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2 members (SKB, eightbore),
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293 |
I know pictures are needed for an proper assessment, however, I would like a general guesstimate value range of a Syracuse Arms, A grade with ejectors no remaining finish and chain damacus barrels. Mechanically sound.
Regards,
Max
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,251 Likes: 425
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,251 Likes: 425 |
Well, An A grade w/ ejectors retailed for $80.00 in 1903 when a 00 grade retailed for $30.00 .
A beautiful A-1 special trap auctioned w/ case for $2400.00 a couple years ago, a very nice gun.
This one have the ebony insets, and full engraving?
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 102
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 102 |
Last edited by Model2128Ga; 06/14/11 05:32 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,466 Likes: 345
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,466 Likes: 345 |
Max, that's a pretty good gun Model 21 has. I'd guess your no finish gun would be worth less than half the price of the one pictured.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293 |
Thanks for the response. This information is exactly what I needed and saved me from making a very bad purchase.
Best regards,
Max
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,251 Likes: 425
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,251 Likes: 425 |
Mode 21, Your barrels missing anything? Here's that A-1 Special trap that sold through Cowan's. It has Krupp barrels.  I think Tom Archer explained it to me best, approx. To realize higher prices, you are really looking for a collector interested in the Syracuse guns. They just don't have that big of a following. Some of the highest grade Syracuse guns are so stylized, I don't enjoy them. Too much ebony, and the grip shape creeps me out. The one in the NRA collection is magnificent though. http://www.nramuseum.com/the-museum/the-galleries/freedom%27s-doorway/case-82-right-display/syracuse-arms-side-by-side-shotgun.aspx
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,190 Likes: 15
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,190 Likes: 15 |
Model 21: That is a very nice A Grade; you done good my friend! As FYI, what is the serial number? I can make out the numbers "2531"; but can't decipher the last digit. If it's 25317; then yours would be the A Grade featured in the 1902/1903 catalog; which example is also a Damascus barreled gun. These Syracuse catalogs depicted actual guns; but only two serial numbers are legible, the numbers for the Grade A and D guns. The Grade D gun has been located, and is exactly as depicted within the catalogs; I'm still looking for the Grade A, and I hope yours is it!
Max: I haven't seen an A Grade for sale very recently, but the last example I saw was an obviously poorly restored/refinished 12-bore Damascus gun with leather pad priced at $3K; to me it was a $500 gun. I haven't purchased an A Grade in some time; but have purchased several examples over the years ranging in price from $75 to $1200. If I were to pay more than $1200 for an A Grade Syracuse, that gun would either have exceptional condition, or be a rare 16 or 20-bore. A Grade SAC guns are not extremely rare; and if you are looking for an A Grade SAC with the on/off device, remember that those examples manufactured before 1902 will not have the ejector on/off switch unless factory retro-fitted post production.
CZ: The gun pictured above is a very rare model, as the A-1 Special Trap was not cataloged until 1902, was expensive at $125; and was only in production thru early 1905 when production ceased. A friend of mime tried to purchase that gun, but there was another bidder at the auction who refused to throw in the towel. As both the stock and barrels of this example have been shortened, it is my opinion that the final hammer price was an aberration and represented more than the actual value of the gun. 2-3 weeks after that auction had ended the new owner, a gentleman from Florida, tracked me down to discuss the gun. Bottom line, this individual had gotten so charged (if that's the right word) over reading the DGJ Syracuse articles that he had determined he would own this graded example and would not stop bidding until he won that auction.
Tom
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 102
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 102 |
topgun,
My Syracuse is serial # 25313.
21
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,190 Likes: 15
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,190 Likes: 15 |
Model 21; "My Syracuse is serial # 25313" - DAM! But thanks, as that is the closest I've come to date.
CZ: Thanks for the link to the SAC gun in the NRA museum; as that is a very interesting example. First of all, it is the only Syracuse "Live Bird" gun I've ever seen; every other example I've see had a safety. Secondly, I wish a serial number had been provided so that I could accurately date the gun; but suspect it would date between 1896 and 1900 because 1)it has the early frame with narrow top strap (1893-1901), 2) it is marked The Syracuse and has auto ejectors (1896 and later marked Syracuse gun in A & B grade came standard with ejectors; early guns, those from 1893-1895, are marked The Hollenbeck and were not offered with ejectors), 3) the gun appears to feature the early B Grade engraving pattern (the only catalogs I've found between 1896 and 1900 listed no grade higher than "B"). And although I wish the NRA had posted additional detailed pics, this example is at least a B Grade based on certain features; the quality and pattern of checkering on forearm and stock, and the unique trigger guard profiling. Early B Grade engraving is elaborate; it is all fancy scroll, flower, and border work and includes no game scenes; as we see with this example. In 1901, Syracuse changed the B Grade engraving pattern to feature a single pointing dog on either side (pointer and setter); the pattern will also feature lots of scroll, but not as intricate and there is no longer near 100% coverage of the frame. The only variations I've seen in 1901 and later Grade B engraving patterns is in the engraved dog depictions where I've seen one example ordered with two pointing setters, one example with both dogs pointing backwards towards the shooter, and two examples with one dog pointing forward towards the muzzles and the other pointing backwards.
Finally, the NRA is waaaaay off with their claim of 1876 for this example; one would think they could get a more accurate and complete description given the information currently available.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,251 Likes: 425
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,251 Likes: 425 |
That gun from Cowan's auction suits my tastes perfectly.
Should you ever encounter another Tom, feel free to pm with wire routing numbers. The shorebirds just make me want to go play in the mud!
The NRA gun has many detailed pics, and a nice zoom feature. It's a very sweet gun for sure.
People forget these guns are over 100 years old, and have limited utility in today's shooting environment. I hate it when the barrels have been blackened to hide the damascus pattern without regard for current application.
I shamefully admit I have the A-1 Special trap as my screen saver pic.
Out there doing it best I can.
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