doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Belguim Guild Gun - Thoughts

Hi all and many thanks!! I just posted this as a discussion and learning experience. I have little knowledge of Belguim guns, so I'm trying to get as much info on various guns that were made in Belguim. I really have not interest in buying this one, too much $$$.

Still thank you all, I've learned some things!

All the best!

Greg

Greg,

I know I'll get many angry responses to this but it's my opinion nonetheless. I wouldn't buy a Belgian gun with a 10' pole if I were in your shoes. (or in mine) By Belgian gun I mean Belgian but not a Francotte Best or some such other absolutely stellar gun of great provenance.

For similar money you can certainly buy an English gun and perhaps even a modest quality London gun. While a Belgian gun (or Spanish or Italian for that matter) sits there holding its own or depreciating, a London/Birmingham gun is going to be a lot better investment in the long run.

Beyond the investment, a London gun is built like a Swiss Watch and a Belgian gun could be built like absolute garbage or it could be built to a high grade...you almost never know the full story by looking at them.

No one ever tried to make a living faking Belgian guns en masse but that certainly can't be said for London guns being forged by Belgians. I think that speaks volumes as to where the better guns originate.

$6000 would get you a used Birmingham best or a mid-grade London sidelock with a few issues but great to shoot. In my opinion a way better option.

If a steller sideplated Browning with 28 inch barrels and killer wood is of any interest to you Greg, pm me.

I don't own it, but I know where one can be bought for less money than the gun you posted. If you bought it you can donate ten bucks to Dave.

Greg,

I would not spend that type of money on a gun without knowing the maker. Here are some links that may help in the future.

This one is mine. I have the Belgian proof marks and over 1,000 maker's marks.
http://damascus-barrels.com/bp.html

This is Little Gun. Alan does not cover every maker, nor does he go into depth, but it is a great resource.
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/a%20a%20artisans%20identifies%20gb.htm

Pete

Thanks Pete, great info!!! Sure is extensive, I appreciate it!!

Say, where would one find the date code?

Thanks again so much!!!

Greg

Try here

Belgian date codes

The date codes are here:
http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html

Doverham,

Nice site. However, he is using a single source, "Marquis et Poincons D'Armes en Belgicue" by Bruno Joos De Ter Beerst. Beerst has several errors in his proofmarks. Also, he lists controllers of proof back to 1911. The controllers listing is not accurate prior to 1924.

I used Beerst, Wirnsberger, Kennett and A. Baron Englehart.
Wirnsberg wrote, "A Standard Dictionary of Proofs".
Gun Digest Treasury, Published in 1960 contains a series of articles on European and British proof marks. The articles cover 72 pages it includes many illustrations. The author is A. Baron Englehart

Lee Kennett, "A History of Proof Marks. Gun Proof in Belgium", (highly recommend) from Gun Digest 32nd edition 1978.

Here are the Gun Digest articles by Lee Kennett for proof marks.
22nd Edition Czechoslovakia -1968
23rd Edition Austria Hungary & Austria - 1969
24th Edition France - 1970
25th Edition Spain -1971
26th Edition Italy - 1972
27th Edition Hungary - 1973
28th Edition Russia - 1974
29th Edition Germany -1975
30th Edition Military - 1976
31st Edition England - 1977
32nd Edition Belgium - 1978

Gun Digest Treasury, Published in 1960 contains a series of articles on European and British proof marks. The articles cover 72 pages it includes many illustrations. The author is A. Baron Englehart

Pete

Thanks all!! What I wanted to know is where do you find the date code on the gun itself?

Thanks again, my fault!!

Greg

Greg,

There is no specified location. If it exists, it will be with the rest of the proof marks. Date codes did not come into use until 1922.

Pete

You better like it because at that price it's going to be 'till death due you part'.