The Expert Collector‘s Guide to Antique Double Barrel Shotguns

For those who appreciate the craftsmanship, history, and beauty of fine firearms, antique double barrel shotguns hold a special place in the world of collecting. These iconic weapons, with their graceful lines, intricate engraving, and old-world charm, represent the pinnacle of the gunmaker‘s art. As a longtime collector and student of these fascinating firearms, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to help both novice and experienced collectors navigate the world of antique double barrel shotguns.

The Evolution of the Double Barrel Shotgun

The story of the double barrel shotgun begins in the early 19th century, when gunmakers in England and Europe began experimenting with multi-barreled designs. One of the earliest examples was the "duck foot" pistol, which featured four barrels arranged in a horizontal row. While impractical for most purposes, this innovative design laid the groundwork for the development of the side-by-side shotgun.

In 1875, the British firm of Boss & Co. introduced the first successful hammerless double barrel shotgun. This groundbreaking design used internal strikers instead of external hammers, resulting in a sleeker, more streamlined appearance. Other British makers, such as Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Westley Richards, soon followed suit, and the hammerless sidelock shotgun became the gold standard for quality and performance.

Meanwhile, American gunmakers were also making strides in double barrel shotgun design. The Parker Brothers began producing their legendary shotguns in 1868, while Ithaca Gun Company entered the market in 1883 with their innovative "Flues" model. Other notable American makers of the period included A.H. Fox, L.C. Smith, Lefever, and Baker.

Understanding Action Types

One of the key features that distinguishes antique double barrel shotguns is the type of action they use. The action refers to the mechanism that cocks and fires the shotgun, and there are several different types to be aware of:

Sidelock: The most traditional and highly regarded action type, where the lockwork is mounted on the side of the receiver. Known for their strength, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Boxlock: A simpler and less expensive action type, where the lockwork is concealed within the receiver itself. Became popular in the late 19th century as a more affordable alternative to sidelocks.
Triggerplate: A variant of the boxlock action, where the lockwork is mounted on a removable triggerplate for easier maintenance and repair.
Underlever: A action type where the barrels are hinged at the bottom and opened by means of a lever located underneath the receiver. Popular in the mid-19th century but largely phased out by the early 20th.

Each action type has its own unique characteristics and advantages, and collectors often have strong preferences for one type over another. In general, sidelock shotguns are considered the most desirable and collectible, due to their superior craftsmanship and historical significance.

Top Manufacturers and Models

For collectors of antique double barrel shotguns, certain makers and models stand out as the most sought-after and valuable. Here are some of the top manufacturers to know:

American Makers

Parker Brothers: Known for their high-quality sidelock shotguns, with models ranging from the basic "Trojan" to the elaborate "Invincible" grade.
L.C. Smith: Produced a range of sidelock and boxlock shotguns, with the "A" and "B" grades being the most desirable.
A.H. Fox: Best known for their "A" and "F" grade sidelocks, which featured elaborate engraving and high-grade materials.
Ithaca: Produced a range of boxlock shotguns, with the "NID" (New Improved Design) being the most collectible.

British Makers

Purdey: One of the oldest and most respected names in British gunmaking, known for their high-quality sidelock shotguns.
Holland & Holland: Another top-tier British maker, with their "Royal" sidelock being the most famous and desirable model.
Westley Richards: Produced a range of sidelock and boxlock shotguns, with their "Best Quality" models being highly sought-after.
W.W. Greener: Known for their innovative "Facile Princeps" sidelock and "G" grade boxlock models.

European Makers

Beretta: The oldest firearms manufacturer in the world, with a long history of producing fine double barrel shotguns.
Merkel: A German maker known for their high-quality sidelock and boxlock shotguns, with the "Model 200" being a standout.
Franchi: An Italian maker that specialized in affordable but well-made boxlock shotguns.
Sauer: Another German maker with a reputation for quality, particularly their "Model 66" and "Model 90" sidelocks.

Valuing and Collecting Strategy

When it comes to determining the value of an antique double barrel shotgun, there are several key factors to consider:

Rarity: The rarer the gun, the more valuable it is likely to be. This can be due to the manufacturer, model, grade, or special features.
Condition: The overall condition of the shotgun is critical to its value. Guns that are in pristine original condition, with minimal wear and no alterations or damage, will command the highest prices.
Provenance: If a shotgun has a documented history of ownership by a notable figure or was used in a significant event, this can greatly enhance its value and collectibility.
Engraving and embellishment: High-grade shotguns with elaborate engraving, gold inlays, or other embellishments will generally be more valuable than plainer models.

Some examples of highly valuable antique double barrel shotguns include:

An A.H. Fox "F" grade sidelock, engraved by the renowned artisan Joseph Trauner, sold at auction in 2021 for $172,500.
A pair of Holland & Holland "Royal Deluxe" sidelocks, with gold inlays and exhibition-grade wood, sold in 2020 for $248,000.
A Parker "Invincible" grade sidelock, one of only three known to exist, sold in 2007 for $287,500.

For collectors looking to enter the world of antique double barrel shotguns, I recommend starting with a focus on a particular maker or action type that resonates with you. Educate yourself on the history and characteristics of your chosen specialty, and develop a network of fellow collectors and dealers who can provide guidance and opportunities.

When evaluating a potential purchase, always inspect the shotgun in person if possible, and don‘t be afraid to ask for additional photos or information if buying online. Pay close attention to the condition of the barrels, action, stock, and engraving, and be on the lookout for any signs of repairs, alterations, or mismatched parts.

Over time, as you gain experience and knowledge, you can broaden your collecting horizons and pursue rarer and more valuable specimens. The key is to buy the best quality you can afford, and to focus on guns that you genuinely enjoy owning and studying.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

In recent years, the market for antique double barrel shotguns has remained strong, with high-end pieces consistently achieving record prices at auction. However, there has been a noticeable shift in collector demographics, with younger buyers gravitating towards more affordable vintage and modern shotguns.

Despite this trend, I believe that the appeal of antique double barrel shotguns will endure, thanks to their timeless beauty, historical significance, and the thrill of the hunt they represent. As long as there are passionate collectors who appreciate these qualities, there will always be a market for these magnificent firearms.

Looking to the future, I anticipate that the most rare and high-grade specimens will continue to appreciate in value, while mid-range and lower-end shotguns may experience some softening of prices. However, the overall health of the market will depend on factors such as the state of the economy, the political climate, and the continued interest of new collectors.

Resources for Further Study

For those who want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of antique double barrel shotguns, there are many excellent resources available:

Books: "The Double Gun Journal," "The Best Shotguns Ever Made in America," and "The British Shotgun, Volumes I-III" are all essential references for serious collectors.
Periodicals: "Gun Digest," "Shooting Sportsman," and "Double Gun Journal" offer regular articles and features on antique shotguns.
Museums: The Cody Firearms Museum in Wyoming, the NRA National Firearms Museum in Virginia, and the Frazier History Museum in Kentucky all have significant collections of antique double barrel shotguns on display.
Online resources: Websites like doublegunshop.com, collectorgrade.com, and vintagers.org provide a wealth of information and forums for collectors to connect and share knowledge.

Conclusion

Collecting antique double barrel shotguns is a pursuit that combines history, artistry, and the joy of the hunt in a way that few other hobbies can match. Whether you‘re drawn to the elegant lines of a British sidelock or the rugged charm of an American boxlock, these firearms offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of craftsmanship and adventure.

By immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of these shotguns, and by developing your eye for quality and originality, you can build a collection that will bring you pleasure and pride for years to come. As a fellow collector, I encourage you to embrace the journey, and to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others along the way.

Happy collecting!