Thread: Belgium 12 gauge - value?

I have a chance to get a 12 gauge side-by-side, it’s in average condition externally (random spots of rust, handling wear etc) but the bores look good.

Made by ‘F DUMOULIN & Co LIEGE’

Anybody got any knowledge of this make? And approx value?

Like many shotgun brands, there are badic models through to very high grades. You ned to identify the model and then google it to try and find out. The alternative is to do what you have done here to find a person familiar with them. Another is to contact the importer / dealer ( "Champion"?) of european firearms at Hawera. He might know.

Dumoulin made shotguns at all points of the price range. From "the apprentice specials" (cheaper, less engraving, rougher tooled) up to rather bespoke pieces.

Some of the steel that went into them wasn't great.Make sure it locks up on the face (pretty easy remedy if not - new hinge pin)
Make sure the hook hasn't been peened (his is bullshit way to get it locking up tight - for a short while)
And make sure you can fire the heftiest loads you want, one barrel at a time (het sears in cheaper ones are often off-angle, and the springs variable. So can sometimes get both barrels going off)
Fortunately there's not much to a boxlock so all things are remdiableable...
I have stack of info on my PC regarding demoulin so will post more later.

As a general indication of quality, check the wrist wood-steel fit, the chequering LPI and paterns, if the action screws are timed, the amount and detail of engraving etc.

The Belgians were bulk producers of shotguns for the trade they made some fine high quality stuff as well but you mostly encounter their trade guns.
Pictures would help it won't be steel proofed and may even be BP only with short chambers. Too many variables but a stable in the dark $100 to $300

Much appreciated @mimms2, will do those checks you mentioned.

On first inspection the gun does not appear at all ‘loose’.

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

Much appreciated @mimms2, will do those checks you mentioned.

On first inspection the gun does not appear at all ‘loose’.

It could well be a good example. Or not much used. Keep in mind it will be probably be 50+ years old and with who-knows what use/abuse.

As has been mentioned... the QC was... variable.
And as MH said, most of what's around is the lower end stuff.
Though I'd guess it's probably nitro-proof, would be surprised if many people had BPC shotguns and didn't know it. I did post up proof mark docs. I'l try and find them again. Whip the pipes off and should be proofs on the flats of action, and each barrel.

Oh, another pointer of quality is "frosting" on the flats - where mating surfaces have been hand-scraped to fit. (Rather than milled or filed)

Top end value at 600 but that would be one ex-shop, wrapped in butcher's paper. More common $50-250, depending mostly how good-a mate the seller is.

Pics man! Many pics!

Thanks again @mimms2.

Had the gun at the gun club yesterday, hit four out of five straight away - then went all useless and started missing the orange discs...

What I found -

The second trigger was about 10lb pull, I thought it was stuck!

The automatic safety needs tweaked as it only goes half on - but works if manually applied.

The steel butt-plate nudges the shoulder a bit hard.