I just inherited a Damascus Shotgun. . It was not listed in the ‘Standard Catalog of Firearms 2018’. I like to sell but can’t find a price range. I'm just looking for an estimate for this nice wallhanger. It has matching serial number: 38204 and original patina. I also created a thread in the miscellaneous forum to display the proof markings. Here are the proof marks and what I’ve found….
30’ barrel length and ‘16g’ gauge
ELG in oval: 1811-1892 Liege black powder proof for rifles. Sole proof mark until 1853, when it became the mark for definitive proof. Since 1893, used on muzzle loaders only. (reference website: damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html)
VC and ‘Crown over V’ for Victor COLETTE manufacturer of weapons quay Saint Léonard. (reference website: littlegun.be)
‘MH’ could be the mark of a manufacturer of barrels of Chaudfontaine, namely HAVART Mathieu. . (reference website: littlegun.be). ‘EL’ Provisional proof for barrels prior to permanent breeching. (reference website: damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html)
‘Crown over G’ unknown possibly a controllers mark.
I've seen them for 400 up to 600 or 700 depending on the maker, shape, and function. If it is in good shooting condition, and is in average shape I'd say 450. Most of the Belgian made shotguns of the day weren't on the expensive side even when new, and they made a bunch of them. They do have brazed barrels instead of solder, which is a plus as they age. Hang the barrels on a string and tap them with a screwdriver handle. If it rings like a bell, the barrels are still fastened together well. If it goes "thunk" they are coming apart, which isn't good. I bought one similar a few years ago for 400 bucks and it shoots fine. Just because they are old doesn't always mean expensive. As I say, there were a lot of them made.
Thanks, that confirms the price checking I've been doing by 'googling'. I'll test it so I can add that information to the ad for Armslist. It is funny, at first I thought old meant expensive! Again, thank you