If you ask for a value for insurance purposes, you will receive a high valuation that is most likely more that the gun would bring on the open retail market therefore the actual value of the gun lies somewhere between the wholesale and appraised value of the gun.Īlso remember that "sentiment" is not a value factor and therefore, never enters into any estimate of gun value. The dealer would be buying to resell, and the difference between his cost and the sales price is his profit. If you tell the dealer you wish to sell the gun, you will receive a "wholesale" value. When you ask a dealer to appraise your gun, understand what it is you want to know. Often, dealers who specialize in vintage double guns are willing to provide a written estimate of value for insurance purposes. The Shotgun World website has a forum for questions regarding "Shotgun I.D. Pay particular attention to the "condition" examples featured at the front portion of this book when evaluating your gun. Copies of this book are available in almost every gun shop and book store and should also be available in your local library. Possible sources for such value determinations include various internet auction sites, like GunBroker, Guns International, and, outside the internet, The Blue Book of Gun Values, published each year and used by all gun dealers. Smith Collectors Association cannot, and does not provide estimates of gun value. Since it is impossible to accurately assess gun condition and originality, either by description or internet image postings, the L.C. Bogardus or a Hollywood actor such as Clark Gable or Humphrey Bogart. Gun value is determined by grade and gauge rarity, amount of remaining original finishes, condition of mechanics and wood, and an intangible called "Collectability" (collectible gun values can vary upwards and downwards with demand fluctuations).Īnother important factor impacting value is the "Historical Factor." In those rare instances, an otherwise low-grade and abused 1890 hammer gun, worth only the price of the nails used to hang it over the mantle, could be worth thousands of dollars if its provenance can be unquestionably connected to a colorful and legendary historical figure such as Doc Holliday or member of the Dalton gang a famous show person or shooter such as Annie Oakley or Captain A.H. I found the following information on the L.C. is not a website which can provide valuation estimates for anything, except perhaps the cost of repairing some item.
is a website intended for asking and answering questions on how to go about repairing things.