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 Peter M. Jeremich FFL Dealer - Phone/FAX: (315) 381-3153 - 7969 Kellogg Street, Clinton NY 13323 USA |
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Firearms Condition and ValueThe
following guidelines are the recommendations of the National Rifle
Association
(NRA) and in general acceptance:
FACTORY NEW CONDITION: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out. EXCELLENT CONDITION: All original parts; over 80% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore. FINE CONDITION: All original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood; good bore. VERY GOOD CONDITION: All original parts; none to 30% original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms. GOOD CONDITION: Some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places cleaned or reblued; principle lettering, numbering, and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order. FAIR CONDITION: Some minor replacement parts; minor replacement parts required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or reblued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order. POOR CONDITION: Major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collectors firearm. VALUE: The value of antique weapons varies greatly depending on the economy, supply, condition, rarity, and region of the country. Typically the value of antique antique weapons have increased steadily over the past twenty or more years. Over this time period, prices have stabilized for periods of time due to a weak economy. It time of excessive inflation, many wise investors have seen fit to protect there assets through the investment in a piece of history. At times, a large collection of guns will hit the market and the sudden influx of a once rare item can cause the price to dip.
RESALE: It
is important to remember it is often difficult for a seller
to realize book
value for
the gun they wish to sell. When selling to
a dealer, it is important to remember that this person is buying
this item for resale and can not give the book value and
stay in business.
A dealer will often offer to buy an item for 50 to 75%
of the resale value. Most
dealers will not sell an item at high retail unless it is extremely
nice. The old adage "you must price an item right to sell
it" holds
true in antiques.
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