About Paul Johnston Expertise I can answer most questions regarding firearms, their use, function, action etc. with a focus on german firearms my speciality.
Experience I am a registered Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. and am owner of Johnston Small Arms Co. . I am a part-time gunsmith and full-time gun enthusiast.
Organizations Pro-Gun NH, Gun Owners of NH (G.O.N.H.), Life memeber NRA, Instructor NRA., member North American Hunting Club.
Education/Credentials I have a certificate in machining, and have apprenticed with Ed Lander of NH for 5 years, a full-time gunsmith since 1946.
Question I ended up with my father's and grandfather's shotgun which was bought from a hardware store in Glasgow, KY. It has the Utica brand name and also has "London Fluid Steel" printed on it. Any info about its possible age or origin would be greatly appreciated.
Answer I can find no listing for Utica but my guess is it is around the turn of the century. Fluid steel (vs. damascus) means it is safe for modern shot shells(it would be called fluss stahl if it was german). As far as it being "London" fluid steel, that was a marketing gimmick so to speak as the best shotguns made are english. A lot of the guns imported here were actually Belgian. They were built and the importing company had their name put on it. A good quality double is usually in the $2-400. range in value. Thanks for your question.
