked every where on the gun for number's or something but never could find anything .
No way I would ever shoot it . I just want to re-do the hole thing and put it over my fireplace .

Whatever you do don't redo it...seen too many times on Pawn Stars where someone cleans up an old gun and reduces the value...even if it's sentimental value you should leave it in its natural old state...jmho though

[puller]

Also that Goo-Gone stuff at walmart or wherever you might shop should get that tape gunk off of it...just don't refinish it or re-blue it

[Rich46yo]

Is that duct tape on the handle?

Might be worth a fix by a Pro and a spot on the wall to remember your Gramps. Every gun has its unique history.

[ozrocker]

Looks like Jed Clampett's shotgun




                                                                                                                                              Oz

[mbailey]

Maybe remove the wooden forearm and check for engravings.

 

This....usually old SXS have a lever that drops down (located on the underside of the forarm) and you can easily remove the forarm...once you do that, break it open and the bbl will come off the hinge it rides on.....then look on the underside of the bbl in the area of the chamber....there is usually makers marks / proof marks stamped there.....and quite often they also put the mfg name......give a shout back once you do that, i may be able to identify it by the marks....I have a shotgun bluebook.

[Rino]

      Might try www.nrablog.com  they have links to the NRA museum and the Rifleman
magazine where they have a monthly article entitled "I have this old gun".  I imagine an email to
the museum with a photo or two attached might generate some interest.