doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 4 Double Rifles - let's talk values! (Pics here)

Some here may remember an earlier post describing my collection and asking for opinions on how to dispose of several of the pieces ~ thank you for all of your previous imput ~ this is a follow-up to that post.....

Please remember that I am a "babe in woods" when it comes to firearms and that my knowledge is extremely limited....although I am slowly learning.

In my original post, I was astounded to learn that some of the pieces may have extraordinary values and wanted to try and learn more here before pursuing other venues.....maybe visiting a nearby board member for confirmation!??

It appears that four of the most valuable firearms in the collection are the double rifles and so I thought that a good place to start. I have no idea how to describe condition other than from the few who have actually viewed them in person, so please let me know what pics I can provide to clarify anything that you might deem necessary to come up with your idea of value....

I collect other things and I DO understand that there is NO SUBSTITUTE for personal inspection; however, I am looking for general opinions and values and also looking to learn and share these wonderful firearms....with all of that in mind, here we go!

http://members.cox.net/taylor.knight/4%20rifles.JPG

The four double rifles are (from top to bottom):

#1 ~ James Woodward & Sons; a nitro proofed .450/.400 non-ejector double rifle with 27" barrels. Built 1897 for H. Lane. Has side locks with bottom break lever and is engraved "The Automatic" on the barrel.

http://members.cox.net/taylor.knight/woodward.JPG

#2 ~ J Purdey & Sons; .500/.450 double rifle with side locks, nitro proofed, non-ejector. Built 2/24/20. 11 lbs. 3 oz. w/25"
Whitworth steel barrels.

http://members.cox.net/taylor.knight/purdey.JPG

#3 ~ Dan'l Fraser & Co.; .303 British caliber box lock action. Nitro proofed.

http://members.cox.net/taylor.knight/fraser.JPG

#4 ~ Holland & Holland; .303 British caliber Royal hammerless, nitro proofed.

http://members.cox.net/taylor.knight/h&h.JPG

Let me know what you need to see and I will take a pic or two and get them here for you1

Thank you for your imput and opinions!

Please see my private message or e-mail me at hughlomas@yahoo.com

You might try to contact Lowell Glenthorne about that .303R Dan Fraser. He really likes that maker and is in BAAAD need of something in mid-range small bore rifle.
The other guy to ask is Virginian that goes by the name Capitain Curl.

VaCollector,

You have some beautiful rifles.

Here's my 2 cents:

The Woodward probably started life as a BPE as it was built in 1897. Nitro proof didn't come out until 1904. It was not uncommon for guns to have been re-prooved as nitro at a later date. A picture of the barrel flats will tell the story.

The Purdey is an unusual rifle having been built in 1920 as an underlever. By this time the toplever hammerless ruled the day. But as you know these guns were all built to order and if the customer had the $ they got what they wanted. Again, I'd like to see a picture of the barrel flats.

The Frasier is a nice rifle in a very useful caliber.

The Holland is, what can you say, it's a Holland.

As you know as a collector the condition is everything, especially in rifles the condition of the bores is everything. Many of these guns were used hard or not cared for properly and ended up suffering the adverse effects of the early cordite ammunition.

As to value, I would suggest a call to George Caswell at Champlin Firearms - 580-237-7388. George will give you his assesment of value and hopefully an idea how to proceed. I always found George to be fair in his opinions, but he is a character.

Good luck and if you can post pictures off all the barrel flats we caould give you more information.

Jim

Thanks Jagermeister!

I just might contact Mr. Glenthorne at some point in the future, but my current focus is to come up wth approximate current values in order to determine if contact with Capt. Curl might be prudent. I did email him earlier this year but did not follow thru with personal contact....that may be my next step if he is still willing to assist

Thanks Jim.....happy to produce pics but what are the "barrel flats"?

Sorry, the bottom flat area of the barrels where the proof marks are stamped.

Sorry, the bottom flat area of the barrels where the proof marks are stamped.

So I need to take the guns apart 1st, right? ....duh!

Yes