Question regarding the discounted value of "trade name" guns

[Jawjadawg]

I just read the article in this months DGJ on Hunter Arms trade guns. How much less in value are the trade guns than the Hunter Arms marked guns, or the Baker Gun and Forging vs guns marked "New Era"? I'm not sure you see a difference in asking price on the auction sites, so in reality should there be a difference in value? Any opinions?

[C.O.B.]

I think "trade names" will always bring somewhat less than the known name. Did you read the piece on E.C. Hodges? The English used the same action for lots of guns but you will pay a higher price for a Westly Richards or a Purdy than an Army Navy or a Charles Boswell but in many cases the actions are from the same maker. I have a 16ga back action hammergun from J. Venables & son, a friend has a 20ga hammergun from William Ford and the actions are identical and look the same as what I have seen on a Purdy and a Boss.

I saw a nice Stephen Grant side lever hammer gun on another site that was actually actioned by E.C. Hodges but as its a 12 bore (not a big fan of the 12) and its nearly 10K I'll let her slide on by....now if it was a 16 or a 20 that would be a different story

[Researcher]

I'd say in the case of most of the U.S. "trade branded" guns, condition, gauge, condition, barrel length, condition, options, condition, originality and condition are bigger factors in determining market value than whether the gun is marked FULTON, RANGER, REV-O-NOC, ENDERS ROYAL, etc. All things being 100% equal there might be a slight edge for the gun marked FULTON, but not much.