English Best compared to a Parker

[Kirk Potter]

Is their such a thing as a “value” best? I realize value here is subjective obviously, but are their deals to be had? Outside of the big names?

[C.O.B.]

You can find a very nice best gun from lesser known makers than Purdey, Holland & Holland or Boss.

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Kirk Potter

Is their such a thing as a “value” best? I realize value here is subjective obviously, but are their deals to be had? Outside of the big names?

There are always deals, but it just like Parkers, if it fits and you love, it buy it !
I bought a Boss round action at a steal and I bought a DH Damascus way over market price!

The question is. Does the gun talk to you...................... I have a H&H gun (no a pair!) that just took my soul (and I gave my soul for them ) I love Parker Skeet guns and I have a few but I sold most of my collection to pay for the above mentioned.

They are difference is, I love both, but they are as separate as night and day.

[Ken Hill]

Originally Posted by Kirk Potter

Is their such a thing as a “value” best? I realize value here is subjective obviously, but are their deals to be had? Outside of the big names?

Kirk,

Don Amos worked for several years researching English gun values. The values were based on auction results. He built a spreadsheet based on his research. He developed three ways to determine the price for a British gun:

1) Brand Value: how does the market value the name on the gun. A top tier maker (Purdey, Wooward, H&H, and Boss) bring a higher price than a 2nd or 3rd tier maker base on the two other factors being equal.

2) Original Value: looks at how well the gun was originally made. This is usually determined by the action features, engraving, wood figure, fit/finish, and to some edgy the original cost.

3) Current Condition: there are 7 levels to judge a gun on its current state of original finish and repairs.

A second or third tier maker could make a comparable gun to a first tier maker with the same features. On the used market today (and back in the day) would be cheaper based on brand value.

Ken

[Setter Man]

Originally Posted by Kirk Potter

Is their such a thing as a “value” best? I realize value here is subjective obviously, but are their deals to be had? Outside of the big names?

This is where it gets challenging. There were dozens of manufacturers in GB at the turn of the last century and it wasn't just the big names that were producing fine shotguns and sorting through them is challenging. The class of sport who could afford to have a pair of guns build by Boss, Woodward, Holland, and Purdey might not want to spend that kind of money for a guest or family member so they often went to smaller houses for those guns which were nearly equal in quality but lacked the name. Trick is to find out who all of the manufacturers are and where they fit in the pecking order. There are several makes of guns that you could lay in a table next to a "Best" gun and not be able to tell the difference in fit or finish, the difference is in the details: chopper lump vs dovetail barrels, who made the locks, how is fine is woodwork between the locks. Most of those details don't really matter in terms of functionality.

The single most important determination of value is condition and that's where you are going to have to be able to call on an expert for assurances. Re-paring a buggered up or worn out English gun can easily cost more than the gun is worth. Proceed with caution.

JDG