How to Identify Antique Guns
Guns that are classified as 'antique' by the National Firearms Act (NFA) are guns that are not designed to use current firing and ammunition. Antique guns were generally made before 1898 and are considered collectors items because they are not designed to use as a weapon. Antique guns hold historic and monetary value to collectors based on unique characteristics and rarity. Appraisers and gun researchers can help identify antique guns.
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Instructions
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Identify Antique Guns
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Read the National Firearms Act (NFA) to understand what makes a gun an antique (see Resources below). Antique guns are a special category under the NFA and do not have the same licensing requirements as other firearms.
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Make a list of gun information to help you or a professional identify the gun. Include the type, action, caliber, measurements and markings of the gun in your list. List all information known about the gun's workings, and include all lengths.
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Note the markings on the guns. Record any numbers, letters or design on the guns to help research information about the guns. Communicate make and model information when known.
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Take notice of the gun's construction. Write down details about wood or metal components, and identify the type of metal or wood when possible. Gun materials can help point to the origins of a gun and when it was made.
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Hire an appraiser to identify your antique gun. An appraiser should be able to furnish you with identification information and a market value.
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Familiarize yourself with the condition standards for antique firearms. It can be helpful for collectors to know what condition their gun is in to communicate accurately to researchers who identify antique guns and their values.
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Telephone the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) of the BATF at 1-866-662-2750 with questions about your antique guns. The FFLC can help ensure your guns are properly registered.
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Tips & Warnings
If a gun was designed with old-fashioned workings, it is usually considered an antique whether or not it was made before 1898. Contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (BATF) for help determining if your gun is an antique and does not need to be registered.
Know that only antique guns can be purchased and transferred without a license. If your antique guns have been modified, make sure they are still considered antique.
Resources
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Comments
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I have a 177 air rifle with Diagan written on the barrell could anyone give me some information pleasel.
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hackamore
Jun 08, 2010
per US Federal Law an "antique" firearm is one manufactured before the end of 1898. this has nothing to do with the model# or the patent date or the barrel date. there are for example model 1896 mausers that are antique and those that are not. model 1891 mosin-nagants with ww-II dated barrels that are antique but were rebarreled during ww-II that are antique (and the receiver SN on those is hard to get to, the barrel sn is not... but it doesn't matter). the serial number on the receiver (not the barrel) along with the manufacturer will enable you to determine that. antiques are not firearms, do not have to be registered, and require no paperwork. they may in fact fire cartridges in current production. what matters is the date of manufacture of the receiver. which can be hard to determine... before 1968 SNs were NOT required... so you have to determine date of production by... -
emclean
Jun 03, 2008
In determining weather or not a gun is an antique or not has nothing to do with the age of the designee, only when it was manufactured. A black powder weapon is not considered gun due to an outdated designee, but because the law defines a gun as using a metallic cartridge. There is no federal requirement to register any fire arm that is not a NFA weapon. (There may well be state or local requirements, depending on where you live.) there is not a good reason to contact the ATF to ask, your local dealer will be a good resource, and be easer to access. One other note, a verbal ruling form the ATF is NOT legally binding. So they car reverse what you are told over the phone, and you will be the one held responsible.
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emclean
Jun 03, 2008
In determining weather or not a gun is an antique or not has nothing to do with the age of the designee, only when it was manufactured. A black powder weapon is not considered gun due to an outdated designee, but because the law defines a gun as using a metallic cartridge. There is no federal requirement to register any fire arm that is not a NFA weapon. (There may well be state or local requirements, depending on where you live.) there is not a good reason to contact the ATF to ask, your local dealer will be a good resource, and be easer to access. One other note, a verbal ruling form the ATF is NOT legally binding. So they car reverse what you are told over the phone, and you will be the one held responsible.
