12 GA DHE Value
 

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.

Couple more pictures in case you need to see them.

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

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.

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.

I agree.

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

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.

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

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