On those spots beneath the upper and lower ribs where the keels would be seen, take a needle and scratch it. A steel keel will hardly scratch at all but solder will…





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I just tried a needle, and it will scratch it so that seems to answer that question.

As far as the value goes, I am interested mostly for insurance purposes.

This gun has been a part of my family for close to 100 years so it is not and will not be for sale.

Thanks everyone for your input and information.

Chris

Not sure what your plan is but if it’s to use your homeowners policy I would make sure you understand that carefully. By the time I properly insured my guns through my homeowners it became cost prohibitive. It was cost optimized for me to have home owners through one, and an entirely different provider for my guns. A lot of homeowner policies are basically worthless for insuring guns unless you specifically schedule them, which significantly increases your premium and still requires a formal appraisal.

At least, that is what I came to Learn when I crossed the insurance bridge.

My homeowners company only covered a tiny amount and would not let me add a rider. I wound up buying a policy from a company that specializes in firearms. It is pretty reasonable and adds some piece of mind. Hopefully, I will never need it but it's there just in case.

That is what most of us do, I believe.

I had no idea mine weren't covered until my Father in Law mentioned to me that he had to add a rider. The gun insurance company I use does not require any info about particular guns. The only exception is a single gun is worth $ X amount. Then you have to give them info about that gun only. I don't remember the magic dollar amount. I'm pretty sure it would be below that number but that's why I was wondering a rough price range. Right now I have coverage based on my estimate for the value of my guns. Just don't want a surprise if I did have a theft or a fire or something.

When I look at the picture of the top end of the barrels, for some reason the right barrel looks shorter than the left barrel. Try using a carpenter's square to see if they are straight across. Either way I would not worry about it as it was you grandfather's gun.

If you have trouble posting pics or you're not sure how to do it, contact Bill Murphy and he'll square you away.

Instead of using a homeowner's policy to insure your guns, contact Gun & Trophy Insurance. They advertise in Parker Pages. Great to deal with and the best premiums around. So much better than having to give an insurance company a roster of your guns. That itself doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. PLUS, if you are a PGCA member they wave the admin fees.

Shoot it and enjoy it and when you're through leave it to your son or grand kids. Just enjoy the Dam thing.