Help with selling vintage shotgun

[Perry Holbrook]

I need to liquidate some of my fathers assets. Looks like his vintage LC Smith double barrel 20 gauge trap grade gun will have to go. There is an online classified gun site called Guns International that looks promising. Anyone dealt with them, or have other ideas.

Thanks,
Perry

[Lee Schierer]

Post an ad at all the local trap clubs in your area.

[Perry Holbrook]

Would not have thought of that, thanks, Lee.

Perry

[Wade Lippman]

My FIL gave me a shot gun I didn't want. I tried an online place (don't remember the name) and got no replies. I left it on consignment at a local gun store and got much more than I expected.

[Steve Meliza]

Armslist is nice in that it sorts the ads by state - http://www.armslist.com/classifieds/...olina/shotguns

[Steve Peterson]

Each state has different regulations. In California, I think all used guns need to be sold through a dealer that can do the needed background checks and deal with any waiting periods. They take a small commission.

Steve

[Ted Reischl]

You should do some research before selling the shotgun. Some of the LC Smith's sell upwards of $6K, some for as little as $400.

I always advise people who sell things like guns and tools to do the research themselves rather than rely on an "expert" dealer who may see an opportunity to reap a huge profit from the sellers ignorance.

My favorite story is a Stanley folding rule that was given to me. When I decided I would sell it, several dealers offered me like $20 for it. I went to a Midwest Tool Collectors meet and it sold very quickly for over $1400. Turns out it was rare, being an "advertiser".

[Perry Holbrook]

Thanks for all the advise. I located a local trap club that referred me to a somewhat local shop that deals in such matters. I plan to so it to them next week.

I have done the research and have an idea of it's value, I'm stuck on "condition", having no point of reference.

Perry

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Perry, Fjasadt's (sp) Blue Book of Gun Values, usually has a good visual of several different guns and their grades. Of course, you need to know how your shotgun should look in mint condition though. If you want to do the legwork yourself, find some photos online, understand the deductions system, and calculate the condition. You can also do it easier, come up with an acceptable to you price range, and start with it priced at the top, and work down. http://www.gunsamerica.com can help you with seeing a bunch of other examples.

[Don Buck]

I just helped a friend sell her late husband's 1873 Springfield Trapdoor carbine that had serial numbers linking it as a possible "Custer" firearm. We checked out Rock Island Auction (easy to find on the web) as they specialize in selling classy firearms. I send them an email requesting info on how to sell through them, later sent some photographs and they had the photos reviewed by a specialist who agreed on the firearms potential. They gave us an approximate expected sales value (subject to actual examination) and we boxed and sent the firearm to the auction company (FFL not required to send to the auction house plus it was pre 1898) and it was sold in September at twice the appraised value. We paid 17.5% sales commission but they did a great job of marketing the firearm through direct contact to known collectors and they sent out an outstanding catalog prior to the sale. I monitored a couple of sales prior to "our" auction and was satisfied with their appraisal and results. Every sale I've watched had several L.C. Smith's, even some field grade models that brought $600 - 1000. A 20 gauge "Smith" that is above field grade can bring considerable money. FYI - I have my grandfather's 10 gauge rabbit eared (hammers) 32" full & fuller damascus steel barrel L.C. Smith in a place of honor. I am not affiliated with Rock Island Auction, only a very satisfied user of their services.


Best of luck - Don