Am. gun co. 12 ga

ksaline

August 10, 2011 11:11

i have an american gun co. 12 gauge SN 275058. any idea on age or value? it is in fair condition. Thanks

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  Ned Fall

  August 10, 2011 12:09

  You have what is commonly called a "Trade Brand Name" shotgun. That is a shotgun made by a major maker (and before 1940) for and was sold by a major sporting goods dealer, a retail chain store or an independent retailer who chose the name to go on the gun. Sorry but some of your information is lacking such as whether the gun is a single barrel, a double barrel or a outside hammer or hammerless. There were two guns with the name AMERICAN GUN CO and AMERICAN CUN COMPANY (note COMPANY is spelled out in full on the second). No problem because both guns were made by the same maker, Crescent Fire Arms Company of Norwich, CT (1892 to 1931) but for different sellers. The first one was made for and sold by the Supplee Biddle Hardware Company of Philadelphia,PA while the second was made for and sold by Sears Roebuck & Co of Chicago,IL. Date of manufacture depends on the type of gun and the serial number. Given the serial number o f275055, if the gun is a single barrel it was made in 1910. If it is a outside hammer double barrel, it was made in 1912 and if it is a hammerless double, it was made in 1913. Value? The value of any of these old guns depends on its condition, the amount of original finish remaining on the metal and wood as well as the mechanical condition. Value of a prime condition example that appears to have come out of the factory yesterday afternoon could be as high as $125 for a single barrel and $150 for a double barrel hammerless. A rusty rotten incomplete piece of junk of any type fit only for parts salvage or as a fireplace poker might bring as little as $10. Your fair condition might be my poor condition. Caution on shooting the gun. It was designed using the technology and metallurgy of the times when it was made. It was designed for either black powder or early low pressure smokeless powder 2 1/2 inch shells loaded with lead shot. It was not designed for more modern high pressure smokeless powder loaded 3 inch or magnum shells loaded with steel shot. I have to recommend that you do not attempt to shoot the gun.

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