Why are old English shotguns so cheap?

[Kungfugerbil]

I'm not complaining of course...

The other day I impulse purchased a lovely old 12 bore - standard English BLNE fare but in immaculate (barely used) condition. Lovely browned barrels, very nice wood, engraving present and deep, functions perfectly and tight on the face, no play whatsoever. Barrels not sleeved or messed with. Looking at the proof and makers marks it dates to between 1925 and 1936 and came out of Birmingham.

A beautiful, well made, perfectly balanced sporting shotgun - £150.

It's crackers that genuine old English engineering, manufacturing and craftsmanship can be had for a third of the price of a Turkish box-shifter semi.

[daman]

Shush, no need to tell everyone. I still looking to get a few!

[walesdave]

I've been trying to flog a 12b single barrel hammer gun for months - only asking for a fiver to more than double what I paid for it clapclap

£2 + 15% commission at Cardiff guns auctions!!

Don't think it's quite as nice as your find though Kungfugerbil!! :)

[ovenpaa]

Old English shotguns and old .22 Rimfire rifles can be absolute bargains if you want to own one, the problem is not everyone wants to be a home for waifs and strays so many end up languishing on the shelves. I have just applied for a variation for a .22 Rimfire, it will probably end up being something 75+ years old and I doubt I will pay more than GBP50 for it. Sad really as they are often superb shooters, downside is they are not fashionable these days.

[Polchraine]

I've been trying to flog a 12b single barrel hammer gun for months - only asking for a fiver to more than double what I paid for it clapclap

£2 + 15% commission at Cardiff guns auctions!!

Don't think it's quite as nice as your find though Kungfugerbil!! :)

If you include delivery, the fiver will be on the way!