Condition opinion survey

[Ray Masciarella]

The condition of a shotgun is based on the percentage of remaining original finish but there is no objective way to measure it. Ask 10 collectors their opinion and you'll get 10 different answers. So here is a survey. How much original finish is on the frame and barrel shown here? I know, it is just a partial photo but it would be interesting to see how widely opinions vary.
Thx, Ray

[Rick Losey]

Certainly no expert grader, but i would bet the only hint of remaining finish on the barrels is under the forearm. And i see a reflection of a bluish on the underside of the tubes which makes me wonder if that is the source of the vestage of color on the box.

But it looks like a great gun from here, any more pics available?

[Bob Jurewicz]

Ray,
I like the idea of a thread like this you have started. However, your pictures are not good enough to evaluate the guns condition. I would be evaluating "what I think I see". There may be some pattern on the barrels, I'm not sure. There may be some color on the frame, I'm not sure.
Bob Jurewicz

[Ray Masciarella]

Bob

Didn't really start thread to get opinion of overall condition. Just thought it would be interesting to see how opinions might vary based on what is seen. My skills at taking photos are nearly as poor my my shooting!

Best, Ray

[Dean Romig]

It looks to be unmolested but stock head looks oil-soaked to the point there may be a problem with the wood. Also should have been more thoroughly cleaned periodically through its life. I'll give it a 60%

[Greg Baehman]

From what I can see, it's tough to see more than 10%-15% of the color remaining on the frame, with the barrel finish maybe 60%-70%. Overall, I would say it remains in ~ 50% overall condition.

[Chris Travinski]

I agree with Dean, I was thinking 60%

[Bob Jurewicz]

OK on what I think I see, I'll vote for 50-60%.
I like the gun and would be proud to own it!!!!
Bob Jurewicz

[charlie cleveland]

im really a novice but as far as case colors showing about 3 percent... charlie

[Larry Mason]

Charlie won and gets to keep it.

[Craig Larter]

It looks like a parts gun to me,:) I would agree that 50 to 60% condition is correct if there are no other mechanical or barrel problems. If the picture is representative of the rest of the gun. Is it a early BH ??? Nice gun I would like to own it.

[Dean Romig]

Looks like an AH to me.

[calvin humburg]

Condition I agree. The wood, as Dean stated would be my concern looks rough along frame. I really like the engraving that woodcock is capital. How about some good pictures of sides and floor. best ch

[Russ Jackson]

Good Morning Ray , Yours is a Beautiful Gun ,is this one of the CEP Guns ? I can sure see where this thread could get a good argument going ,but I will kick my two cents in also ! From what I " THINK " I see , I would say Barrels to around 60 % ,It appears to have some color around the edge of the Receiver , 15 % but none on the sides ,or bluing on the Trigger Guard ?? The engraving is very sharp and crisp 80% ,Also the checking appears to be very nice 70 % , and overall and the wood does appear to have a little oil soaking on the stock but it is a very early gun and to be expected would be my thoughts , what we can see ,the gun has a wonderful Patina and is a very desirable Grade so Plus ??? With that said ,from " Visual Appearance only , and remove the desirability factor and the fact that each and every one of us would love to own it ,I would venture around 50 % to 55 % Original Condition ! Now ,since you own the gun and can inspect it clearly ,what is your opinion on condition ,how are we all doing ?:corn:

[Ray Masciarella]

Since you asked..... It is an AH and CEP gun. I think everyone's comments are about right. I'd say barrels are 50-60% and CCH 15-20%. It is a little oil soaked and does have great patina.
Opinion has varied on barrel condition from 50-70%. Not a wide margin but enough of a difference I suppose. I guess if you're selling, they're 70% and if buying, 50%. Lol! The difference in opinion doesn't surprise me. In fact, I'm surprised the difference wasn't greater. It is interesting to see what others think. Good learning process for me.

Best, Ray

[Russ Jackson]

Ray ,I purchased Terrys AH ,CEP Gun and it was refinished by Oscar Gaddy ,To me it is a Beautiful Gun also ,but the engraving isn't as pronounced as yours ," Wish It Were " I am sure it is because of the recasing ! I have it at Brads ,having the stock dealt with !These are very special guns and yours is a Gem ! Thank You for posting ! GREAT THREAD ! Russ

[Ray Masciarella]

Russ

That is a very cool gun. I thought about trying ot buy it myself. Killer engraving even if it is soft. Wonder what it would cost to pick up the engraving? Wonder if there is anybody out there that could do it? If I had the cash, I would have been in a bidding war with you!!!

Best, Ray