Sear catalog 1904 10.74 cents.

[jmarriott]

Nephew calls my wife and said neighbor needs money and has an old shotgun 12 gauge for sale. He said a double barrel and old and in good shape. Nephew states the guy wants 100 dollars for it and since he has no gas I have to come get it. Sounds like I could make some money if not a hot gun.

Well I am getting ready for work so I talk to my wife. and Give her 100. She gets on the phone with him and she say's "I got 75 cash and I can get it in 30 minutes with cash in hand.. " Well he said ok. Sight unseen, cheap old good shape shotgun. Of course I get no change from her from the 100 but she is worth every penny.

I get home at 2 am and I am now the owner. (called in to Local PD with make model number and what I tink might be a serial number and not reported HOT) He said he would run it for me at the end of november just in case.

It is a T barker 20 guage rabbit ear double hammer shotgun. Mode 1897-1910, Belgium laminated steel and what seem to be a 2 1/2 inch 20 guage. Bad thing is these are not expensive guns at all but it is in good shape for a 100 year old shotgun.

Did some research and I am glad my wife pocketed the extra 25 for herself as they seem to sell in the 200 dollar range. Blackpowder shotgun shells only not even low brass stuff. One of the firing pin is differnt than the other so maybe a repair was made. Double triggers and what appears to be Nod/full choke. Eveything works and locks up well.

Seems to have been imported in the late 1890's in mass and sold at sears and other hardare stores to rip OFF Parker and Thomas Baker shotguns. Cresents Arms was the owner then and they made an item you might have in your tool box and cresent wrench. The also were makes of bicycle chains.

With those old laminated barrels do you think a blackpowder load only or a smokeless relaod would work to fire it without making it into a big fire cracker?

I tihink 2moons had an old post about brass shotgun shells and blackpowder loads with felt wads and playing cards.

Also my book only shows 10- 12- and 16 gauge made. this is for sure a 20 as the shell fits in. Anyone have a book that might show a 20.

I know 10.74 in 1904 dollars would be more than I paid for it what would that conversion be in todays inflated money system as that is what I will ask for it.

Pic's coming as my camera is out of batteries.

[bounce]

Never use smokeless in any form, If trulely in good shape it will handel 2 F black powder fine.
Best way I know to tell you do not have a bom is to hold up just the barrels hooked to a wire and holding by the wire tap along the sides of both barrels with something metal, If it rings it is good to go, but if you hit a flat area more dud than ring you then have a wall hanger.
For makeing shells use equal amounts of black powder & shot. Have fun as they are fun.

[twomoons]

If' it's a 20 Ga it's a rare one as they made a lot less of the 20 ga models.

Ringing a barrel is a good indicator and will tell you if the solder is loose ar if there is a gob of rust hidden in the tubes.

For a 20 you will need a B/P loading kit. If you PM me your address i will see if I have some B/P 20's here.