Best place/way to sell 1811 musket

Davegill · April 11, 2012, 09:09 PM

I am thinking about selling the 1811 musket. All original and rated in fine condition by a expert. He was pretty shocked at how nice this gun is and seemed pretty excited about it.

Am I better off just listing it somewhere or seeking somewhere in mass where it was made to get my max dollar for it..

There are lots of pics on my post a few threads down

Thanks

James K · April 13, 2012, 05:14 PM

The gun auction sites seem to give satisfaction to most folks, but I think that gun is nice enough that a museum might be interested. (Yes, museums do buy things - they like folks to donate (can't imagine why) but if something nice comes along they can scrounge up the cash.)

Jim

mapsjanhere · April 14, 2012, 07:48 AM

The problem with a place like gunbroker is - you need to have a very good idea of the value of the gun before you place the add. I found one past auction on gunbroker for a 1795 in not as nice condition for $1800 reserve not met. With a high-grade weapon like that where you're asking for a big surcharge for condition, buyers might want to see the thing in person before putting down several thousand dollar.
I would look for a reputable gun auction specializing in antique weapons, that's where you find the collectors with the deep pockets to really get exited about a piece like that. Just compare these two auctions, and you see how much close inspection can influence the price
$1150
$4600

Davegill · April 14, 2012, 08:04 AM

that makes sense..i was offered 5k for it after a collector looked it up and compared it to his books..he said he had some contacts up north and basically had a standing offer for the gun and had it sold already..he was so fast to offer 5k i felt like he was going to double his money lol

he said the biggest thing with going by the book price is he waited 25 years to put his hands on a gun that was this true and complete and untouched that he doubted he would ever see another one yet alone one that was for sale.

i am torn between keeping it because i love it and think it is really incredible
and selling it to a collector that truly respects it and will treat it like it should be treated..i will hang it on my wall and my friends and family will see it and thats about it..that seems sad to me but i on the other hand would love to keep it in the family forever..

mapsjanhere · April 14, 2012, 08:27 AM

If the 5k offer was real, I'd seriously consider it. That's about as high as I have seen people get for it. Yours might bring more at a good auction, but there you have to deal with fees etc. Even if he doubles his money on it, there's no guarantee you will without his connections, people to plunk down 10k don't grow on trees.

Davegill · April 14, 2012, 03:00 PM

Very true.
I really appriciate all your guys time and advice on this
Dave

April 11, 2012, 09:09 PM	#1
Davegill Junior Member Join Date: March 24, 2012 Posts: 12	Best place/way to sell 1811 musket I am thinking about selling the 1811 musket. All original and rated in fine condition by a expert. He was pretty shocked at how nice this gun is and seemed pretty excited about it. Am I better off just listing it somewhere or seeking somewhere in mass where it was made to get my max dollar for it.. There are lots of pics on my post a few threads down Thanks

April 14, 2012, 07:48 AM	#3
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	The problem with a place like gunbroker is - you need to have a very good idea of the value of the gun before you place the add. I found one past auction on gunbroker for a 1795 in not as nice condition for $1800 reserve not met. With a high-grade weapon like that where you're asking for a big surcharge for condition, buyers might want to see the thing in person before putting down several thousand dollar. I would look for a reputable gun auction specializing in antique weapons, that's where you find the collectors with the deep pockets to really get exited about a piece like that. Just compare these two auctions, and you see how much close inspection can influence the price $1150 $4600 __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

April 14, 2012, 08:27 AM	#5
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	If the 5k offer was real, I'd seriously consider it. That's about as high as I have seen people get for it. Yours might bring more at a good auction, but there you have to deal with fees etc. Even if he doubles his money on it, there's no guarantee you will without his connections, people to plunk down 10k don't grow on trees. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

April 13, 2012, 05:14 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The gun auction sites seem to give satisfaction to most folks, but I think that gun is nice enough that a museum might be interested. (Yes, museums do buy things - they like folks to donate (can't imagine why) but if something nice comes along they can scrounge up the cash.) Jim

April 14, 2012, 08:04 AM	#4
Davegill Junior Member Join Date: March 24, 2012 Posts: 12	that makes sense..i was offered 5k for it after a collector looked it up and compared it to his books..he said he had some contacts up north and basically had a standing offer for the gun and had it sold already..he was so fast to offer 5k i felt like he was going to double his money lol he said the biggest thing with going by the book price is he waited 25 years to put his hands on a gun that was this true and complete and untouched that he doubted he would ever see another one yet alone one that was for sale. i am torn between keeping it because i love it and think it is really incredible and selling it to a collector that truly respects it and will treat it like it should be treated..i will hang it on my wall and my friends and family will see it and thats about it..that seems sad to me but i on the other hand would love to keep it in the family forever..

April 14, 2012, 03:00 PM	#6
Davegill Junior Member Join Date: March 24, 2012 Posts: 12	Very true. I really appriciate all your guys time and advice on this Dave