trying to date a H&R 16 GA Choke

jgunn · January 3, 2009, 02:04 PM

I inherited a shotgun and am trying to date it:

Side Reads:
Harrinton and Richardson Arms Co.
Bay State
Worcester, Mass. USA

Top Reads: Made in U.S.A. 16 GA Choke

Serial No: A 808660 (stamped on bottom of gun behind firing pin enclosure and on metal below barrel that can only be seen when you open break the gun)

Barrel is 30 inches long and length from tip of barrel to end of stock is 45 inches long.

Breaks open at top (but doesn't say "Topper") single shot with auto ejector spring mechanism
rear lever to break open and no "safety" ever installed on the gun
It looks very old and originally belonged to my great grandfather who was born in 1880's

I'm sure it's not worth much but would also like estimate on value.

Thanks,

Jgunn

Dave McC · January 3, 2009, 06:45 PM

Market value on old H&R singles run up to maybe $125 in great shape.

OTOH, it was your Great Grandfather's shotgun.

That makes it priceless to you.

As with all old shotguns, a trip to Mr Gunsmith is in order. Once given his/her blessing, take it out and shoot it.

H&R started making single shot shotguns around 1895. Yours may date from then, or from the 1950s or between.

Pics might nail things down better.

HTH....

jgunn · January 5, 2009, 02:14 PM

Dave McC,

Thanks for the response and insight into general value. You're right, it is "priceless" to me and I have no intention of selling. I'm curious about the date and unfortunately everyone who would know any of the history of this gun has passed. I'll take some photos and post.

Dave McC · January 5, 2009, 09:19 PM

Waiting for the pics.

FYI, I started this Shotgun Journey with a H&R 16, bought for my Dad around 1928 by HIS Grandfather.

January 3, 2009, 02:04 PM	#1
jgunn Junior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Posts: 2	trying to date a H&R 16 GA Choke I inherited a shotgun and am trying to date it: Side Reads: Harrinton and Richardson Arms Co. Bay State Worcester, Mass. USA Top Reads: Made in U.S.A. 16 GA Choke Serial No: A 808660 (stamped on bottom of gun behind firing pin enclosure and on metal below barrel that can only be seen when you open break the gun) Barrel is 30 inches long and length from tip of barrel to end of stock is 45 inches long. Breaks open at top (but doesn't say "Topper") single shot with auto ejector spring mechanism rear lever to break open and no "safety" ever installed on the gun It looks very old and originally belonged to my great grandfather who was born in 1880's I'm sure it's not worth much but would also like estimate on value. Thanks, Jgunn Last edited by jgunn; January 3, 2009 at 02:53 PM. Reason: updated info

January 3, 2009, 06:45 PM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Market value on old H&R singles run up to maybe $125 in great shape. OTOH, it was your Great Grandfather's shotgun. That makes it priceless to you. As with all old shotguns, a trip to Mr Gunsmith is in order. Once given his/her blessing, take it out and shoot it. H&R started making single shot shotguns around 1895. Yours may date from then, or from the 1950s or between. Pics might nail things down better. HTH....

January 5, 2009, 02:14 PM	#3
jgunn Junior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Posts: 2	Dave McC, Thanks for the response and insight into general value. You're right, it is "priceless" to me and I have no intention of selling. I'm curious about the date and unfortunately everyone who would know any of the history of this gun has passed. I'll take some photos and post.

January 5, 2009, 09:19 PM	#4
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Waiting for the pics. FYI, I started this Shotgun Journey with a H&R 16, bought for my Dad around 1928 by HIS Grandfather.