AboutCharles Gage Expertise I can answer questions dealing with firearms and their development due to western expansion. I can answer most questions about any firearms of the world manufactured after the Civil War(1868 - present. I can offer safety warnings about these. I can offer opinions and the reasons behind these.
Experience I have been at the study of firearms and their use since my first issue of Field and Stream in 1962.At that time I was completely devoted to rifles, but over the years I have experienced the thrill of the hunt with handguns, shotguns and of course rifles. I moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1972 and since I have taken numerous game and non-game animals with all firearms (cannons excluded)including blackpowder muzzleloading rifles,shotguns and handguns. My favorite handgun for large non-game animals, such as feral hogs, is my Uberti replica of a 1847 Colt Walker. Very heavy, but accurate.
Education/Credentials I am a 1973 high school graduate. Junior and senior year I developed a class on Wildlife Depredation and Conservation of our Rocky Mountain states. My specialty was the brown bear.
Awards and Honors New Mexico Hunter Safety Program Instructor 5 year award.
Question My sister's husband recently passed away and left a collection of shotguns that she wishes to sell. Do you know the approximate value of these? This came from a list that he had, I'm assuming from an appraisal many years ago.
Parker Bros., Meriden Conn. 8 gauge double barrel hammerless shotgun, grade DH finely engraved action, 36” Titanic steel barrels, checkered pistol grip and forend. Repair to right cheek of stock, otherwise excellent condition.
P. Mullin, New York. 8 gauge double barrel hammer shotgun, 40” blued steel barrels, under lever action. Circa 1880. Checkered pistol grip stock and forend, steel buttplate. No serial number (custom made). Birmingham proofed barrels and action. Excellent condition.
H. Richards, London, England. 8 gauge double barrel shotgun, 36” laminated steel barrels, serial # 7923, checkered pistol grip and forend. Shows wear but overall condition is good.
T. Barker (Belgian Mfg.) 8 gauge double barrel hammer shotgun, 36” barrels stamped “Belgian Red Twist” checkered pistol grip and forend. No serial number. Belgian proof marked on barrels and action. Overall condition good.
Parker 16 gauge double barrel hammerless shotgun, 28” barrels. Grade 00 GAG mint flawless condition. (rebuilt in 1975).
Answer Hello Thomas. Your list is made up of very collectable, as well as, valuable firearms. The very first one on your list will sell in the thousands. Therefore, I suggest that you find a qualified appraisal company to get your appraisal done. Not to speak harshly of our local gunsmiths and pawn shops, but contact a LICENSED AND BONDED APPRAISAL COMPANY. There are many on the Internet of which you can choose from, but you need to take them to the appraiser for a hands on appraisal.I also suggest a second appraisal, as well.My experience with one in the past has led me to the information above. A dear and close friend (NRA Shooting Coach for 22 years) passed away and I took too long getting his collection to an appraiser. His wife came to me at work about a month after his death with a great big smile on her face. She said she had been visited by MR. PAWN MAN (name changed to protect the NOT SO INNOCENT!)and he gave her $5000.00 for his collection. I did not tell her that my friend had, about a month previous to his death, purchased from me a NEW COLT GOLD CUP 1911 .45 caliber handgun. I special ordered it for him. You have probably already written the ending to this story, but I will tell you anyway. He paid $2200.00 for it! He had purchased several firearms of NRA Quality over the 8 years of our friendship. The last 5 were in this price range, not including those he had collected over the years. PLEASE BEWARE!! I know I haven't answered your question, but I felt it my responsibility to tell you my story. Thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
P.s. If the appraiser looks in a book for values, tell him thank you and grab your guns and RUN!! Charles
