The reason you've never heard of them is because the Central Arms Co never existed. It was a trade name used by the Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St. Louis Mo . Odds are the gun was made by either Crescent Arms or by Iver Johnson.. Valued between $50 and $100 dependingon condition

 

Thank you for the impute, I appreciate the information. I can't belive that the value is so low, but I guess thats the way the cookie crumbles. Thanks Again!

 

Archey - I know it's disappointing to see such a low value placed on what may be a priceless heirloom to you. Unfortunately, there are about a million store-brand single shots and about 2 serious collectors of them. OK, I may be off a bit on the number of collectors, but not on the availability of old SS's. Anyway, they don't get into bidding wars since there is always another one available. Most of these were good, servicable guns that sold new for less than $5 in the early 1900's and had gone up to maybe $15 by WWII. Any shooter who wants a utility SS can pick up a new gun for $80 at Walmart, so they're not willing to pay more than $50-$60 for a used one. The only time they bring a high price is when two cousins both want "Grandad's Gun" at the estate auction.

 

i have a king nitro shotgun 12 ga. and would like to find out the worth. it as no marking on it . just king nitro . side by side shotgun. with hammers double, on it.

 

Your gun was made by Stevens, for the Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St Louis, probably Between 1900 and 1920, They're valued at $75 to $150, depending on condition..Bushrod

 

I just bought a 20 Gauge shotgun that has Central Arms Company St. Louis, on the receiver. The guy i got it from said he got it from his grandpa who used it to get food during the great depression. Personaly I wouldn't sell my grandpas shotgun. Anyway, I took off the barrel, and on the barrel and receiver, it says "578 A". I cant find anything about Central Arms Co. is there anyway to find out when it was made, and what its worth? Thanks

 

Your answer can be found above, worth $35-$90, made 1900 -1920..Bushrod

 

I have a central arms 12 gauge single shot shotgun. I have won many many trophies turkeys and hams back in the late 1970's. Under the butt plate someone has carved 1932. But I am unable to find any information. Could you please help me.

 

Please review the previous posts.
"Central Arms Co." was a tradename used by Shapleigh Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO
If it looks like this it is a J. Stevens

 

But what is the gun in the photo worth I have one