Batavia Leader

Question
My father (75y) is looking to sell an old gun that has been sitting in his closet for years. My husband convinced him to let us look on the Internet for information first.  

It is a Batavia Leader with the serial number 8633X.  I am leaving out the last number as i have seen that you should not post the whole number.  I don't know if that is true or not, but better safe than sorry I guess!

The gun also has a repair to the stock at the narrow area. In the center of the repair are you can see a very fine line where the wood had broken all around the circumfrence of the stock.  The repair is well done and smooth with the surface wood to the touch. The broken are is well approximated, no gaps. You have to take a double take to notice the flaw/repair.

Can you tell us the year of manufacture and a range of worth with the break/repair? I don't want dad to get taken when he decides to sell it. Thanks so much for your time! Lisa

Answer
Hello again, Lisa.  Please check my answer to a similar question from AllExperts dated 05/14/09. A replacement for the broken stock is not available. There are, however, independent stock makers who specialize in obsolete wood parts. Your shotgun is not a particularly collectable firearm. For one in good condition without a broken/repaired stock is between $150-$350. If it has a Damascus twist barrel, it is worth a bit less. If your father wants to sell it "as is", it will be very important to disclose the repair to the buyer. My advise is hang it on the wall or as I have done many, make a lamp out of it. The lamp will probably sell for more than the gun. I did send you an answer on your original question, but I have not been able to find anything but the (please, forgive me) 'scolding' for not using the complete serial number when asking a question. I really hope the information I have given has been helpful and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage