Savage Arms Model 720 Semi-Automatic Shotgun

This is a vintage Savage Arms Model 720, a semi-automatic shotgun deeply rooted in the iconic John Browning recoil-operated design (similar to the Remington 11 and Browning Auto-5). The firearm features a long-recoil action, characterized by its distinctive humped-back receiver shape. The furniture is constructed from a solid American walnut wood with a high-gloss finish, showing a straight-comb stock and a matching forend. The metalwork consists of a blued steel barrel and a steel receiver, which currently exhibits a significant amount of finish wear, turning to a silver-grey or plum-colored patina in several areas, particularly around the ejection port and trigger guard. The barrel is a plain, non-ribbed style, typical of utility and sporting models from the 1930s to late 1940s. While no specific maker's marks are legible at this distance, the profile is unmistakably a Savage production variant. The condition is fair to good, showing signs of honest field use including minor scratches on the wood and thinning of the original bluing. This model was famously used in various capacities during WWII for aerial gunnery training, though this appears to be a civilian sporting configuration.

This Savage Arms Model 720, a licensed derivative of John Browning's 'humpback' design, presents as a solid civilian-grade specimen in fair to good condition. My visual inspection reveals approximately 60-70% original bluing, with significant thinning concentrated on the receiver and trigger assembly, consistent with honest field use. The walnut furniture appears original with standard handling marks; however, the lack of a prominent US military 'flaming bomb' or 'P' proof mark suggests this is a standard sporting model rather than a rarer WWII aerial gunnery trainer. In the current market, collectors prioritize Savage 720s that retain high-polish bluing or those with verifiable military provenance. This item's value is bolstered by the enduring popularity of the long-recoil action, though it sits below the price points of the Browning Auto-5 or Remington Model 11. Authenticity of the finish and wood is assessed as likely original based on the uniform patina. However, a definitive appraisal requires a physical inspection to check for internal cracks in the forend—a common failure point—and to verify matching serial numbers on the barrel and receiver. I would also need to inspect the bore for pitting or bulges. Without hands-on examination or documented provenance, this valuation assumes the firearm is in safe, functional mechanical order. Any evidence of refinishing or aftermarket modifications to the stock (such as a modern recoil pad) would negatively impact the stated value.