Shotguns

The value of a 410 shotgun depends on the make and model of the gun. If it is a single shot and made by Stevens the value would be approximately $70.00; however if it is a side by side the value is more. There has been some of these guns on the Internet for $55,000.00.

I am pretty sure the Wards Westernfield Model 53 was made by Iver Johnson. Externally the Model 53 and Iver Johnson Hercules look identical. I believe the Iver Johnson Hercules was made from 1918 to 1936.

Possibly a BAYER 12 Gauge side by side ? Mine has two hammers and triggers. The trademark of a knight on horseback is inscribed on both barrels, and also 'Anc.Etabl.Pieper Herstal Belgium' inscribed on the barrel rail. Have any older shotgun checked by a gunsmith before using, it may not be up to modern loads. I cant find any other markings except for Occidential stamped on the side and it has a police shield on the but of the handle

What is the value and age of a Iver Johnson Canada Ltd Cobourg 12 gua Hercules side by side.

Excerpts from The Firing Line Forum and Firearms Forum Questions and answers from Shotgun Tom and WarPig:

The 16-bore Syracuse gun was first listed in Syracuse Arms Company catalogs in 1901 (the 20-bore in 1902), and it was offered in all grades from Grade OO, the lowest, to Grade D, the highest; and ranging in suggested retail price from $30 to $475. Major manufacturing modifications to the frame and barrels occurred in 1902, and again in late 1903 or early 1904; therefore it is difficult for the novice to determine which variation of the Syracuse gun he may own. For assistance in this regard, I suggest you acquire back issues of the Double Gun Journal having articles on the Syracuse gun; as these articles represent the most comprehensive work done to date on the various models of the Syracuse gun and the Syracuse Arms Company. Small bore SAC guns (the 16 and 20) are not very common, as these models were introduced late in the life of the company; and it appears actual production had ceased by mid-1905 (certainly by 1906). Most 16-bore examples seen today are in Grade 0 and Grade 2, both plain models will a small flourish of engraving around the lock pins. The simplest way to determine grade is as follows: The Grade 0 will be roll-stamped "New Twist" for barrel steel type atop the barrels, the Grade 2 gun will have "Improved Damascus" roll-stamped atop the barrels, the Grade 3 gun will have the same barrel steel as the Grade 2 gun but will feature 40-50% line and scoll engraving coverage. The Grade A, A-1, B, C, and D guns will feature finer Damacus barrels for each grade or have optional Krupp barrels (Whitworth with the Grade D gun); and the engraving will be as follows: The Grade A gun will be engraved very similar to the style featured on the Grade 3 gun (line and scroll), the A-1 will have finer line and scroll work and two birds on either side of the frame, the Grade B will feature lots of fine scroll and a single pointing dog on either side of the frame, the Grade C gun will feature very fine scroll with full coverage and dogs and birds, the Grade D will feature the finest scroll with double dogs and birds and unique frame sculpting. Stocks for each grade become more elaborate as to carving and checkering patterns with finer pointed diamonds in the checkering panels. The highest grades are somewhat scarce and collectible, and will bring a decent price if in good original condition (although nothing remotely close to the prices paid for Parkers, Smiths, Lefevers, and Foxes). Low grades with little remaining finish have little value; although there is a limited collector demand for low grade SAC guns with lots of remaining original finishes and no aftermarket alterations. I hope you find this information somewhat helpful.

Production records for the Syracuse Arms Company no longer exist, so there is no way to provide an exact shipping date on your gun. From personal research I can tell you the following: Triplet Steel barrels were first introduced by SAC on their Grade OO gun in 1901. Triplet Steel was SAC's moniker for the type of fluid steel barrels used on this grade gun; and they later used this same barrel steel on a limited run of Syracuse hammer guns introduced in 1904, but these were the only two models of SAC guns advertised as being available with Triplet Steel barrels. The frames of SAC guns were strengthened in 1902 (wider top strap and lengthened frame sides); and their top fastener modified to what SAC advertised as a "double cross bolt". This change occurred around serial number 24,500 (give or take a few numbers either way); adn based on that fact, I would speculate your gun was manufactured in late 1902 or early 1903. In 1902 and 1903, the Grade OO gun was the least expensive SAC gun and carried a suggested retail of $30; not an insignificant sum at the turn of the last century.

Here is more from shotgun expert Russ Ruppel.

I would believe these dates over the ones I posted above, as the website I found the others on had a bnch of information that is screwed up.

Russ is a double shotgun historian and generally knows his stuff.

[quote]I never heard of one marked "New Era" which was a hardware store brand name but I do have a speal on the Real Syracuse Arms guns:

Syracuse Arms Company was founded by Frank Hollenbeck after he left Baker Gun & Forging Company in Batavia, New York, and returned to Syracuse in 1893. Between 1893 and 95 Frank had nine patents assigned to Syracuse Arms Co. The early guns are very tricky to take down, but Frank's patent number 523,813 for a "Movable Cocking Shoulder for Breakdown Guns" made this easier. After a couple of years Frank left to make bicycle seats but the company continued to operate until possibly as late as 1908. The earlier guns are marked "The Hollenbeck" and after Frank left in August 1895 they are often marked "The Syracuse." Syracuse Arms Company guns were made in two series -- the stock guns, which had grades designated by numbers 00, 0, 1, 2, and 3; and the special order guns which had grades designated by letters, A, A-1, B, C, and D. List prices in the 1902 catalogue ranged from $30 for the 00-Grade with Triplet Steel barrels to $475 for the D-grade with either Whitworth Fluid or Damascus barrels. Operating in the Syracuse area the company had access to some of this country's finest engravers in the Glahn family. I briefly owned a straight-gripped B-grade that had some of the best engraving (not in quantity but in execution) I've ever seen on an American gun.

The ejectors for Syracuse Arms Co. were designed by George A. Horne and featured a cut-off to set them to just extract if wanted. Two excellent articles on Frank Hollenbeck were published in The Gun Report -- "The Syracuse Arms Company and Frank Hollenbeck" by the late A.C. Atterbury in the July 1988 issue, and "New Notes of Frank A. Hollenbeck" by H.J. Swinney in the September 1991 issue. I believe they sell back issues -- phone (309) 582-5311.

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I would only add that there were about 40,000 made total and value is from $100 for a low grade clunker to about $3500 for a top grade in mint condition of which only about 3 are extant. 20ga are scarce. [?quote]

Your Stevens Model 820B in 80% condition would probably fetch $80.00 to $100.00 at the right time. Most of the Stevens 22 calibers and shotguns were considered utility guns and do not hold a great attraction for the serious collector. They are a fine product with a long and proud history. Hang on to your J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co. firearms. They will serve you well and when they need repairs the parts are available widely and at very reasonable cost.

I don't know but I would like to buy one. It was my fathers first gun when he was 15. It was stolen froma gunsmith in Milford OH, 1971? and I'l love to replace it for him if I can find one. I'd say their worth $50 to $100.00 dollars and the were made in the late 40's to mid 60's I think. Ron nloebker@earthlink.net

it was made into the early 50's. Only a serial number check with Stevens could establish the year of manufacture.

their is no # because it was made before 1968 so that will not help

Not sure I agree about no serial Number until 1968. I have a Model 30 that has a serial number beginning with the letter U. From my research about the firearm is a Stevens Model 520. My father told me he bought it in the 1950's.

I have this model that belonged to my Dad that I believed he purchased in either the late 40's or early 50's

GunsAmerica has this model on there that they are listing for $299.00. From what I have been able to gather this gun is a Stevens model 620 or M20.

This gun has a Browning Patent, in which case it could be listed by some seller websites under the Browning heading. Depending on the condition of the gun, it could have a value of $500.00 to $600.00.

the savage model 220 is worth anywhere from 85 to 95 dollars US.

The gun was made 1937-1965. The gun traders guide has the value NIB $121.00 Ex. $97.00 Gd.$66.00.

Can you find any additional markings on the gun? You may have a Stevens Model 44 Ideal Single Shot, but my references disagree on whether these had a rolling block or falling block action and none specifically say there were smoothbore versions. The Blue Book lists a value of $275 for this model in 60% condition and $500 in 95%. Since these were often a boy's first firearm, they were usually got rough use and little care, so a 60% gun is not easy to find.

I am not a dealer but as a buyer of used shotguns I would start by asking the general condition. Has it been used as a pry bar? As a mallet? Is the stock complete and not damaged? Finish of all metal parts? Probably a max value of $50. but probably a few dollars less. Not because a single shot is a 'bad' gun or a 16 a 'bad' guage but there is just not much value in inexpensive single shots. I see them advertised new for $89+ so used... I personally like a 16 and own one but there popularity is wanning so ammunition is relatively expensive and limited in selection, compared to 12 or 20. Sorry

Let's start at the top. What is the action: double barrel, single barrel breech loading, self-loading (semi-auto), or pump action? What markings are on the gun (i.e., model name/number, serial number). Does it have a vent rib? What choke? What is its condition ("unfired" means very little, since all guns are proof fired at the factory). Do you have the box and papers? All of this info is necessary to even make a guess over the internet.

If it truly has not been fired and is oiled and blued,probably around $500 to$600.

It depends alot on the barrel - very old shotguns may have a "damascus"barrel. To manufacture Damascus barrels, iron and steel ribbons were twisted together around a rod and heated in a forge (quick and cheap). They're fairly easy to identify by the irregular pattern of short, streak-like marks around the barrel. It might be harder to spot if it's recently been reblued, but you can usually look just inside the muzzle. Damascus barrels are weaker than modern barrels and are not designed for the high gas pressures created by modern ammunition.

A Damascus barrel in good condition can be used if you shoot light loads, but if it's weakened or you put heavy loads in it the barrel may burst slightly ahead of the chamber, which could injure the shooter.

I recently obtained a model 215 Riverside (I think it's a 16 G but it doesn't say anywhere on the gun what it is) and it has a Damascus barrel. Luckily, I found a place to order parts and will be purchasing a new one.

Well, it's AT LEAST 50 years old if it's been hanging in a barn, but it's ONLY 50 years old if it's been cared for. If it looks good and the action is tight it is PROBABLY OK, but let an experienced gunsmith look it over and follow his advice.

I am the owner of a Riverside Arms 16 ga. circa 1913 that i bought at a gun auction for $50 and it has routinely out-performed my buddies new TC Contender 12 ga. which we use for grouse.

I own a 16 Ga. double barrel and it out performs most of my newer 12 ga.shotguns, if kept in good working order a gun can last a lifetime,my 16 double was made around 1913 and has the pat.pending date of feb 10 1914 engraved on the base above the triggers. they are fine shooting weapons,but do to their age I'd have it checkedout before firing it.

Most likely it was "made" in Arizona around the turn of the century ............................. THIS century. Steer clear of that one. I am a Husqvarna collector and I can tell you the year of production from the serial number. Contact me at sbhva at AOL dot com.

your shotgun was made by high standard. high standard went out of business in 1984 due to some poor choices and poorer management. they are most noted for the .22 auto-loading pistols. they made a good solid firearm meant to last a lifetime or two. unfortunately there is no real interest in any other high standards than the pistols. it is a good shotgun that will serve you well in the field or home. thanks good luck

Useable pump guns without one of the 3 or 4 biggest names go in the range of $100-$150. Where I live, the 16 gauge will be at the low end of the scale, but I've heard that in the deep South it could double that price.

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.

Don't know what it cost when new but it's worth about $250-$350 now if it's in decent condition --

Approximate value on this shotgun is $130 - $200 depending on condition.

duuno if u find out email me at jcm_42@yahoo.com

i just paid $250 for one in excellent condition seconhand

Your best bet is to copy the serial number and include it in a letter to the company if they are still in business. They should be able to pass you more information.