OLD SXS 12 GA. SHOTGUN I.D.

SNIPER1048

January 02, 2005 19:10

I HAVE A FRIEND IN PA. WHO SHOWED ME HIS FATHERS OLD 12 GAUGE SXS SHOTGUN. 30" BARREL'S AND IN VERY GOOD SHAPE SOME THING 100 YEARS OLD AT LEAST. UNDER THE BARREL'S AT THE CHAMBER END IS ABOUT 15 OR MORE PROOF MARKS. STAMPED INTO THE ACTION IS THE NAME: THE WILMONT GUN CO.
CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS SHOTGUN? I TOOK PICTURES OF THE MARKS AND HAVE THEM IN MY COMPUTER. THANKS MUCH.

"START THE BALL ROLLING THERE, TECTOR"

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  nord

  January 03, 2005 02:45

  Your description of the gun falls pretty short, but I can infer the following:
  
  1. Proof marks mean a non-domestic product.
  
  2. Wilmont is a trade name, not a manufacturer.
  
  3. Proofs (though you didn't say it) contain an ELG.
  
  4. The gun has browned tubes with spiral patterning running up them.
  
  If I'm pretty much on the mark, then an inexpensive Belgian offering made (probably) in the decade either before or after 1900. Value will be very limited and the gun is probably considered unsafe to fire.
  
  Nord

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  Xracer

  January 03, 2005 03:41

  Wilmont (there's also a Wilmot) was one of the many brand names applied to shotguns imported by the H&D Folsum Co. of New York. These were inexpensive shotguns sold primarily thru hardware stores and catalog houses.
  
  If your's is a Wilmot: (from oldguns.net)
  
  "Where can I get information on the general value of old shotguns. My wife was given an old shotgun by her mother. Wilmot Gun Company, open hammer double Damascus barrel, silver inlays.
  
  Answer:
  Mike- Wilmot shotguns were listed on page 672 of the 1907 Sears Roebuck catalog for $12.35. As with most "house brand" shotguns of that period there is little collector interest and values run in the $50-150 range mainly as wall hangers. They should not be shot with modern ammunition. Colt Single Action Army revolvers were selling for about the same amount then, and now run in the $1000-2000 range. Looks like Grandma bet on the wrong horse! John Spangler"

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  captkirk3@dslextreme.com

  January 03, 2005 07:42

  WILMONT ARMS COMPANY, Liege, Belguim....c1900...If Your Wilmont has the Oval with the Letters E over LG in the Center....Then it deffinately and Import....No Great Collector value unless absolutely in Mint Condition............
  
  Captain Kirk, Tech Staff

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