doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com AA Brown Premium

I am looking for a pigeon gun for SCs and occasional waterfowling. I came across this Gallyon - 30" barrels choked F/F with 3" chambers, recent 1.75 oz (not a typo) proofs, 7.75 lbs, flat rib, third lockup, flat stock. Made in 1951, it appears to be in great shape and was owned by a well-known UK field writer (relevant to me only because it suggests the gun was likely well cared for). The gun is exactly what I am looking for - a well-built, no-nonsense gun that costs about the same as a new RBL 12, can be used at the range and in a blind without undue concern, and can digest modern waterfowl loads.

Here is the question - the seller (a "brand name" UK dealer) tells me that the action bears an AA Brown stamp indicating that the gun was made by them. This is plausible because I have come across at least a couple of similar AA Brown boxlocks. However, the gun is priced at a premium over comparable B'ham boxlock pigeon guns that I have been looking at (though none had proofs over 1 1/4 oz, which is a big benefit when trying to find nontox waterfowl loads). Assuming this gun was in fact made by AA Brown, is that alone worth paying a premium for?

Thanks in advance, Doverham

In my opinion the maker is not worth paying a premium for the shotgun. After all, it remains a basic Birmingham made box lock. I would certainly be willing to pay a premium for condition though.

That is a $2000 gun, tops. Very plain. I would not give a dime over $1500 for it. Be careful.
JR

I agree with John.

I don't have a clue as to the guns value.

That said most dealers, especially UK, that can prove a gun was made by A.A. Brown will ask more just because of that. A.A. Brown is a storied name in Birmingham gun making business, noted for exceptional workmanship.

Thank you for your responses. The suggested value equates to a W&S 700 - which has a bit more engraving but no third fastener or heavy proofs.

The handful of B'ham boxlock pigeon guns that I have seen for sale in the US are in the $2.5-3k range, which when dealer markup is added equates to what JR has suggested. None of those guns carried proofs over 1 1/4 oz. though.

Doverham,
I had a look at that gun, it seems to be in a sound condition, the seller is a very reputable dealer, the price is right nowadays here in the UK, probably negotiable price for a cash sale, but by the time you have imported it into the US it would be far too dear. That is the basic problem with buying guns from the UK, import hassle.

Thanks for that feedback, Sal. The import issue is especially problematic for guns like this, where that extra cost ($700-800?) might represent 15-20% of the purchase price. Kind of a rounding error when you are buying a Boss or Woodward.

Gallyon promptly responded to my inquiry and confirmed that this gun was made by AA Brown in the early 1950s, when Brown was apparently making a lot of boxlock guns for the trade. The gun checks out with their records.

I can generally get guns into the States from the UK for less than 500$ in total costs each, if you are willing to wait for me to be able to get a large enough group together to make it cost effective. I usually bring in shipments twice a year or so.

Assembled by Brown and made by Webley & Scott....with a Webley screw grip action. I'd put it's value at $1500.00 to $1800.00 tops.

What makes you think the gun can digest modern waterfowl loads ?

I'd go with the RBL.