old side by side shotgun
I have received an old side by side shotgun from one of my friends. It is a rabbit eared 12 guage, marked as a F A Loomis IXL model 42.
I have been able to find nothing about this gun anywhere. Can anyone tell me approximately when it was manufactured and by whom? The approximate worth? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Doug
I have been able to find nothing about this gun anywhere. Can anyone tell me approximately when it was manufactured and by whom? The approximate worth? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Doug
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I stumbled on an old side by side shotgun. I wonder if this is the "real deal" or a cheep knock off. It has rabbit ear hammers, and a unique side lever to break open the action. On the side plate is stamped "J. Manton", followed by what looks like 2 crossed swords, followed by what looks to be "Co".
Underside of right barrel is stamped with the following: undecipherable mark; a crescent ")" ; followed by crossed swords;then the number 14; again followed by crossed swords; then the serial number 4616
Underside of the left barrel is stamped again with a undecipherable mark followed by a ) then the crossed swords and again the number 14, followed by the crossed swords. In addition, over the series of marking stamps, is stamped "JP".
On the receiver, right side is stamped again with the crossed swords, followed by serial number 4616. The left side is stamped just with the crossed swords.
The barrels are of laminate steel, and the bores are somewhat pitted. The action locks up tight. It has a English straight stock, and fine checkering, and what looks to be a oval metal engraving plate on the underside. Overall the stock is in good condition. The forend is a splinter type, with a wedge of a different colored wood at the tip, has fine checkering and is held in place with a wedge pin.
Fine etching/scroll work is noted on the hammers, screws, and receiver plate. I can include photos if needed. Thanks for your help.0 -
I highly suspect a Belgian trade gun. Look at the stamps under the barrels and see if there isn't a "ELG" there.
If so, then an inexpensive gun probably of damascus-type construction. Value will be more as a decorator than anything else.
Nord0 -
Are there any more markings on the gun?
This sounds like a Hardware Store gun, and could have been made by any one of dozens of manufacturers.0 -
There is only the serial number and a w and wg stamped on the under side of the barrel, under the forearm, there is also what appears to be a tulip or rose? stamped at the base of each barrel. It does have the damascus barrel and some engraving on the side locks. Thanks guys.
Doug0 -
I forgot to mention that the butt stock has a brass disc in the bottom (unmarked) and the butt plate looks to be either hard rubber or plastic with the engraving of two deer. One laying down and one standing up. I have been told that the butt plate is of European manufacture but don't know how true that is. Thanks again.
Doug0 -
I suspect... Just suspect... that you have a trade gun and that the stamps indicate English origin. A rose or any combination of such, along with crossed swords is a pretty fair indication.
The gun is still most likely a trade item and barely more desirable than Belgian offerings. I'd like to see a photo or two before I made any other comments.
Nord0 -
I believe NORD is right! The name F.A. Loomis has set off a bell in my mind...I've dug thru My Database, but can find No Maker of that name...! But still the name is familier to me...BOOTHROYDS makes no Mention of the name either....But still.................That nagging itch in the recesses on My Mind say its English...and Not just a TRADE NAME....I'll keep looking......Hope I can Find something for you.....Best.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
riter: can You Post or send Me a Photo of the Marks and a copy of the Engraving...? My email address is promanatly Posted....Tnx.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
Side by Sides of the World would be worth a look. If no one else gets to it, I will try to look late this evening. 0 -
I remember a Loomis that a friend had. It's not a cheap trade gun, high quality, English made.
Can we see some pics?
"Aim small...Miss small"0 -
F. A. Loomis Shotguns were made by Crescent Fire Arms Co. Hammer sidelock shotguns are listed, but no location for Loomis is given. Likely a dealer for whom Crescent built guns with his trade name. Value will be modest as these were utility shotguns made in the millions and for which there is little collector interest. Value, depending upon condition maybe $100-$150. Info from Side by Sides of the World for Y2K Carder, value estimation by me. Many are used as wall hangers today.
Do have the gun checked out by a good smith for safety and to determine what it should shoot. In those days the damamacined barrels were believed stronger than solid or "fluid" steel barrels, but time has demonstrated that is not so. Most were built to shoot black powder charged shells and cannot handle modern smokeless loads. All that said, I wish I had one. Enjoy it!
Should have mentioned that Crescent was in business from about 1881 to 1931, and I would guess that your gun dates from the first half of that period.0 -
Drat! Had hoped that the kid had a winner...Just could'nt pull the Rabbitt out of the Hat..Thanks 'He Dog'....I'd have probably found it in a day or two.....But I can guarentee its logged into the database now....Best.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0
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