Value of Original Receipt?

R

Ribcracker

New member
[I know that used guns are worth more with the box and original paperwork, but] I'm curious to know if the "original paperwork" should include the original gun store receipt.
If I include the $357 receipt from "Joe's Gun Store" dated 1979 and sell the gun for $1000, will that make the purchaser feel foolish... or proud?
 
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For most guns it's neither here nor there. For guns that may have some collector's value it is a nice thing to have (gives some provenance to it), but wouldn't really add value.

Honestly, if we're talking a 30-40 year old pistol that's now worth $1000, as a buyer I would appreciate it since we probably are talking a collector's piece on some level. But anybody who says "Hey, this sold for $357 when Carter was in office, why am I paying more" is someone who likely wouldn't appreciate the finer things like that gun anyway. :)
 
Benefits the buyer and not the seller.

I'm curious to know if the "original paperwork" should include the original gun store receipt.
Click to expand...
You original store receipt is not a part of the transaction. Receipts are a benefit to the buyer and not the seller. In fact, it may not work, in your favor. It only reflects what you paid and not the value of the gun. In all my sales, I have never included the receipt but have seen these on some of my buys. Another point is that the receipt is part of you documentation on where you bought it, for tracking purposes. It's you call but if you want to include it, make a copy. .... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
Including the original receipt, or a copy, can provide proof of legal ownership and especially if it was bought new.
Some people value that when buying second hand.
Otherwise, it can just confuse things.
 
For the most part, it doesn't do anything for value.

There are two possible exceptions. The first is if the gun is an unorthodox configuration, and the receipt proves that it was a limited run rather than something that was altered after the fact.

The second is if it's necessary to prove the gun belonged to a historical figure of note.
 
Thanks, guys. That puts things in perspective for me. I guess I just wasn't sure what "original papers" actually meant. I do now.
Essentially, it means any papers the manufacturer included in the box.
The original sales receipt may be interesting or useful in some cases, but of no monetary value unless provenance is an issue. Got it!
 
What Technosavant says. It doesn't add to the value, but it is good for the provenance which in the course of time could enhance its value if the object becomes collectible. I keep my receipts.
 
On excellent example of 1st Gen Colt SAA's - original receipt might add hundreds of dollars, especially if it has a notable buyer's name on it.

On commercial pre-WWI Colt 1911's - same kind of thing.

1900 Luger - same thing.

Other guns like Borchardt C-93, Original Henry Rifle, etc., could add lots of money.

1955 Python - perhaps up to several hundred dollars.

HAC-7 (relatively rare rifle) probably nothing.
 
A everyday type of sales receipt offers no real up-tic in value for the weapon itself in most circumstances. But then again some Colt collector's who purposely pay for info copied from old factory build & ship records assuredly may think & say differently. Those types of authentic and addressed factory letters may indeed increase a weapons value.
 
If you bought a Colt in Dodge City, that might be a cool receipt to save in the box. I've bought a few used guns at LL Bean and they have a lifetime guarantee. I've never needed to produce one, but it might help if I have a problem with one of those guns that needs to be fixed. If you're saving the box there's no harm tucking the receipt in there. Or maybe put it in behind the recoil pad of a rifle, that would be a fun discovery years from now.
 
Ya, I do tuck the receipts into the box mainly for the reason you cite.
But also, it's kinda fun to see when you bought one of your older guns and how much you paid for it way back when. For instance, I've got a Colt King Cobra that I bought from Dave's House of Guns in Dallas, Texas on 1/20/1989. I paid $295 for it. Today I see them selling for $1000-$2000 on GunBroker and GunsAmerica. That's not a bad appreciation.
So you see...sometimes guns actually do increase in value. Tell my wife!:p
 
Keeping the receipt as a point of comparison to current prices as a means of keeping a spouse happy- you are a genius.
 
Purchase price of a Lee-Enfield No. 5 Jungle Carbine in 1965 : $24.95

Purchase price of a Marlin 39A in 1967 : $67.50.

The look on someone's face when they see the receipt in 2014 : Priceless.
 
Have the original sales receipt from 1948 when Dad bought his new A5 Browning and an all leather Boyt gun case......for $140.00.

I keep every receipt, box, and the paperwork for each gun purchased. One of particular interest is a fully engraved Belgium Browning Renaissance High Power (1976). On collectible guns these items can add 10-to-25% to the right buyer.

Got a few guns that have been autographed by celebrities complete with photos and documentation....time will tell what they might be worth.
 
While most times I don't care about any original receipt, when I bought a 1911 from a guy who advertised it as having under 20 rds fired, I had some questions. I didn't ask about it, but he included his original receipt with his name from a known retailer in my area, with the date of purchase. It did alleviate many of my concerns.
 
A original factory model, not any value to me in the reciept..

A gun that has work done by a respected gunsmith..yes it proves
Who did the work and what parts were used..
That adds value or provenance to it if I'm interested in it.

Otherwise some of the customizations I would not do, and have no value to me.
Others may..

A special order custom gun, yes it adds value.
 
The only time the original receipt is of any value IMHO is if the receipt shows custom work done by a known smith or shows ownership buy a famous or historical person.

If you have a Browning Hi Power that was done by Novak, Yost or Williams etc.... having that receipt will add value to the modifications that have been done to the pistol. It is my experience that this is the best way to recover the highest % of $$$ in a custom pistol. A BHP with C&S parts & Novak sights without the receipt from Novak will be worth less than one with the receipt. Providence is important in these types of transactions. The same is true of guns owned by famous people.
 
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