About Neil S Berman Expertise Collector of Percusion and cartridge firearms made before 1898, which makes them collectables and not weapons as defined by law.
Expert: Neil S Berman Date: 6/23/2007 Subject: Percussion Double Barrel 12 Gauge Shotguns
Question Hi Neil.
I would like to ask you about two guns, if I may. I've had them for 12+ years, along with a few others I inherited after my grandfather and father's passing. I tried to find information about them online a couple of years ago and then again today but had no real luck. I know your area of expertise is in vintage/collector pieces but possibly you have an idea where I can search to find answers, especially about this first item. And yes, these are both percussion double barrel 12 gauge shotguns.
The first is a young antique, reproduction, produced in 1971 by V.P. Sikligar, serial or model number 6454. The ONLY thing I've found out is that it was manufactured in Udaipur India. Finding ANY information about this gun, it's maker and/or it's value is right up there with pulling hens teeth!
The second gun IS vintage, probably 1800's. The ONLY marking on the assembled gun is the word Belgium. When I did research before I recall reading something about the solder/brazing between the barrel helping to identify it's age and also that some of these old guns may have to disassembled so you can see the maker/manufacturing marks which are hidden beneath the wood. Sorry...I don't know the proper terms for gun parts. My husband says it will be a "bit of work" pushing out the pins in order to break it down but I wanted to check with an expert before he went to the trouble of doing that to see if that is NECESSARY? Is there anyway I can determine who manufactured this gun and when? I don't know if a photo would help you out. If so let me know and I will gladly take some pics and email them to you.
I'm not planning on getting rid of them any time soon but since I have had them this long I would like to find out all the information I can including value, if you have any ideas on that as well. ANY information you can provide me with will be GREATLY appreciated!! Thank you very much for your time and consideration! Have a good evening!
Answer Email good pictures to nsberman@msn.com. As a rule,Indian made reproductions have little or no value to collectors. They are sold to tourists to hang on the wall, which is why you can not find anything on the subject because it is not a subject among collectors. Guns marked Belgium as a rule are copies, not reproductions. For example, during the Civil War, when there were hugh rifle shortages in the world, Liege Gunmakers in Belgium would copy US and British rifles to sell the Americans on both sides. There is a market for these. but it depends on what was copied and how well it was made. When they are copies, they are copyright violations, so you will never find a makers name on the gun.
