Challenge Arms Co. shotgun

snowman_737

I was wondering how much my grandfather's shotgun was worth. It is a double-barrel shotgun from about 1935 made by Challenge Arms Co. of Belgium. It is in very good condition.

I cannot find any information on this company.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Paul

surbat6

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Belgium exported literally tons of inexpensive (and relatively few expensive)double barrel shotguns to the U.S. Many were sold in hardware stores and some of them were marked to mimic the high quality British and American doubles available at the time (names like "Barker" for Parker or maybe Baker, and variations of the Purdey and Westley Richards names are common). The proofmark ELG, usually in an oval cartouche, indicates Belgian manufacture.
Without seeing your shotgun, I can tell you that locally, similar guns in shootable condition with fluid steel, cast steel or nitro barrels sell for around $200 to $250. Ones with damascus, laminate or twist steel barrels are usually priced from $100 to $150. If your barrel is unmarked, remove the forend and look at the barrels underneath. If they are damascus barrels, the pattern is usually very clear in that area. Loose or non-functioning actions are usually sold as wall-hangers from $75 to $100, all prices depend on the gun's condition.
It is possible (though unlikely, IMO) that your Challenge Arms gun is better quality than the majority. I can't find any reference to the brand in my books, either under trade names or manufacturers.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

b.goforth

i have a reference for a challenge and challenge ejector manufactured by meriden firearms co. for the retailer sears roebuck & co.
bill