Where to have shotgun fixed

[sledjockey]

Our family has a ML shotgun of some historic value that has been in pieces since the late 1800s. We would like to see what all is there (was complete when my great grandfather gave it to my dad 30 years ago), get it put together, etc. How would you guys suggest starting the project and who should I talk to?

 

[bubba.50]

might be useful info to know : in pieces as in taken apart? or, in pieces as in busted up?

 

[Obi-Wan Cannoli]

How would you guys suggest starting the project and who should I talk to?

Once you have verified that it is unloaded (using a ramrod, cleaning rod, or dowel to reference the bore):

You should start by only packaging it up for shipping, don't do anything else yourself. Restoration work should only be performed by a professional, and is infinitely more complicated than any similar processes performed on modern parts and newer wood.

Wait till a pro comes in here and work out a deal with them or where they suggest you send the parts to, or you can begin by contacting individuals from this list:

http://longrifle.com/artisans/artisanlist.asp


:hatsoff:

 

[sledjockey]

Thank you much guys..

 

[sledjockey]

From what I remember as to why it is in pieces:

There was a problem with it and it was taken apart to fix a spring or something. Pops said that it is all sitting in the same Folgers coffee box since we got it back in the 1970's when I was a kid. This is the same coffee box we got it from my great grandfather in.

My great grandfather picked up the shotgun early in the 1900's. He was a historian and fascinated by firearms, Native Americans, and the stories of those that came before us. Working for Burlington for 58 years (since age 16 in 1910) helped him to meet some very influential and historic people that helped him become an "unofficial historian" and publish a couple books. Since we got this and a couple other firearms before he passed away in 1987, these were of the very few didn't go to the Smithsonian.

Because it has been apart for over 100 years and I have always been a fan of guns, who owned this originally, and my great grandfather I was hoping to get it put back together if at all possible. Finding this forum with all the historic firearms really got me fired up about the prospect as well.

 

[54ball]

Just so there's no surprises later for you, the coffee box could be worth more than the gun.

There were thousands of late 19th Century Doubles imported into the country from mainly Belgium and to a lesser extent England. Sometimes Belgian made guns will have London or English markings. These were marketed by hundreds of companies. Shooters can be found, for sometimes less than 500 bucks. Wall hangers are less a lot less.
Now fine English Doubles will hold value. If there is a provable historical attribution that adds value. If it's a 18th Century or flint period tradegun or fowling gun....that could add value.
Most of the time the true value is being a family heirloom.

So if it's a $100 dollar gun it may not be worth a $1000++ restoration.
Firstly you need to find out exactly what it is.

 

[sledjockey]

I appreciate the information. The origins are well documented and thus I would prefer not to say who owned the shotgun.

I will see if my son can go get some pictures of the parts. My father is not very technologically advanced.

Being new to this forum, I really am just looking for some direction regarding where to get this looked at, evaluated, and possibly put back together. So many forums I have been on have one of those "I am so awesome" types that show up and cause an uproar to get attention. That is NOT my intention and I prefer to stay under the radar, just to get info and help when I can.

The only reason I mentioned that this gun has a history was so that you guys would know that I needed a professional to look at it and not a garage builder type. I REALLY don't want to be thought of as "one of those" new people.

When my son can get some pictures for me I will start calling those on that list that was published above.

Thank you again.

 

[sledjockey]

I appreciate the information. The origins are well documented and thus I would prefer not to say who owned the shotgun.

I will see if my son can go get some pictures of the parts. My father is not very technologically advanced.

Being new to this forum, I really am just looking for some direction regarding where to get this looked at, evaluated, and possibly put back together. So many forums I have been on have one of those "I am so awesome" types that show up and cause an uproar to get attention. That is NOT my intention and I prefer to stay under the radar, just to get info and help OUT when I can.

The only reason I mentioned that this gun has a history was so that you guys would know that I needed a professional to look at it and not a garage builder type. I REALLY don't want to be thought of as "one of those" new people.

When my son can get some pictures for me I will start calling those on that list that was published above.

Thank you again.

Fixed..... I really need some time to get used to this forum's tools..... Sorry.

 

[Katahdin]

Might check with a local Gunsmith to start.Decide if the money is worth the restoration. DAVID ARNOLD wrote a book 'Preserving your Antique Arms Collection" might be a good read if your interested.
try this web site www.conservation-us.org and select "Find a Conservator"
and then there is Stuart C. Mowbray's 331+ Essential Tips and Tricks: a How to Guide for the Gun Collector( Woonsocket Rhoad Island: Mowbray Publishing 2006.

 

[sledjockey]

I ordered the 331+ Tips book. The only reference to the D Arnold book was a 5 page .pdf from American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Work. What that the one? If so I already printed it and am reading it now. Very nice and has pictures...... I like pictures....