Value of this 1876 J&W Tolley Shotgun

[gmar]

Its a 12 ga. J&W Tolley 1876 out of Birmingham, England. Anyone know the value or where I could find the value? Any help would be appreciated.

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Thanks,

 

[landman873]

not sure of value but it looks amazing

 

[dennishoddy]

Very good condition. I'm not an expert on gun values though. Tried gunbroker.com?

Update. did a search, and you may have a valuable gun.

check this link, and enter the make of your shotgun in the search feature. You don't have to register. One is asking $3400 dollars for his. http://www.gunsinternational.com/search_results.cfm

 

[Stingray]

I wouldn't speculate on value, but that's a real beauty you have there.

-S

 

[S&W 10]

Very nice old shotgun!

Someone at the following link may be able to assist with pricing and other info:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/index.php

 

[gmar]

Hey guys...thanks for all the info so far. We're thinking about selling it, other than posting it on here (of course) what other way would you suggest on selling it?

 

[S&W 10]

Shotgun world forum is 99.5% shotgun related and has a large number of very knowledgeable members and collectors; if you ask about it there someone may be interested in buying it, or at least point you in the right direction. They also have a classified section and if I'm not mistaken, they don't have a minimum post count to be able to utilize this feature. Although like any forum; some folks may be a bit hesitant about purchasing from new member if your first post is an add.
Any of the auction/sales sites are another option.

Check this link, if you haven't already...Slightly different, but it's a start.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/J-W-Tolley-12-ga-hammer-gun.cfm?gun_id=100050710

 

[Glock 'em down]

What a gorgeous scattergun!

 

[S&W 10]

Just a little info I found on another forum that may be of assistance to you...

"Despite the "London", Tolley was a Birmingham maker.

Tolley guns are well respected in England; many are still in use.

James William Tolley was born in 1832. No birth date is known for William Tolley who was probably the younger brother.

The firm appears to have been established in 1858 at 22 St Mary's Row, Birmingham.
They started in business by making large quantities of cheap guns,
some for the African market, but were soon producing higher quality guns. An 1862 advertisement stated "Gun rifle and pistol manufacturers,
Contractor for Military Arms, Breech Loading Guns, Pistols,
also all guns suitable for the African markets".

In 1866 they entered a gun in the Field Gun Trials but came 32 out of 32.

In the early 1870s the firm moved 19 Loveday Street. From the late 1870s the building was named the Pioneer Works.

In 1871 James Tolley became a shareholder in Braendlin Armoury Co Ltd (see Braendlin Armoury Co Ltd).

By 1879 the firm was much more successful and started to acquire a reputation for large bore double barrelled guns and
rifles which often used Henry Tolley's patented Giant Grip
(see Henry Tolley of the Times Works, 65-66 Weaman Street).
In that year a provisional patent (No. 5002) was registered for a breechloading action, but the description of the invention was unclear,
it was not registered or used to any great extent.
Tolley "Perfection" models may have used the patent.

J & W Tolley were later known for their "Altro" 12 bore sidelock or
boxlock gun, about which the firm said "This new weapon is equally suitable for ordinary game, as well as for duck or for pigeon shooting.
This gun will be most useful for sportsmen who do not wish to keep more than one gun for all purposes." It weighed 7 1/2 lbs and
was chambered for a 3 inch cartridge.
The same gun with unchoked barrels for shooting ball ammunition
was named the "Ubique". Neither gun proved very popular probably
because they were heavier than normal.

In about 1883 the firm opened a shop in London at 1 Conduit Street,
in 1894 this moved to 59 (New) Bond Street. George Bayliss
(of the large Birmingham family) was the Manager from 1883 to 1903
(when he established his own firm).

By 1894 the firm's reputation as makers of wildfowling guns was well established and the firm had been
appointed gunmakers to the
King of Portugal. At about this time they were also appointed
Gunmakers to the Persian Royal family. It was probably at this time they opened a shop in New York.

In 1901 they became a limited liability company.

Between 1904 and 1909 no London shop was not recorded,
but it probably existed because the company was recorded from
1909 at 5 Regent Place, Regent Street.

In 1914/15 the Regent Place shop closed.

James Tolley died in 1916, and it seems the firm was bought by
Holloway & Naughton because in 1919 they were recorded at
10 Vesey Street. Holloway & Naughton occupied 10, 12 and
14 Vesey Street at that time.

From 1924 to 1927 the firm's address was 10, 12 and 14 Vesey Street but in 1928, and again from 1947 to 1955,
it was 10 Vesey Street.
In 1929 Holloway & Naughton (and J & W Tolley) were taken over by
Skimmin & Wood who moved into their premises at 10, 12 and 14 Vesey Street
(from 1932 to 1939 10 Vesey Street was occupied by R B Rodda & Co).

In 1955 guns ceased to be produced under the J & W Tolley name.

In 1964 the firm of Skimmin & Wood was bought by F J Wiseman & Co Ltd of Cannock, Staffordshire."

 

[dennishoddy]

Nice find S&W 10. I love hearing history about the old guns.