Where can you find information related to a Knickerbocker 12 gauge 32 inch double barrel shotgun made with roll twist steel manufactured by American Gun Co NY NY and if it has any worth?

Answer 1

Knickerbocker and American Gun Co NY were both house brands of H&D Folsom Sporting Goods and could have been manufactured by any of the companies that produced utility firearms from 1890 to 1950. Twist steel suggests a Belgian import which would place it prior to the beginning of WWI in 1914. Unless it still looks like it came from the factory yesterday, value will be primarily as wall decor and range from $100-$250 depending on the style and condition (eye appeal). Large side hammers will move it toward the top of that range, rear hammers or hammerless will keep it on the low side. A gun with twist steel barrels should not be fired with modern ammunition unless it is thoroughly checked out by an experienced gunsmith. In addition to the possibility (for a 100 year old gun, make that probability) of deterioration of the barrel walls, it is quite likely chambered for 2 9/16 shells. 2 3/4 or even 3 inch shells will probably go in, but cannot open correctly and would cause additional stress on the barrels and anything labeled 'Magnum' should definitely be avoided.