? about widow with guns & knives to "dispose of" in Georgia

B

Barry in IN

New member
Let me take a deep breath here.
My wife's aunt's friend's husband died. Got that so far? Good, because it took me a bit.
He left her with "some guns and knives", that she doesn't know what to do with. I have no idea what type of guns or knives we are talking about here: 200 matching Holland & Holland double rifles made for a Sheik and a Randall knife collection; or 2 Glenfield 22s and a hardware store Barlow pocket knife.

Any suggestions I can pass along?

These folks live in another part of the country, or I'd look into it myself to see which direction to take.

I'm assuming he didn't have a good friend who is "into guns" who can help, or I wouldn't have been asked about this.
The way my wife and I see it, there are a few options-
1- See if he was a member of a club, and ask another member for help.
I've been in clubs where this situation came about, and between some members, the collection got appraised, and sold through the newsletter. At least one other time, the club held an auction.
2- Locate an auctioneer (or two, or three).
I know they can handle selling them, either on their own, or together with other consigners. But they have to make money via their cut, and I'd rather find her the "cheapest" way. This is probably the easiest way, though.
3- Find out if the deceased "shopped" in one particular place more than others. Then ask the owner to have a look, and advise.
If he is honest, and a friend of the deceased, he should be of great help.
If he isn't, well....you know.
Another thing to consider here is this: I think we are talking about a woman, sorry, a Southern Lady, who is 60+, and may be too, um, "proper" to enter a gun shop to begin with.
4- Refer her to an appraiser. Of course, if we are talking $100 worth of guns and knives, it's not worth that.
5- What about checking with their insurance agent for an appraiser?

I'm open to ideas.
 
What state?

Find a reputable gunsmith in the area, explain the situation and he or she (love you to Tamera) will probably be happy to come out and give an apprasial. Sales by auctioneers are dependent on the state laws in NC a rifle shotgun is ok but if you sell an pistol you have to get a pistol permit from the buyer and keep it on file just like a gun dealer. Really sucks. If you can give us a state an city name maybe a TFL'er knows of some reputable people.
 
sumabich said:
If you can give us a state an city name maybe a TFL'er knows of some reputable people.
Click to expand...

I was thinking that if we had a state and city, we could refer a reputable TFLer to check it out for her.

The ex-husband of my wife's co-worker (got that?) died about a year ago. Her 5 y.o. son inherited a nice collection of hunting rifles and shotguns from his late dad, but his mom had no idea what to do with them. I went over one evening and she opened the safe for the first time since it was delivered. I checked to be sure that all the guns were unloaded and inventoried them. I took the list home and, using a couple of books, TFL, and a few online auctions sites, gave her a good idea of what was there for her son when he is old enough. I gave her some tips for safe and rust-free storage and she thanked me by giving me a very large and heavy box of ammo.

TFL is a very good source for identification and estimating value of many guns. Perhaps we have a member who would be willing to help out this fine Southern Lady. :)
 
You could ask a few questions to get a rough idea. That would help you know which direction to go. Tough doing it long distance, even tougher doing it through several layers of non-gun 'interpreters'. Suggest you speak to the lady directly, ask your questions, then get back to her with suggestions.
 
Thanks so far, everyone.

This is going on in Georgia.
The widow's friend (my wife's aunt) lives in Vidalia, GA, so I assume the widow is in that area also.

I'll get the line of contact started running back that direction, trying to learn more. More of anything.

Honestly, I'm not clear if I've been asked for help in this matter, or not.

Since this came to me through a string of people, she (the widow) probably has no clue that I even exist, let alone know her business.
On the other hand, she may be pacing the floor, waiting for help from her friend's "family gun person".

Either way, I'm trying to formulate some kind of answer(s) to have ready.

I should just mail my year-old Blue Book copy to the aunt, and be done with it.
 
Surely we have members who can recommend someone reputable in Georgia (it may not be a good idea to send a stranger who's not a firearm professional out to appraise her gun collection--I know my grandma wouldn't be comfortable with that.)

I'm going to add Georgia to your title and see if that helps.
 
Thanks.
And yes, you're right. I really want to find someplace to send her, rather than the other way around. Of course, I don't even know where she is.
 
I'm sure we can find someone nearby. I am not far from Vidalia, maybe an hour's drive. I know of a couple of reputable, honest old-timers that might find the time to go over the stash and give the old girl an idea of what she should expect in sale.

I understand the situation with someone going to her house, but I wonder, if the collection is large, if she'd be able to get it in her vehicle and transport it.

Anyway, feel free to contact me by email when you find out more and if you think I can help.
 
One thing that should be mentioned here is SAFETY especially for someone who doesn't know how to handle guns.

Was in a gun store when a very elderly lady brought in a WWII Luger for apraisal and sale. She took it out of her purse, swept the counterman and placed it on the counter.

Yup, it was loaded; guy behind the counter was nice to her under the circumstance, but really really annoyed.

If she doesn't know how to handle the guns - first thing is to get someone in there and make sure they are unloaded.
 
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