APPRAISALS

The process always starts the same way – identify the firearm. Not as easy as it sounds. I honestly believe most folks in our country could easily appraise a car using say Kelly Blue book or Hemmings Motor News for a classic. Appraising a firearm however is just a bit more difficult.

More often than not, the model of the firearm itself is not actually marked on the firearm which makes for a bit of a challenge. Take the Model 1873 Colt Single Action Army pistol which has been in production for over 150 years. It has three patent dates clearly marked on the lower left frame. September 19th, 1871. July 2nd, 1872, and lastly January 9th, 1975. Nowhere on the pistol is the date 1873 which is the actual model and point of reference for entering the Blue book. 

Browning Shotguns for example, almost never have the model marked on the firearm. You have to figure it out based on the characteristics and attributes of the firearm itself. So yes you can always go alone and unafraid into the Blue Book for gun values but the terminology is beyond baffling! The Blue Book often says the shotgun is worth more if has an SST and a VR. What is an SST and a VR? How about a Schnabel or Beavertail forearm?

I was once fairly well stumped by a Mauser type military rifle which was clearly made in Terni Italy, however had Japanese characters as well. No name and no serial number what so ever. It turns out that back in WWII, the Italians made some rifles for the Japanese military but they didn’t want anyone to know so they simply didn’t mark them. Brilliant! We would have never figured that out. 

So the process starts with correct identification of the make and model. I can either examine the items in person (preferred) or via photos’ submitted. If you are going to send pictures, please do not set the gun on floor between your feet and capture those too in the image. I have seen a whole lot of unattractive feet in gun photos.

Some folks also think the serial number is the key to the universe. It is not. It does help zero in on the year of production sometimes but you still have to identify the exact make and model first. Take a 5 digit serial number for example. The number 16843 was stamped on 8 different models of Colt products and thats just one manufacturer. Most firearms started with the number 1and went right on through each number possible till the end of production. 

1. Manufacturer/Model Number
   There are some truly great collections out there, both large and small. Despite varying conditions of the firearms in any collection, these items can be extremely impressive in both scope and content and very desirable in today’s online collectors marketplace. Of note, due to the increasing scarcity of these items, the American made firearms found in this country, have consistently increased in value over time much better than foreign made items, which have not appreciated to the same level. Just because it is old, it does not mean it is rare. A friend once said “there is no such thing as a rare gun, only a gun in rare condition”. 
   
2. Calibers
   Calibers will be clearly identified and summarized in a detailed summary when marked or ascertained based on previous known models which were only produced in certain calibers. I can usually tell. In the case of antique or muzzle loaded firearms, the caliber is usually unmarked will be measured and documented as such.
   
3. Condition
   Conditions are the most critical component of determining value. A single Colt pistol can easily range from 1,000 dollars up to 30,000 dollars based on condition alone. The condition assessments are annotated in a summary sheet referenced to the current annual  Fjestads Blue Book of gun values most recent edition or Flaydermans Guide to Antique firearms. Firearms assessed using Fjestads Blue Book are represented in a percentage number which equates to the assessed amount of original finish and condition remaining intact as issued. Antiques on the other hand or firearms made before 1898 are represented in NRA classifications or a word such as “good” or “fair” to represent their condition.
   
4. General Assessment
   I prefer to assess firearms based on direct observation. I tend to catch minor details that reveal the history or tell a better story. All firearms are tested for functionality and level of care,  including testing for mechanical deficiencies and timing problems, trigger or sear deficiencies (significant safety risk), and are noted if found. A majority of the firearms are readily identifiable as very specific makes and models which can be easily referenced via the cited Blue Book of Gun Values or Flaydermans guide. In some cases such as antique firearms or hand made primitive arms, no manufacture can be identified and will be so documented.
   
5. Current Valuation
   Determining the current value of a firearm starts with the correct identification of the make and model. Proceeds on to the assessment of condition. Then finally ends with a derived value when all three pieces of data are used within the Blue Book. Once upon a time, I thought it possible to learn the entire scope of this particular business model. I now know it is not possible. Each week that goes by I see another fascinating item for the first time and learn yet another item pertaining to the history of firearms in our country!