Should you get a gun appraisal?

Answer 1

An true appraisal should involve a hands-on examination of the firearm and a written description of the piece in addition to an estimated value. If you have a very rare or expensive gun, it is worth the expense, but 99% of the guns out there don't need an appraisal, just an educated estimate of the retail value. I would visit http://www.gunsinternational.com/ and compare your gun to the ones listed for sale. This will give you a good idea of the value of your gun. This site has the most Antique, Sporting and Collectible guns for sale. They also assist in values if you are placing your gun for sale on their site.

I am 67 years old. I have been interested in guns and collecting them since I was a teenager. I have been in hundreds of gun shops, pawn shops and flee markets searching for guns. Most guns, it is true, you can get an educated guess of value. I've collected guns that are custom made. It is extremely difficult to get an acurate estimate on this type of gun. Every time I get such an estimate, I am surprised at the . Sometimes pleasantly, sometime not. Unless you can do the research youself. I would recommend that you get an expert opinion. It is well worth the cost but you need to find someone who is an expert on that particular type of gun. If I can help, let me know. Joe.

=

Howdy... my take on the subject of appraisals. What is your need for an appraisal? Does your insurance company need proof of value because you have items/property covered for replacement value? If it is a fairly new item, and still in production, it should be easily established as to 'value' and what it would currently cost to replace it/them. Does the piece have historical value? Can it be documented? What is the rarity of the item? Does it have sentimental value? Condition and appearance of item? If the item is ir-replaceable or difficult to replicate, it should be noted. I collect Bowie Knifes.... most are hand made by craftsmen who made each one by hand and no two are alike. Some are manufactured in manufacturing plants that no longer exist and are well over 100 years in age. As the years pass, the chance of finding a duplicate diminish and the price increases IMHO. I recently purchased a Springfield rifle that was what I considered and ordinary specimen that was in excellent condition for a fair price. After doing some research, it was discovered to have a mild historical benefit/value and became documented which doubled the value of the piece. A value on ANY item is only what a BUYER is willing to spend for it at any given time.

A sense of value is like noses, everyone has one, all are different, some are appreciated, other aren't, some are cute while others get in the way. That is the wonder and magic of the internet. With this medium, the whole world gets exposure to almost any item in just a matter of seconds. What may be appreciated or of value in one part of the globe, may be spurned in another. Taste and sense of value are different, and will always continue to be so.... if not we would all like the same woman, hair and style of foods. How dull would that make us as humans???.