Disposing of collections

Gil Martin · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 6:41 am Post subject: Disposing of collections

My boss of Range Safety Officers at our gun club is a retired policeman. He told me that his brother-in-law was just diagnosed with a terminal medical condition and has perhaps six months to live. He wants to dispose of his gun collection and related accessories. I agreed to help appraise and identify what is involved. My boss gave me three boxes of 6.5 Jap Norma brass that is unprimed and was picked out of his BIL's trash. It is a sad story and makes me wonder about myself at some point down the road. All the best...
Gil

slimjim · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

have fun Gil!

Elvis · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 1:57 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

sad times ahead for the poor chap,hopefully you will be able to get fair prices for his stuff to help out his family in this troubled time.

Vince · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 7:47 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

As Elvis said...sad time ahead for the poor fellow, and his family. I suppose in some respects it will be a sad time for you and your mate as well...loosing a friend and relative and then packing up what is a lovingly built collection.

Chances are you will stumble onto some good deals in your labour of love mate. Good Luck.

OldSchoolRanger · Member Joined: Feb 15, 2017 Posts: 88

Sorry to hear about his BIL, sorry to hear about anyone that we know with a terminal condition. The only thing that we can hope for is that when the time comes, we face it with grace.

Gil Martin · Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 4:21 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

I examined several of the military rifles today. They are in very bad shape, have rusted exteriors and the bores are very dark. Someone apparently shot corrosive military ammo and failed to properly clean the bores. At best these are parts guns and it is really sad. I gave my opinion and my boss accepted it with grace. It is what it is. I am reluctant to look at more of the collection, but will do it. I hate it when that happens. All the best...
Gil

Vince · Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

I'm hearing you Gil...nothing worse than someone not looking after things that need regular attention. Having said that, his last year or so may very well have been hard and cleaning guns was the furthest thing from his mind.

OldSchoolRanger · Member Joined: Feb 15, 2017 Posts: 88

Maybe you'll get lucky and find something like a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in 308Win. in good condition. Man, that would be something to set me to drooling.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 7:51 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

My soon-to-be-son-in-law Has his FFL and has been bringing collections on consignment and doing pretty well selling them.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 8:18 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

Sadly, most firearms depreciate rather than increase in value. Often this comes as a surprise to the owner. My uncle had a large collection of John Wayne commemorates that I could never convince him would never be worth more than they cost. At the time, everyone had commemoratives including tin boxes and stickers. A well-attended auction after his death brought pennies on the dollar for numerous unfired firearms, not counting commemorative ammo that sold for less than off-the-shelf ammo.
Sorry to hear of your friend's illness. My prayers go out to him.

Gil Martin · Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

Prices vary all over the place and across the country. I agree that firearms may go down in value, but on the other hand some prices are really soaring. Especially in military firearms if they are in original good or better condition. Look at the current prices of military rifles like Springfields, Mausers, Krags, M1 Garands, M1 Carbines. The same is true for military handguns like G.I. 1911s, Lugers, P-38s, Mauser broomhandles. So it really depends. If one can buy low on desirable firearms they can often get ahead financially. All the best...
Gil

stovepipe · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2017 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Disposing of collections

Gil Martin wrote:

It is a sad story and makes me wonder about myself at some point down the road. All the best...
Gil

True- and the older I get the more safe-queens I take out and blast til the ammo is gone. Very Happy

Can't shoot 'em when I'm takin' a dirt nap! Shocked

Get and and shoot, boys! Cool