Labels, tape etc

kjohn

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I am dealing with an estate that has approx 40 rifles of various makes and models. Having to scrape off bleeping labels, scotch tape, stickers, etc.


Note to budding collectors: NEVER use any stickers, tape, etc on the stocks! Never. Over time, the label will cause discolouration under it and if tape is used, the tape will also cause discolouring, plus leave a sticky mess to contend with.

Hang tags with a unique number to that gun, fastened with paper covered tin ties, preferably the endless type, are the way to go.

No doubt I'll get shot down over this post, but I can say I tried. Also, keep a separate record (two is even better) of the guns, with a description, and any other info you might have. I use OneNote, but there are other apps.
 
This may be the next step for me, catalogue everything and double check. I’m young, but things happen. I’d want to make sure my boy has records of what’s what and what they are worth if he needed to sell them to put himself through school or something should I meet my maker early.
 
This may be the next step for me, catalogue everything and double check. I’m young, but things happen. I’d want to make sure my boy has records of what’s what and what they are worth if he needed to sell them to put himself through school or something should I meet my maker early.
Good plan. Ever so many people are sitting on a nice bunch of firearms, and have no record of what they have. Many haven't any idea of the value of military surplus guns or even what make/model etc. I learned my lesson with my SAT barrel Model 91 Mosin Nagant. Owned it for nearly 20 years before I was clued in as to the rarity by a good fellow on another gunner site. His words were, "do you know what you have there?" He sent me information about SAT barrel 91's, copied from a website. After that, I paid a LOT more attention to researching my old rifles!
 
Stickers and tape are the worst.. not just the color changes, that God damn glue gets into the wood..
As for hang tags I found the ones with thread/string loops are the best, don't use rubber bands, they disintegrate in several years.
 
I have been using "Firearms Collectors Log Book" for years. On the back of every photograph I have Price paid and date. I have five books and if anything happens to me the wife will at least know what I paid. Also have a file on the firearms that I have with approx. value inre; to value today that is updated every few months. I keep downsizing so fairly easy to keep up dated.
 
WD40 is an excellent solvent for tape/sticker adhesive. Spray some on a paper towel, rub away the adhesive, then another paper towel to get rid of the WD40.
Depending on the nation, some milsurps had identifying markers taped to their stocks before being put into long term storage.

The rifles I've seen with these markers were usually fresh FTRs.

I've seen them on Lee Enfields, Swede Mausers, various 98 Mausers, Springfield 03s, and Garands.

The tape is usually white painted cloth, with a soft, sticky type adhesive.

Adhesives usually use some sort of mild acid in their mixtures, with other additives to keep them soft so they can penetrate enough to grip.

Every single one of the rifles I've removed those markers from had a matching "light color spot" where the finish was washed away from the adhesive.

Kjohn, you give great advice. HANG TAGS are teh way to go and just as cheap/easy as tape.
 
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