Antique revolver appraisal

BadLieutenant

BadLieutenant

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I have 4 antique revolvers I would like to get appraised....or more specifically have an accurate description for each before selling them on the EE.

I would like to know if someone in the Montreal or Ottawa region would be able to help me with this. :)

Thanks folks
 
BadLieutenant said:
I have 4 antique revolvers I would like to get appraised....or more specifically have an accurate description for each before selling them on the EE.

I would like to know if someone in the Montreal or Ottawa region would be able to help me with this. :)

Thanks folks
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Some of the most knowledgeable people are right here on these forums. Post some detailed photos of the guns, caliber, description of mechanical function and you will be quickly on your way to the info you require.

Best regards.
 
Do as Tyockell18 and Plinker suggests. For starters, even before spending time working up the pictures, provide a short list with the four model names, date stamp if available, and your initial one word rating of condition. There are at least six resident experts for antique sales here (some specialize in particular types), and I expect they pretty frequently do a key word search of GunNutz. Randy
 
Post clear pics of the overall guns along with details of any particular markings and damage, wear, alterations etc. Also any information on lockup, timing, issues etc as they affect antique values significantly.
 
I am in ottawa if you want to meet up and show what you have. I am by no means an expert but maybe able to help you out. getting photos up on this thread maybe your best start thou and can assist with that also if needed.
 
The problem is that I have zero knowledge to talk about mechanical condition, lockup, timing, issues etc.... (I can clearly talk about the general condition that I see.....but firearms have always been a hobby, not a career :)

I have 3 1892 french revolvers and one Webley RIC that I bought here and there over the years. (I will eventually keep one of the 1892, but will most likely sell the two others and the RIC)

I just do not want to get into having someone saying I didn't gave a proper description........I would rather sell them face to face.......

dakotamar......I'm in Montreal...will try to find someone closer, but my gunny buddy is in Ottawa and I'm overdue of a visit in the capital.....will keep you in mind, thanks! ;)
 
BadLieutenant said:
The problem is that I have zero knowledge to talk about mechanical condition, lockup, timing, issues etc.... (I can clearly talk about the general condition that I see.....but firearms have always been a hobby, not a career :)

I have 3 1892 french revolvers and one Webley RIC that I bought here and there over the years. (I will eventually keep one of the 1892, but will most likely sell the two others and the RIC)

I just do not want to get into having someone saying I didn't gave a proper description........I would rather sell them face to face.......

dakotamar......I'm in Montreal...will try to find someone closer, but my gunny buddy is in Ottawa and I'm overdue of a visit in the capital.....will keep you in mind, thanks! ;)
Click to expand...

If you want an easy to follow how-to on assessing antique condition drop me a PM.
 
BadLieutenant said:
The problem is that I have zero knowledge to talk about mechanical condition, lockup, timing, issues etc.... (I can clearly talk about the general condition that I see.....but firearms have always been a hobby, not a career :)

I have 3 1892 french revolvers and one Webley RIC that I bought here and there over the years. (I will eventually keep one of the 1892, but will most likely sell the two others and the RIC)

I just do not want to get into having someone saying I didn't gave a proper description........I would rather sell them face to face.......

dakotamar......I'm in Montreal...will try to find someone closer, but my gunny buddy is in Ottawa and I'm overdue of a visit in the capital.....will keep you in mind, thanks! ;)
Click to expand...

Antique status (pre 1898) French 1892 revolvers in functional condition usually sell for between $1000 to $1500 depending on finish and mechanical condition. There are always lots for sale in the USA on gunbroker for around $600-$700 USD or even less, go have a look and see. Some people have agents down south who buy them and then ship back up here. There were about 350,000 made and there are still a lot of them floating around.

The Webley RIC will depend on serial number if it is considered antique up here (ones not antique status sell for about $450) and some are Belgium made clones that sell for much less than British made ones. Also the actual calibre matters as to value as well as condition and barrel length. Expect around $1600-$2000 depending on barrel length for a average condition and fully functional British made example in .450 or .455 Webley and more for a real nice one or one with a original wooden box. Ones in .442 cal are not as popular or sell for as much as the .450 or 455 examples too.

Rusted/pitted and poor finish examples or those with broken grips and or timing issues/operating issues will sell for less than the above figures.

As a comparison, this excellent condition, original nickel finish, .450 British 1880's made Webley with a excellent bore, did not meet it's $1050 USD reserve price on a US online auction site about a month ago, the highest bid was only $872.50 USD.

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Thanks everyone.....you guys rock! I will look at my options up to the weekend.

I just need $$$ for other projects, but would really not want to disappoint a buyer when these will be sold.
 
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Some people requested in private about the Webley RIC.......here it is....maybe not the most pretty example, but all is there......some light pitting....... and it's a 450 caliber revolver.
 
Your desire to be able to show and sell your antiques in person, in order to help avoid miscommunication and disappointment with an unfamiliar to you assessment of condition is commendable. In practice though that will limit your potential market to only ~1/20 of those that would be interested in buying. Much fairer for everyone if you go with GNutz/Email/pictures linked somewhere on the internet. Good advice from 'mkrnel' and 'h wally' and no doubt others in PMs.

The M1892 with its cylinder swinging to the right is a sweet revolver for left handers like myself.
 
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