Shotguns

Diamond Arms Co was a trade name used by Shapleigh Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri in the late 19th and early 20th century. It may have actually been manufactured by Iver Johnson, J. Stevens, or one of several Belgian firms. Parts will be hard to find. If you can identify it as a particular IJ or JS, Numrich Gunparts can probably supply them. Otherwise, carry it to all the gunshows within a hundred miles and dig through bins of misc parts.

I can certainly understand wanting to put Grandad's Old Gun back in working condition, but since these store-brand shotguns are not high-dollar collectables and seldom used as shooters, their value (other than sentimental value) is as a decoration. The cost of restoration or repair will probably exceed the gun's cash value.

The Standard Catalog lists it at $200 in NRA Poor condition and $500 in Excellent. The Blue Book doesn't seem to list this model, but similar Stevens doubles (there are about 3 dozen models that have no significant differences) are shown at $100 in 60% and $225 in 100%. Now, BB 60% is better than NRA Poor and 100% is better than Excellent, so one of them is seriously off in their estimations. I think the Blue Book is a bit low and the Catalog is way too high.

The Stevens 325 sxs shotgun was made from 1904 to 1908. Not many people know about this shotgun and it is often confused with the later made model 325 bolt action rifle.

You would need more details to find the history and value. Are there any patent dates or other writing on the gun? Any proof marks like an oval aroung the letters "ELG"? Hartford was a trade name used c. 1900 by the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri, on guns made by a variety of manufacturers, most are marked as Hartford "Arms", not "Firearms".

There's not a lot of information available and most authors disagree on that. Carey's American Firearms Makers says the company was in Norwich Ct from 1855 to 1894 and made single shot percussion and metallic cartridge rifles. Vorisek's Shotgun Markings lists 4 different names, W.H. Davenport Firearms Company, W.H. Davenport Arms Company, Davenport Arms Company, and W.H. Davenport & Co., and gives dates from 1878 to 1910. The Standard Catalog says they made single barrel shotguns from 1880 to 1915 and single shot rifles from 1891 to 1910. Traister's Antique Guns says they made single shot and double barrel shotguns in Providence, RI. The Official Price Guide to Antique and Modern Firearms says single and double shotguns in Providence, 1880-1883, and Norwich, 1890-1900.

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You can go to their website http://www.hr1871.com/.

Single shot shotguns sell new for $89.99. Used ones will retail for $45-$70 depending on condition. A dealer will probably offer $25 - $35. I bought my CBC single barrel in South Africa for approx 81,6 dollars in 1985. Lovely firearm and gave me many hours of pleasure. Currently with the new gun laws over here it is worthless. I cannot renew my license and will end up handing it over to the local police to be destroyed *You CAN renew your license as the new Firearms Confiscation Act is immoral and unconstitutional. You existing license is valid until 2009 at which time we are sure that the law (like the Canadian law it copied) will be scrapped. Try the SAFF for any further information. Bodie

I just got through researching this for a friend. Found some on some gun auction sites. depending on condition, its worth is between $200 and $1,300 It really depends on the grade and condition of the shotgun. The Double Gun Journal has had several articles in the last 2 years which would allow you to identify where an individual example fits into models produced. I believe that a high grade model in excellent contition would bring over $4,000. I know of a sale during the last 12 months at $3,000. It was not the best of the available grades.

Vulcan was a trade name used by the Edward K. Tryon Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These guns were manufactured by Crescent Firearms c. 1893-1930.

The actual value of a gun can change drastically depending on the condition, proven provenance, rarity, and the current market demand. Demand is constantly changing, which means the value is constantly changing. The condition would include the finish and mechanical wear. Even in rough condition, a gun with proven provenance could still be quite valuable. Modern Gun Values or the Gun Trader's Guide are both good sources of information. Current editions of these books can be picked up at common places such as Wal-Mart or Barnes and Nobles.

There really is not a way to determine the exact date the weapon was made if there is not a serial number. However, this particular shotgun was created between 1958-1968, and is worth up to $700.

You do not use the serial no. You use the model number. You can purchse a current copy of Modern Gun for current firearm values.

Charles Daly shotguns were made by several of the best European and American arms makers from around 1875 to the mid-late 1930's by Schoverling, Daly & Gates. These were some of the finest shotguns of the time and can sell for several thousand dollars. In the 1960's and 70's, they were produced by Miroku Company in Japan. These are becoming collectible and can retail for $1,500-$3,000 in top condition. Current Daly O/U shotguns are manufactured in Italy and are excellent firearms. There are forty different models listed in the Blue Book. A Field grade in 60% condition, lists at about $200, but a Diamond Regent GTX EDL Hunter in 100% is $23,000. If your gun has fancy wood, fine engraving and/or precious metal inlays, you should take it to an expert for a written appraisal. what is the Charles daly worth over and under serial number152978

According to the Blue Book, these were manufactured from 1936 to 1942. The Blue Book says it's worth $40 in 60% and $95 in 100% condition. The Standard Catalog says $75 in Good and $120 in Excellent. I think the Blue Book is closer, but still a bit high since a brand-new single shot from ERA or NEF is only $90, with a guarantee and repair parts availabe.

A fully functional but well-worn single shot will usually retail for about $50.

Stevens made firearms in Chicopee Falls from 1864 to 1990 but the association with Savage did not begin until 1920 and if the gun is marked with both names, it was probably not made until after WWII. If it was manufactured after 1968 it WILL have a serial number, but if made earlier it MAY have one. A utility double barrel that shows some wear but is still functional is worth about $200-250.

What type of action? Ranger usually means it was sold through the Montgomery Wards catalog.

take it to a gun smith. you may mess it up trying to fix it yourself.

I have the same problem with my Western Field 12 gauge pump. I can't even get it to accept shells into the magazine. I've recently given it over to a gunsmith. If you want to email me I can let you know what he says...

Jim

If it is a Side by Side like my Western Long Range Gun, pop off the forearm - mine is marked in three places: the wood of the forearm, the metal of the forearm, and on the action. My Model 37 has the serial number stamped on the front of the reciever, opposite the slide for the pump. It is in the area between the magazine tube and the barrell.

If a single shot, about $50 retail. A double barrel may go for as much as $400 if it is in almost new condition, but probably half that if it is still functional but worn.

I purchased a Savavge Fox B-SE series H on 12-27-04 from a private owner for $180.00...yes, I stole it! I have been researching the gun all night on the internet and have found it going from $250 in not good condition to $560.00 for a great condition at GunBroker.com. I also saw a very good conditioned gun for $465 through a dealer in Texas, sorry can't remember the website. The gun I purchased is like brand new and I can't believe I paid what I did. It may be the best deal I've ever received. I think a lot has to do with the condition and the SE really helps the value. My estimate is that you would pay $300-400 under normal buying circumstances. Good luck either buying or selling!

The actual value of a gun can change drastically depending on the condition, proven provenance, rarity, and the current market demand. Demand is constantly changing, which means the value is constantly changing. The condition would include the finish and mechanical wear. Even in rough condition, a gun with proven provenance could still be quite valuable. Modern Gun Values or the Gun Trader's Guide are both good sources of information. Current editions of these books can be picked up at common places such as Wal-Mart or Barnes and Nobles.