12 GA DHE Value

Alex Dade · 08-26-2012, 11:42 AM

I've just acquired my father-in-law's DHE (see attached pictures) and I'm trying to estimate value for insurance purposes (the gun isn't for sale). Here are the specifics from the PGCA research letter:
SN: 216067
Year of MFR: 1926
Options: Vent Rib; trap model forend; frame size 2
Barrels: 32" (still -- uncut)
Chamber 2 5/8
Pull: 14 1/2"
Heel Drop: 1 1/2"
Comb Drop 1 1/2"
Weight 8 # 7 Oz! (not looking forward to hefting it around the field all day -- maybe a different gun for hunting)

If anybody wants a specific picture, just let me know.

I'm sending the gun to Larry DelGrego for a once over (hasn't been fired in over 40 years), but then I plan to shoot it regularly. I just need to list it on my insurance with some reasonable value.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Alex Dade · 08-26-2012, 11:45 AM

Couple more pictures in case you need to see them.

Holeshot · 08-26-2012, 03:26 PM

The book does not show all of those options. Without a letter it is hard to put a value on it. If the factory upgraded it, probably around 8,000.00, If not , about half that much. Dave

Alex Dade · 08-26-2012, 03:43 PM

I've attached my Research Committee letter which (unless I'm mistaken) shows all the options I mentioned. What's missing? The gun does have a Remington factory code indicating it was returned in July 1943, but I have no idea if that was for modifications or repair.

Alex Dade · 08-26-2012, 03:44 PM

Thanks for estimating a value, though -- that's about what I figured, but I don't think there have been any upgrades. I think the gun is exactly as it left the factory.

Bill Murphy · 08-26-2012, 03:54 PM

I agree.

Holeshot · 08-26-2012, 04:38 PM

I guess the serialization book is not correct again. Proves the value of your letter nicely.

Bill Murphy · 08-26-2012, 06:21 PM

We have thought for quite some time that the #1 1/2 frame was used for about all trap guns. Recently I have seen or heard of three original trap guns that were built on the #2 frame and are quite heavy. I guess the occasional trap gun was built on the #2 frame. How many? Don't know. My opinion is that the #2 frame traps were special ordered to make a high weight request by the customer. The one #2 frame trap I own is a horse and weighs about 8 3/4 pounds.

Autumn Daze · 08-26-2012, 06:33 PM

The 1 1/2 frame double trap I own is just wonderful....

B. Dudley · 08-26-2012, 08:08 PM

What a nice gun! About the only think I see that may not be original is the adjustable recoil pad.