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herbertnb
.224 member

Reged: 14/05/07
Posts: 35
Loc: Canada

Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's)
#139491 - 25/07/09 11:09 AM

Hello.

I am looking for some help in understanding the value of an old British gun I Own. Will the serial (4 digit)help in identifying the year of manufacture? Any information will be appreciated.

W.J. Jeffery & Co
2 3/4 chamber
Barrels say - W.J Jeffery & Co 13 king st st James st London
HERARLES Compound Gun Barrel Steel

Thanks
Herbertnb

Edited by herbertnb (26/07/09 06:43 AM)

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SharpsNitro
.375 member

Reged: 12/08/08
Posts: 729
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: herbertnb]
#139501 - 25/07/09 12:45 PM

Looking up the serial number in Nigel Brown's book places the manufacture date between 1898-1901 (he lists the serial number block as being 8,001-8,500 for this date range). I would guess it was made in 1901. The barrel address also matches that date range. Next step would be to check out the proof marks, have the barrels measured and the barrel fit up checked. Value is something you would probably want to get from an expert (which I am not).

You may also need to have it gone over by a knowledgeable gunsmith as well. The left firing pin has a broken spring and/or is all gummed up.

Edited by SharpsNitro (25/07/09 12:46 PM)

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: SharpsNitro]
#139502 - 25/07/09 12:58 PM

I'd concur with the above. I thought it was around that period
just due to the style of the gun but didn't have my books handy to check the serial number.

Need proof marks for sure of value.

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herbertnb
.224 member

Reged: 14/05/07
Posts: 35
Loc: Canada

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: 500Nitro]
#139539 - 25/07/09 11:36 PM

Thank you very much for your help and really appreciate it. I am posting the pictures of the proof marks as requested.

The barrels are 30 inches. The action is tight like one of my new guns.

herbert

Edited by herbertnb (26/07/09 12:05 AM)

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SharpsNitro
.375 member

Reged: 12/08/08
Posts: 729
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: herbertnb]
#139691 - 28/07/09 11:17 AM

The 2-3/4" chamber is a plus, that may indicate it was meant for the North American market. The 12 C in the diamond is the nominal gauge callout and the 13/1 is the bore size limit (indicates a 0.719" bore diameter). I cant see it clearly enough but are the other two marks between the 13/1 and the 12 C a crown with two crossed scepters? One with a V below the crown (the view mark) and the other with a B-P-C at left-center-right (the proof mark)? I think the other two in the bottom picture are provisional proofs but can't really tell. Is there a "Nitro Proof 1 1/8" or similar marking not shown in the pictures? Otherwise, the marks look consistent with Birmingham proofs of the right time period (up to 1904).

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herbertnb
.224 member

Reged: 14/05/07
Posts: 35
Loc: Canada

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: SharpsNitro]
#139721 - 29/07/09 07:12 AM

Yes SharpsNitro the proof marks are a V below the crown and the other with a B-P-C at left-center-right. There is no Nitro or similar marking anywhere.

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Bramble
.375 member

Reged: 29/07/06
Posts: 950
Loc: England

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: herbertnb]
#139725 - 29/07/09 07:43 AM

It is Birmingham proof between 1887 and 1904

Regards

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simonsaorsa
.300 member

Reged: 11/05/06
Posts: 172
Loc: UK

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: Bramble]
#139727 - 29/07/09 07:56 AM

Jeffery (almost my namesake as my surname is Jeffreys) was a famous gun retailer around the turn of the 19th/20th century. All the authorities say he sourced his guns from makers in Birmingham for the most part and therefore never built in his own workshops/factory any of the guns sold with his name on. You should be able to get a repro catalogue from www.cornellpubs.com. The name survives as a gunshop to this day, albeit in the town of Guildford, south west of London. You could try Dig Hadoke at www.vintageguns.co.uk for a view on value.

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: Help with Value of old British Hammer Gun (Pic's) [Re: simonsaorsa]
#139728 - 29/07/09 08:57 AM

Compare it to other guns on the market and that will also give you a fair idea of value.

You may need to have the bores measured.

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