How to Buy Antique Guns

Old guns are sometimes worth a lot of money.

Firearms have gone from primitive cannons to sophisticated hand-held weapons over the last 700 years. Improvements in technology shaped guns during this time, just as guns on the battlefield shaped history. The history of guns is rich with innovation and failure, with examples of both surviving today. Some antique guns appreciate in value due to their scarcity or historical significance, prompting some to start collections. In the United States, guns manufactured before 1899 are considered antiques; they are excluded from federal gun control legislation.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Phone

Instructions

1. Find reputable sellers. Use the Internet to locate nearby auction houses or dealers specializing in collectible firearms. You might find private sellers through classified ads or gun shows, but thoroughly investigate every piece before purchasing.

2. Look at each gun in person; check for fine detail. Ask for high quality pictures --taken from different angles -- if you can't view the guns in person. Don't buy an antique gun until you've seen it.

3. Check the barrel and stock -- ensuring they are relatively free of damage. Check that all parts are present and functional. Hire a gunsmith to evaluate the piece if you are unfamiliar with the type, brand or vintage.

4. Compare the guns to similar pieces from the same time period to ensure authenticity. Look for signs of tampering or modification. Telltale signs include uneven wear on different surfaces, suspicious engravings, areas where the metal was filed down to remove markings or a strong chemical odor that may indicate artificial aging. Verify authenticity with a reputable, third-party dealer if the gun is expensive.

References

• University of Utah: History of Firearms
• U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms: Antique Firearms
• "Antiques Roadshow"; Spotting "Fake" Firearms; Dennis Gaffney; February 2003