Stock Shotgun?

[larry bruso]

I have this sitting in my safe, it was my father-in-laws and my wife inherited it. I checked the serial number, 98574, and it shows as manufactured in 1900. The grade is V and since it is hammerless I assume that would be VH. I do not know how to remove the barrels to check the water table markings. I have removed the forearm and the serial number matches. I assume the retention pin must be unscrewed but I do not want to mar the screw or scratch the finish. The one question I have is the buttstock, it is a left handed stock and matches the finish on the forearm.

Could this shotgun have been ordered with this stock?

Can anyone give me a range of value for this beauty?

Attached are some photos.

[Dean Romig]

Hi Larry,

That gun has been restocked and the beavertail forend is a replacement as well. Further, the frame and barrels have been blued.

[larry bruso]

Thanks Dean, that is what I figured. Damn there goes the value, my wife would like to sell this as it was not one that she cares about. Any idea what she should can expect to be offered?

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

This serial number is not in the Serialization Book. It looks like someone stocked it for trap. If the gun has 32" or longer barrels it will be worth more that the most common 30" barreled guns.

What it the number, either a 1, 1 1/2, 2, or rarer 3; found on the bottom of the barrel lug?

Photos of the barrel flats and receiver water table will be helpful.

Mark

[larry bruso]

Mark,

As mentioned I am not familiar with the take down of this shotgun and I did not want to mark or scratch it so I have not removed the barrels. It seems that I need to remove the retention pin by unscrewing it so I will do this another day and post pics and information.

I can clearly see the serial number and V marking and when I put this in the serial number search it comes up as made in 1900.

Edit: AHA, thanks OH, the number on the lug is 2.

[larry bruso]

Big Friend,

See the picture above and my reply for barrel size.

[Paul P.]

Larry, what does the printing on the barrel rib say? Should be something like "Parker Bros. New Haven Conn. Vulcan Steel " or might say Trojan Steel.
Also look at the Grading section onthis site. You will find it in the lefy colum on the home page below where you click to get into this forum. That should answer most of your questions.
By the way, welcomee to the forum.

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by larry bruso

I do not know how to remove the barrels to check the water table markings. I have removed the forearm and the serial number matches.

once the forearm is off -hold the barrels in one hand and with the other hand grip the wrist and push the top lever to the right. hold it there while you pivot the barrel down and lift the back hook of the barrels out of the action

the hinge pin should not be touched

[Twoatlow8]

Larry,
You do not need any tools to take the barrels off the gun DO NOT take the pin out there is no need to. After you take the forend off you should be able to open the gun and the barrels should come off unless there is some other problem.

[larry bruso]

Ok, got the barrel off, there is a 2 on the barrel lug and attached is a picture of the water table.