doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com How much are our fancy doubles worth as firearms?

The pictured 12 gauge 30" M/F Winchester 21 in very good original condition is presently valued by the market at twice the value of the pictured Ithaca NID in very fine original condition and the same configuration. The same NID in good condition but showing wear from the field is valued at about half of that.

So my question is, how much of the present value in our collectable guns is due to their status as collectables and how much is due to their intrinsic value as firearms?

The first $400.00 is utility. The rest, collectability.

That's why "rubba dubbing" has become a cottage industry.

Quote: Rocketman
[Very well done, canvasback.

Dan, when I was developing the above referenced charts, although I knew it was not true, I assumed the market would connect brand name and original quality. I was amazed to find out that the market doesn't care if the gun was made by in-workers, out-workers, or the trade. The market does care for the name (or lack of) on the gun by a factor of up to eight times value.

DDA]

What he said...Geo

It also poses the question as to who can afford the model 21 and who can afford the Ithaca and is it bought as an investment or a working gun. my 20 gauge B model Fox fits as good and swings as good as my W.C.Scott. Nether will be sold and hopefully past on therefore they are working guns to me not an investment others may think the Scott an investment and the fox a working gun so we pose a question that can only be addressed as an individual chose.
going down hill and gaining speed.

I buy what I like and can afford.
I own several Ithaca's a bunch of Pieper/Bayards a Darne and an Ideal, and then others.
I have never owned a Parker Or Winchester 21 as I don't think the prices match up to the value/joy I can find elsewhere.
Your results should vary.

The 21 is fun. I cannot think of any other collectable where I would want to tie up the same amount of cash.

However, it is only worth it to me because I believe that I can get the vast majority back in resale. If I thought it would depreciate down to zero with regular use, like the average automobile, it would be a lot less fun

As I stated in my previous post it is a matter of chose. I must admit even as old age over takes me I do like the feeling of taken a high end double afield whether shotgun or rifle and as time passes the value is of little thought as the investment of dollars are of little consequence as compared to the joy of the outdoors.
going down hill and gaining speed

Value is an individual thing. If you are reading this forum you obviously think a SxS is worth more than a pump gun. But is it really?

I like SxS's and prefer to shoot them. But I have a value limit that is directly connected to my pocket book. So the two guns pictured in this question are merely curios as far as I'm concerned. But is is fun to read the comments; particularly from those who can afford them and the folks who make the markets.

R.

Generally, I don't think they're worth much more than what I paid for mine over the past 40 years except for those appealing to a dwindling cognoscenti who know and appreciate doubles mostly as investments. Resale and name means nowt to me. I buy quality and best-suited for the mission. A Model 21 to me is pure affectation.

I don't know as you never know where the next 'attack' will be coming from. People raising hell over all the thick plastic wads used in steel shells lining the beaches, an attack on lead again, but this time from the EPA. Who knows.

But you're good with that Winchester because no one is ever going to forget that name.