new empire shotgun/double barrel

Question
serial #08848 what is the value of this gun?

Answer
Charlotte,

I don't typically answer questions about valuations of guns.  In addition, you really haven't told me anything about the gun or its condition.  The shotgun you reference was manufactured by Crescent Arms starting in about 1931.  Crescent was actually bought by J. Stevens Arms in this same approximate period, but the shotguns continued to be marked "New Empire".  Since you did not tell me which model and what type of condition the gun is in, I can't be very precise in my answer.

First, the guns produced by Crescent were, for the most part, not particularly expensive guns.  Crescent made thousands of 'store brand' shotgun and rifles for companies to sell under their own brands.  For the most part, the shotguns were inexpensive, utilitarian guns.

Since I don't know what model you have, I can only take a guess.  One of the more popular 'New Empire' models was the Model 88 which was a hammerless, sidelock shotgun.  In nearly new condition, it might be worth something in the range of $400.  In poor to fair condition, probably only $100 or so.  Since there were 4 or 5 models, I am just taking a guess since this one was more popular.

Serial number records for this company are long since lost, that particular piece of information doesn't tell me anything.

Sorry I can't be more helpful, but without more information about the gun, I am just 'shooting in the dark'.

Best regards,

Doug Little