How can you determine the value and approximate age of a firearm?

Answer 1

== == You must first determine the make and model. This is often marked on the gun, but if not and a local dealer can't identify it, hit the library and start digging. Look in The Standard Catalog of Firearms, Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, The Blue Book of Gun Values, and all the other books on that shelf. If you can't find your gun in any of them, try posting a COMPLETE description on one of the many websites (including WikiAnswers) that deal with firearms. Once you have identified the gun, the same books will give some basic information, which may include approximate dates of manufacture and in some cases a serial number table that will pinpoint an exact year. They will all also have some guidelines for determining the condition of a firearm, since like any other collectable, one in Excellent condition is worth much more than one in Poor condition. The three books I mentioned and several others are also "Price Guides", but while their estimated values are convenient, they are not always accurate in the real world. You can get a better idea of a guns value by searching the internet firearms auctions and e-stores. Find others that are similar to yours and watch them sell. Don't be mislead by high asking prices or buy-it now prices - many of these will not be sold when the auction ends.