where to find info

[moto357]

not sure if this post is in the right spot, and if not please direct me where to go!

i have an old double barreled Bayard shotgun.  its not in the best shape    says its made in Belguim and looks like it was pretty fancy in its day. 

trying to find info if this thing is worth anything, from the very little i could find on it i think its from the early 1900's perhaps?  even if there was a chance it was worth more than scrap metal and fire wood where would i go to find out or who could tell me one way or the other?  thanks guys for any help

[dougk]

Hi Moto357

Does you shotgun look like this one?

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Bayard-12ga-SxS-Shotgun-Belgium.cfm?gun_id=100059442&CFID=173724&CFTOKEN=d8ed7e16e0fa62ba-693E14E6-B556-498D-199E5C6CE8083F62

Here is some info on Henri Pieper who made the shotgun. http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20p/a%20pieper%20henri%20gb.htm

[Graybeard]

Potentially it has a LOT of value but identifying which you have is the key as is condition.

They made both box lock and side lock models. Which is yours? How ornate is it? They made the box lock as basic model valued from $500 as new to $100 in 60% condition.

The next up is listed in the Blue Book as Fine Grades and those carry prices from $1800 to $500 for conditions as above.

Then their top of the line luxury models are listed as worth $4000 to $800.

If it's a side lock the values are listed as $1950 to $650 for Fine Grade and for the Luxury Grade values are: $4800 to $900.

[moto357]

thanks for the replies guys

dougk, the gun looks similar to the one in the picture except mine has engravings all over the reciever.  the wood on mine is also stripped, plenty of figure.  this is a box lock, not a side lock.  and as mentioned in poor condition.  my guess is that according to what you posted graybeard, its probably one of those you mentioned having potential to be worth a good amount, but in poor condition leaving it at the bottom of the listed prices, or lower?  how would i find somebody interested in this, if anyone would be even at all?

[Graybeard]

You can post it on the classifieds here or post to an auction site. Either way you'll need real good photos if you want to sell it.