How best to liquidate family member’s gun collection?

[TIMO]

Contact Simpson Ltd., I have bought and sold thru them, never had an issue and they have sold a number of firearms for me that were collectable pieces and received the price that I wanted for them. They sell on commission and do all the work. They have a very large internet audience and a brick and mortar store. Give them a call, they may purchase the whole collection.

Simpson Limited | Antique & Modern Firearms

Simpson Limited: A trusted family-owned store since 1962, specializing in antique and modern firearms, unique collectibles, and premium accessories.

simpsonltd.com

Tim

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have attended rural live auctions,with a gun shop owner, to help inspect and determine bids. There is definitely a difference in the image and item description quality from company to company. You must find auction companies with reliable internet bidding services. More than once, the auctions that are "started on time" have had "internet connection problems". I have noticed this and made very good for the gun shop buys, as high dollar items were starting items and live online bidding wasn't working.

 

[Brians356]

I work at Cabela's and we just bought a collection of guns from a widow.

We gave her a very good price ($3K over what a gun shop offered he).

Would not hurt to contact them and let them come out and make a offer.

+1

I talked to my local Cabela's and was told they would offer me a fixed percentage of the current Blue Book value, either 2/3 or 3/4, don't recall. This would be much more subjective for any custom rifle, or if the condition was debatable. But I feel that would be a fair choice considering how much is involved to identify, evaluate, photograph, describe, list online, negotiate, and ultimately ship a lot of guns individually.

PS this is a viable option if you have a Cabela's at a reasonable driving distance, and ideally inside your state of residence.
-

 

[tmwinds]

If I understand your post correctly you have been ask to liquidate a small gun collection in the future. I’m assuming after their passing.

My best advice is to spend a few hundred bucks on a probate attorney before you do anything. It’s not nearly as simple as gathering up the collection and selling it and giving the proceeds to the family.

The simplest solution is to liquidate the collection prior to a death.

 

[ngoforth]

I have been going through a similar situation. Fortunately my Uncle who passed away lived only a couple miles away. When he was first diagnosed with cancer him and I began talking about what to do and we both thought we had a bit more time to figure it out, we didn't. He passed very quickly. I was lucky enough to find an FFL that helped me sell several guns on consignment. Others were sold to friends and other family members. Looking back on it I wish he would have started selling things off himself or when he was healthier and also talked to me sooner. It has been a pain in the ass but I am happy to help my aunt the best I can and have learned a bit more about some guns.

 

[DocCarbon]

First have a reputable appraisal ,so EVERYONE knows what their dealing with . Based upon that KNOW what is and what is Not being liquidated , Make provisions for Family ,friends , to receive said firearm . Now what's the residual value of How many firearms and their appraised value . This would determine WHERE and HOW they're sold IMO .

Many Many years ago I was privileged to have been a part of a Granddaughters ,Husbands liquidation .
He had a Sizable collection of Very desirable items . She was Moses Browning's Granddaughter and Family members all received 00# production guns . Plus her husband collected firearms in addition to the Browning collection .

 

[tommeboy]

Send them all to THE ROCK ISLAND AUCTION COMPANY. They will handle everything

 

[338 Mollett]

I hear a few complain about the task being a PIA ,I can only speak for myself when I considered it an Honor for my friend !

 

[243winxb]

https://www.horstauction.com/sell/firearms/ A gun auction company would be my choice.
See list of sold items values.

 

[rjtfroggy]

You have received a lot of good advice here, but the number 1 thing you have to do is look up and understand all the local and state laws concerning gun sales, also all probate laws.
A good gun friendly attorney would be my first stop.