Inherited an Old Shotgun

[kodiak10]

I inherited an old Charles Daly shotgun from my stepmother.  Her grandfather was a big duck hunter back in the day and left her with this shotgun. She is deathly afraid of guns, and decided to pass it on to me, as I am the only person in the family that has any experience with firearms. My father sent me these pictures, and it will be a few weeks before I get to see it in person. He has no idea where the serial numbers are on it and knows nothing of guns either.

Attached are some photos, what are you guys' thoughts? I know nothing of guns of this age. Is it most likley just a collector's item, or does it have the potential to be used in the field one day?

Either way, I am estatic. Never imagined I would inherit a gun.  Will be awesome to pass on my collection when I am an old man, I just hope someone will appreciate them!

[Fl0und3rz]

Nice.  I know nothing of its collector value, but I love doubles with external hammers and double triggers.

That looks well-loved.

[bhawley76]

Waaaay cool would sure look good above a fireplace, I'm jealous.

[Sandberm]

Waaaay cool would sure look good above a fireplace, I'm jealous.

I agree 100%. You can just feel the history.

[Henrydog]

Hard to be positive by the photos but that was likely imported by Daly from Suhl Germany looking at the side lever.  Late 1880's is my guess, with Damascus barrel.   

[bornhunter]

Very cool old gun!

[huntnphool]

 Congratulations!

 Assuming you live here in Washington, keep in mind it is subject to the states “use” tax.

[CP]

He has no idea where the serial numbers are on it and knows nothing of guns either.

It probably doesn't have a serial number.  They weren't required back in the day.

[jackson7]

Kodiak, have it checked out by a gunsmith. might be able to shoot low pressure loads.
If looking for value, contact some of the firms that deal with high end shotguns. good luck.
either way cool gun.

[wadu1]

Be very careful with Damascus barrels as HenryDog noted. "Is it most likely just a collector's item, or does it have the potential to be used in the field one day?" It most likely has 2 1/2 or 2 inch chambers so if it was shootable you would need to load your own shells. Also look at getting it sleeved for 20 gauge. I've know a few folk who have done this. To bad that RWS moved out of state, he did most of his hunting with old SXS like this. Good Luck

[CP]

Look's like a Linder.  Charles Daly didn't make guns, they imported them and sold them under their name.

[kodiak10]

Thanks everyone for the awesome information. I expect it will be more or less an art piece, but still am very excited to hang it up one day. Beautiful gun for sure, I will have to take it to a gunsmith and see what else I can learn about it.

It could absolutely be from around the 1880s, as it belonged to the grandfather of my stepmother who is in her 50s. So cool it survived in the family for that long.

[Alchase]

Those old doubles and even the single breach loaders look awesome up on the wall!

[nwwanderer]

Neat, if you choose to display it think of security, they are a burglar magnet, thanks

[724wd]

what a fantastic old gun!