Rock Island Auction - Opinions

7.92X33Kurz

7.92X33Kurz

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Hello,

I was wondering if any of the members in this forum has had any dealings or experience with Rock Island Auctions? www.rockislandauction.com

I am working on selling a 60+ collection of antique Colts, Winchesters, Spencers and a few other items for my father and was considering offering in Canada and possibly through Rock Island Auction as well if an offering in Canada does not work out.

Anyway, any direct knowledge would certainly be helpful.
 
Well I have no idea but I would love to hear about your Dad's collection.

I'm looking for a good serviceable antique pistol, or anything interesting.
 
They do a great catalog, and usually get the seller a premium price. Buyer pays 18% buyers fee. If your collection has value, might be worth a call. I thought they have to have the firearms there, so shipping may be a hassle, or impossible for some weapons.... e-mail them and find out.
 
dcbb said:
I thought Bud Haynes gun auctions in Red Deer, Alberta were partnered up with them in some way...at least they were at one time. Check with Bud!
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Will do. Thanks. My greatest concern is taking them to the US, running into some problem with the vendor, and then having to bring them back or worse trying to remove them if the firm went out of business.
 
Am not sure I would recommend Bud Haynes auction for a seller.

I have bought guns from that auction house and was happy with their service - but they don't post pictures of the items online and they only seem to post the full catalog a week or so before the auction. My guess is that other auction houses would provide a better service and get the seller more money for their guns.

That is only my .02.
 
The only drawback with Bud Haynes is thier roots are in agriculture. Whereas rural property or vehicles and heavy equipment get alot of attention, firearms & fishing gear are rarely photographed for online viewing.
Often it's text only IMO.
 
I have first hand experience in selling with James Julia Auctions in Maine and everything was very positive. They have a sliding sellers commission and guns selling over 10,000$ have a 0% commission; they make their money on the 15% buyers commission........the bad news is that guns selling under 3500$ have a 30 or 35% sellers commission. PM me if you want a good contact for them.

Having said all that; it would be nice to see your families guns stay in this country and not go to the US..........but, there are exceptions and sellers are oftens under some pressures to get the best return possible. The sellers commission on CGN is very very resonable. :)
 
Hi. What just might be a good idea. Would be to post a list, of your Dad's collection on EE. I'm in the market for a nice Antique Revolver. All the best.
 
Rock Island is on the up and up, have used them before for estates that were more valuable on the U.S. market. Give them a call, they can arrange all the paperwork and shipping. Payment is prompt following the auction. Bud Haynes used to be connected with them and often directed high value Winchesters and Colts to them for sale at a better than Canadian price.
 
I do know of a few people who have used Rock Island successfully, as buyers, but none as sellers.
That said, the collection is not an unmanageable size, and there is money up here too and folks willing to pay the right price for collectible guns. I'm sure you folks could do well selling them up here as well. Auction prices have been good in the US, but they can be a crap shoot too. Plus, the fees.
Matt
 
selling collection

Have had good results with Bud Haynes company both as seller and buyer. Bud and his daughter have been auctioneers for the Julia auction as well as operating in Red Deer. Haynes are well connected and respected within the antique and collectors gun market and you won't go wrong dealing with them IMHO.
 
7.92X33Kurz said:
Hello,

I was wondering if any of the members in this forum has had any dealings or experience with Rock Island Auctions? www.rockislandauction.com

I am working on selling a 60+ collection of antique Colts, Winchesters, Spencers and a few other items for my father and was considering offering in Canada and possibly through Rock Island Auction as well if an offering in Canada does not work out.

Anyway, any direct knowledge would certainly be helpful.
Click to expand...

Never dealt with RIA, but have had some experience with import/export from the US.

1. the state department paperwork and fee's will be @$50-150 per gun.
2. US taxes will apply on your "profits"
3. Any auction will charge you extra handling fee's
4. shipping and packing fee's
5. Canadian taxes will apply on your "profits"
6. the sellers fee at the auction.

Auctions are a craps shoot at the best of times.

I've seen guns worth $5,000 sell for $500 at Hayne's, and guns worth $75 sell for $400 at Meier's.

Honestly you would make more money to put them on consignment at a trustworthy local gun-shop.

I would recommend taking a few tables at the local gunshow, or list them in the Access to Firearms.

The last few Hayne's auctions, the owners (of the stuff I was interested in) would have made more, and been charged less by consigning them at Milarm.
 
If you want to sell outright and in bulk, a Canadian solution is Joe Salter in Nova Scotia. He won't pay Retail prices, but he is a big enough player on both sides of the border to purchase your father's whole collection.
 
There are others up here too with deep enough pockets to purchase it all too, and not send it South. I could point you in the right direction if you should make that decision.
Good luck with your decision. Not an easy one sometimes.
Cheers,
Matt
 
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