What can you tell me about this Hopkins and Allen

Tri_X_Troll

August 12, 2005 22:02

My grandfather left me this gun and I'm just curious about it's history. My grandmother says he's had it in the chest at the foot of their bed as long as they had been married. About all I know is that it is a Hopkins and Allen 12 guage. All the numbers match and it's in fairly good shape with very little rust and no dents or anything of the like.

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  CountryGunsmith

  August 13, 2005 03:29

  Hopkins and Allen were in business in Norwich CT from c.1868 to around 1915. They are more well-known for their line of pocket revolvers, but they did produce a large number of single and double-barrel shotguns, both hammered and hammerless.
  
  Depending on how your barrels are constructed, best guess is c.1890-1910.
  
  Although H&A did make some decorated pieces, it appears yours is a typical 12ga field gun. Value is somewhat enhanced by its condition althogh H&A shotguns are not widely collected. Figure less than $500 and probably less than $300.
  
  As for shooting it, it may well be possible. Have the gun thoroughly inspected by a gunsmith familiar with antique doubles and follow their recommendations. Dont shoot it without having it looked over first (there may be a reason Grandpa kept it in the trunk), these old shotguns were not designed for the pressure curve of smokeless powder.
  
  
  Scrappy Doo sleeps with the fishes.

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  nord

  August 13, 2005 04:23

  A nicer utility piece for the time. Not high on a collector's want list, but with family connections it's priceless.
  
  Your photo would seem to indicate that the stock is cracked at the wrist. This is something that shouldn't be ignored should you ever intend to fire your gun.
  
  Nord

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  v35

  August 13, 2005 05:25

  Nice gun, hairline repairable crack in the wrist, mottling on barrel suggests twist or damascus. Check barrel pattern under the forend for evidence as this area is likely to be unrusted.

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  Dean Cascio

  August 13, 2005 07:31

  Go to http://www.armscollectors.com/forum.htm
  On the shotgun forum ask Nedfel. He is a shotgun guru.
  Nice gun.
  Dean
  
  quote:Originally posted by Tri_X_Troll
  My grandfather left me this gun and I'm just curious about it's history. My grandmother says he's had it in the chest at the foot of their bed as long as they had been married. About all I know is that it is a Hopkins and Allen 12 guage. All the numbers match and it's in fairly good shape with very little rust and no dents or anything of the like.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  If they don't trust us with guns, how can we trust them with the government?

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