What is value of Syracuse arms co double barrel shotgun?

Answer 1

Without knowing the exact model or the condition, we cannot estimate the value of the gun you have. Here is some information on your gun-Syracuse Arms Company was organized by Frank Hollenbeck in 1893 after he left his position as the plant superintendent for Baker Gun and Forging Company of Batavia, NY. Between 1893 and July of 1895, Hollenbeck had nine patents assigned to Syracuse Arms Company, and guns made during this time were known as “The Hollenbeck”.

In July of 1895, Hollenbeck left Syracuse Arms Company to organize the Hollenbeck Hygienic Bicycle Seat Company, and the gun’s name was consequently changed to “The Syracuse”.

Syracuse Arms Company guns were made in two series. Stock guns were made in the following grades:

Grade No. 00 -Triplet (fluid) Steel barrels (introduced 1901) and no engraving

Grade No. 0 -New Twist Steel barrels with no engraving

Grade No. 1 -New Twist Steel barrels and some engraving

Grade No. 2 -Improved Damascus Steel barrels and no engraving

Grade No. 3 -Improved Damascus Steel barrels and some engraving.

At some point, the company dropped Grade NO. 1 from the offerings.

Custom-made guns came in grades A, A-1 Special, B, C, and the top of the line D with barrels of Krupp, Whitworth Fluid-Compressed or Finest-Grade Damascus Steel. The engraving and checkering/carving quality and quantity became more elaborate, and stock quality increased in the higher grades. Only three D Grade guns are known to exist.

The Hammerless guns were initially offered in 10- and 12-gauges, with the 16-gauge being added in 1901, and the 20-gauge in 1902. Barrel lengths were available in 26 to 32 inches depending on the gauge.

A limited run of hammer guns was introduced in 1904, and they were supplied with Triplet Steel barrels. One would assume that these hammer guns were Grade 00 since Triplet Steel Barrels were also supplied on the Grade 00 hammerless guns.

There is no indication in available references regarding how many hammer guns were made, but it couldn’t have been many, making hammer guns somewhat rare.Syracuse Arms Company ceased advertising in May of 1905, and production was halted shortly thereafter.There are no production records in existence for Syracuse Arms Company. However, it is estimated that about 40,000 guns were produced.

Hammerless guns in good or better condition are currently being offered on a few collector websites in the range of $475 to $900. No hammer guns are currently listed for sale, but it is expected that a hammer gun in equivalent condition and grade would equal or exceed the value of a hammerless gun.Shotguns of this era may have Damascus, Twist or Laminated Steel barrels which are not considered safe with modern ammunition. Even if the gun has fluid steel barrels, the chambers may be shorter than today’s 2 3/4″ length shells. If using is contemplated, an evaluation by a competent gunsmith to determine barrel steel composition and chamber length is recommended. Modern 2 ¾” shells fired in a short chamber produces dangerously high pressures and can damage the gun and injure the shooter or bystanders. If deemed safe to use, only light field or target loads can be recommended.