AYA 12 Skeet

[Marty Kohler]

I have run across an older over and under 3 barrel skeet gun that belonged to a Ruth Atwood....the gun is in it's original case and I believe it to be 30's vintage....I didn't find out too much about her yet but the gun is beautiful and available...her name is in gold in front of the trigger guard...She apparently has been all over the world shooting..as the stickers on her stock and on her case state...only have a couple of pictures.... thoughts on her or approximate value of the gun? Gun is in remarkable condition...thanks for any information...

[Eric Eis]

Need more then one picture

[Marty Kohler]

More pictures

[Marty Kohler]

Barrels are also marked 1, 2 or 3 in Gold

[Bill Davis]

Marty—it appears to be a Model 37 AYA. These were true sidelocks and are faithful copies of the Merkel 303 model. I’ve owned a number of them over the last 40 years, including several in 20ga. They are difficult to sell and don’t command a high price considering that they are sidelocks. The interest factor is low. Obviously the 20 bores sell much better. From the pictures it appears to have a short LOP, so keep that in mind if you decide you gotta have it. Restocking is not a feasible option. Despite higher asking prices you might encounter, I’d suspect that 2500-3000 is the limit on this gun with one set of barrels. The other barrels, to me, would be worth something in the range of $7-800 a set. That’s my take on values from my experience. Others may differ, but the current market for 12 bore field/Skeet guns, especially offbeat ones, is very soft.

[Eric Eis]

If it's a 20 I think Bill is in the ballpark except I would place the extra two sets of barrels around 800 to 1000 so in total $3300 to $4000. If it's a 12 walk away

[Marty Kohler]

Bill and Eric ....Thank you very much for taking the time to give me your thoughts....it is very much appreciated....gun is very pretty and made well but.... Thanks again, Marty

[Bill Murphy]

What gauges are the barrels? The stickers usually suggest a pigeon gun.

[Rich Anderson]

Whats the Winchester??

[Marty Kohler]

Bill.....The other Barrels are also 12 gauge...I have a request to AYA for info regarding Ruth Atwood ..(I do not have serial number at this time)


Rich....The Winchester is an 1886......38-56....Thoughts?

Marty

[Bill Davis]

Winchester 86’s in 38-56 were made from 1887 until 1910. It was not a popular cartridge and is difficult to find today. Cases can be made up from 45-70 brass. 86’s are great lever actions but this caliber is, probably, one of the least desirable. Everyone likes the 45-70 and 45-90 calibers. The 50-110 Express brings big money. It’s still a collectible and appears original in what can be seen. The value would have to be researched but I’d guesstimate $2-3000.

[Marty Kohler]

Bill , Again I thank you for your thoughts and hope that others will also learn from your informative post.

Marty

[Rich Anderson]

Marty I agree with Bill on the Winchester. That caliber isn't desirable so unless your collecting lever guns or can buy it real cheap I'd let that one pass by.