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Belgium Damascus Shotgun Value & History
Gretchen
Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
Hi, a friend of mine has this shotgun and is wondering about the price or value and history of this shotgun. A co-worker of his told him it might be a high price gun. The name on the gun is Belgium Damascus, we believe it is a 12 gauge with the number 628 we believe. The only number marking we saw where 628. There is a marking on the side where trigger is located that reads W. Richard. When taken apart my friend said there were several marking with a star symbol and the letter J. Hope the pictures help in identifing. Thanks any info much appreciated.
Gretchen
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Gretchen
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Comments
A clean specimen as shown in your photos, would probably be in the $100 to $300 range. My 2?.
If you obtain the reproduction 1902 Sears Roebuck Catalog, that is available on fleabay. These Belgium made shotguns are advertised as being for sale, in the $10 to $15 range.
Sorry to say, but your friend's old Belgian made shotgun is most definitley not a "high-price" gun. In fact, just the opposite is true. That old shotgun was imported into the U.S.A. sometime between 1890 - 1913, and it sold for $6 - $9 at that time. True "high quality" shotguns were selling for >$100.
As a word of caution, it is not safe to shoot that old gun with any currently made 12 gauge factory shells. It was made during a time when the standard length for 12 gauge shells was 2-5/8 inches, and the shells were loaded with black powder. It will not safely handle modern smokeless powder shells. Typical value for the Belgian imported damascus barreled shotguns is $150 - $200, and they are primarily purchased as mantle decorations.
WACA Historian & Life Member