Posted by Willie Basford on January 19, 2007, 8:26 pm
I have inherited my grandpa's shotgun, it's a double barrel 12 gauge, w/ hammers (30" barrel). It was in mint condition, until a drunk driver hit our house, knocked it off the wall, broke the forearm off of the gun, and splintered the end of the forearm. I read that there was no record of serial numbers pre 1890, but now I need to find out what the gun was worth (pre-accident), for the insurance co. Just in case, the serial # is 28473, and dated June 1, 1880. I was actually shooting with the gun occasionally, prior to the accident. I went to a gunsmith, who told me that I couldn't shoot it anymore, because the integrity of the barrel has been compromised. Now it's just a wall hanger. 15 years ago, it was appraised at $1500.00, the gunsmith told me I would have to find someone more qualified to appraise it. So does anyone know of someone in Indianapolis area who can do this for me, or can someone give me an approximate value? To me it's priceless, but the insurance company said no sentimental value.