history of newly purchased gun

Question
My husband just purchased a 20 ga Crescent Davis arms certified shot gun.  I have been trying to research it, however I keep running into a wall. We think it is a victor model.  But I have been unable to find a site to trace the serial number.  We have very interested in the history of this gun.  My husband is a beginner collector and enjoys the past of the gun as much as its future in his collection.  Any information you may have would be great.

Answer
Hello Rebecca Wyman. Crescent began production in 1888 and manufactured mostly single shot and double barrel break open shotguns. In 1929, N R Davis merged with Crescent to become Crescent-Davis Arms Corp. Savage Arms Co. purchased the Crescent-Davis arms Corp. in 1931. During the Crescent years, there were many patents manufactured, mostly in the Single shot and double barrel guns. Now, comes the answer to your question. If your barrel(s) are from 26" to 32", you do not have a true "Victor" model. The "Victor", along with the "Knickerbocker","New Empire" and the "Crescent Certified Shotgun", were all produced around 1932. This is known by an advertisement in the "October Issue of Hunter-Trader-Trapper" magazine and was referred to as the "AUTO BURGLAR GUN". Why? Because they all were manufactured with barrel lengths of 12" through 14".If you have one of these models, they can be valued at over $1,200 ( the "Knickerbocker Double Barrel" $1,900) If not, however, It is not collectable and in good working order, the value is from $75.00 to $150.00. Personally, I love these old long barrel shotguns and own over 12 at this time. Some that I purchase in non-working order, I make into floor lamps or wall mount shadow boxes. The good ones , I hunt or target shoot with. I hope this answers your questions and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage

If you are interested in collecting firearms, you might start with Savage Arms,Inc. or J. Stevens Arms Company. Most are still in the hundered dollar price range with only shooter interest, however, there are certain ones (in very good to excellent condition) that hold a collectors interest. Charles Gage

Hello Rebecca Wyman. I don't know what I was thinking when you asked about your shotgun. I was in the process of converting a single barrel shotgun into a floor lamp when I answered your question. When I was bringing up the worn away letters, I found these words. VICTOR SPECIAL CRESCENT ARMS NORWICK,CONN. So the answer to your first question is an absolute"YES"!