age of a shot gun

Question
i have a 410 shotgun can you tell me how old it is the information on the barrel is sears.roebuck and co 410 3" chamber-103.740 JC higgins any help greatly appreciated  

Answer
Hi Don.

JC Higgins was a trademark used on Sears & Roebuck rifles and shotguns that were manufactured between 1946-1962.  To determine the exact age you would need to contact someone that has access to the model and serial number records from this manufacturer.

Normally this information is available in the Blue Book of Firearms Values by P. Fjestad.  The book can be purchased or ordered locally at major book stores, or you can buy the book or just download an individual section online.  Here are the links to the Blue Book sections for each of the manufacturer sections.  The first two sections are free online and the Marlin section only costs $10.

JC HIGGINS: https://store.bluebookinc.com/download/Category.aspx?product=GUN&id=464

SEARS: https://store.bluebookinc.com/download/Category.aspx?product=GUN&id=888

Marlin 59: https://store.bluebookinc.com/download/SalesPage.aspx?product=GUN&id=650

Note that the model 103.740 was actually a Marlin 59 so you might be able to get some information on it from Marlin.  You might try to call or email them (http://www.marlinfirearms.com/) to see if they kept records of these firearms that were sold under the Sears / JC Higgins names.

Google is another good source of information.  Here is the link to search for your model:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=higgins+103.740

Hope this helps.  Good luck!

Bob