Need Help Selling My Uncle's Gun Collection

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Trevorj

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Hello,

I don't know very much at all about guns but I am trying to help my uncle sell his considerable collection of firearms -- rifles and pistols -- which he said was worth close to $20,000. He has three "Sharps" rifles, one with an antique scope, that he said are worth several thousand dollars each. He also has a large collection of handguns.

My uncle is older and his doctor has told him that he can no longer lift anything over ten pounds. That means most of the rifles have to go. He has a number of medical problems and I told him I would find out how to sell his guns. He is not internet savvy and doesn't have access to a computer but I am trying to get a friend of his to take digital pictures of the guns so that I can post them somewhere for sale.

My question is, what is the best way to go about doing this? I am also wondering if I should try to sell the whole collection as a lot. Can I do that online somewhere? He lives in a small town in Texas. The nearest town of any size is Wichita Falls, Texas. I live in Korea (I'm an English teacher) so I am doing this all long-distance.

Thanks much for any advice on this.
 
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The only way I can think of for you to handle it by remote control from overseas would be to direct him to a live - not internet - auction house specializing in firearms. If he has enough collection to interest one, they will take care of all the details. Not for free but they will get him the best price they can because the more he makes, the more they make.

I hope somebody here can recommend one for you, I have seen ads but have no direct experience.

A good sound Sharps rifle with a sound period scope would be worth a bunch, don't get taken.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Any ideas how I would find an auction house in Texas that could come look at his guns?
 
That's helpful, thanks. Looks like they can appriase it by email with digital photos;)
 
Just a quick word of caution - I would be careful about giving out your uncles location over the net. Too many preditors .

I agree that a local live auction house with a good reputation would likely be the best choice.
 
See if you can buy the collection from him.Might be a good investment for you and would keep the guns in the family if you want to.
 
That's an interesting idea.

I am a musician. I buy and sell a lot of musical instruments. Typically, a vintage guitar in good condition will at least keep pace with inflation. That is, it will appreciate in value between 2-4% per year, sometimes considerably more if the particular item gets more popular. How do vintage guns compare?
 
Suggest an auction house, or something along those lines. Gunbroker seems to be good for your average 6-700 dollar pistol, but if I were selling antiques like those Sharp's Rifles, it would be worth it to get an independent opinion and then have an auction house liquidate them for your uncle.
 
You could just send them all to me and I'd be more than happy to send you a check. Of course thats after they have all been test fired.:evil:
 
I've seen Sharps rifles go for between $3500 to $15,000 each at auction, depending on weight, type, lettering to dealers in the buffalo country etc. Get a couple of opinions on the Sharps, and others, if they are rare or valuable. Your uncles estimate of the value may be very outdated. Ordinary Winchester 1886's have gone from $750 for average guns, to $1200-$4500 for average guns, with any decent condition, or even for fairly well used guns but with special order features. Very good condition and special order features can go up from there. For instance, an 1886 winchester in 50 express cal, or 50-100-450 cal, starts at about $5000 and goes up from there, sometimes in the range (or more)that he thinks his whole collection is worth if it has special order features.

The special order features are anything different than the standard configuration, and ordered directly from the factory that way. The Cody gun museum (Buffalo Bill Historical Center) can provide letters verifying original configuration on Winchesters.

BBHC.org

Other companies can sometimes give information about particular guns.
 
Some of the larger firearm dealers would be very happy to take a look at the collection, make an offer and then sell them through their contacts. He will make the most money selling each firearm separately, but it takes a lot more effort. Many gun shops will sell on consignment also. He must have some relationships established locally with gun shops??
 
Personally, I would be hestitant to sell on consignment. The fees can be high, and often the shops don't have a good grasp on what some guns are worth, particularly things like Sharps. James Julia does a lot of antique and high grade guns at auction.
 
I would not risk your uncles collection via internet trade, final~ Thats a for
sure "NO NO". A live (and in person, with you attending) in house auction is
the safetest way possible. First have a very experienced person to appraise
the collection, just to get an idea of what the collection is worth. Once that
is accomplished, set a "minimum" acceptance price for each piece in the what
seems to be a very nice collection. That way, you will have some idea what
each piece will bring; with some being more valuable than others. Finally,
don't let the auctioneer rush thru the action; allow a minimum of about 15-20
minutes between each piece, with the winning bid being recorded by its lot
number and selling price~! :scrutiny:;):D
 
This store in Houston buys complete collections. They are a reputable dealer but they buy at wholesale prices. It might be worth it for your uncle to deal with them and know he is not going to be ripped off.


http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/
 
Another thing that you should do is to get some more information/education for yourself. Purchase a book on gun values. I would suggest the Blue Book of Gun Values. You can usually purchase it online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon, etc... Here in Texas, the values in this book are pretty close to what you can expect to see at the various gunshows and from many dealers.

Good Luck,

David
 
I think you would need some form of legal contract to sell HIS firearms. Too, you are in a foreign country? I suggest you check you laws before you end up in trouble. When in Rome, my friend! You uncle needs to do this one alone.

Not to be rude or offensive, but no matter how good the deal, I would not buy, barter or even accept for free any of these firearms with/from you. Not under these circumstances.

+1 for get professional assistance in the matter. Best of luck.
 
Another idea would be to find a trustee for this action. A banker or securities broker or a preacher could help make contacts for you. I work with the elderly and often have to deal with a trustee, when it comes to financial matters. The ones that I have dealt with do seem to have the best interest of the client (your uncle) in mind, otherwise they would not be able to get referrals to stay in business.
 
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