The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) defines antique firearms as any firearm manufactured in or before 1898. It could also be a replica of a rare gun that uses a primitive ignition system or a gun that is no longer on the market. Ideally, any gun that has a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or a similar ignition system is a rare gem, and we can help you acquire it or sell it.
Usually, antique guns are passed down the family line. This is what gives them value because they are not commercially available. Sometimes, you might want to sell the gun because you are not a firearm enthusiast like your previous generations.
Alternatively, you might want to own a rare gun. Yet, selling or buying a gun is not like a furniture business. One great way to buy or sell an antique weapon is at a gun auction.
Blackwell Auctions can help you buy or sell antique firearms at the best price. It is easy to work with us because we are licensed and have a huge network of buyers and sellers. But, before you do business with us, we want you to know several things.
Types of Guns We Feature in Our Auctions
A good auctioneer must have a variety of products for clients to choose from. As such, we facilitate buying ad selling of different types of guns, including:
Pistols
A pistol is a basic gun. Most people use it for target practice or for self-defense. A collection of pistols in a chest will look good in your space.
Whether you want a colt, English bulldog, or any other type of pistol, you will likely find it with us. You can also sell any antique pistol gun.
Rifles
There are different rifle models, including Winchester, Muskets, and Remingtons. Ideally, there is a wide selection of rifles to add to your collection.
Shotguns
We have every shotgun, including semi-automatic, single-shot, double-barrel, and pump-action shotguns. This long-barreled gun is designed to shoot a straight-walled cartridge. Some people use it alongside their friends for sporting, while others use it for hunting or self-defense.
Revolver
A revolver is a worthwhile addition to any gun collection. We have different makes and models of revolvers. You can scroll through our inventory to find all the types of guns we sell.
How Our Online Auction Process Works
During a live auction, some people cannot make it to Clearwater, Florida, to bid for an antique gun. As such, we offer online auctions. Here is how our online auction process works
1. Registration
The first step is to register. This indicates that you are interested in the items for auction during the specific auction date. We must verify that you are qualified to buy a firearm.
We will use the information provided during registration to confirm you have no criminal court records and to check your citizenship information. Ideally, we will look up your information on various databases, including the Department of Homeland Security, National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Index, Interstate Identification Index, and National Crime Information Center.
2. Sign the ATF Form 4473
This form is designed to confirm various things. For instance, you must indicate that you are not an illegal immigrant or a fugitive from justice.
3. Bid
This is where you decide to bid on an item or items. Usually, you have to bid the maximum amount of money you are willing to part away for an antique gun.
We stream live auctions on five different platforms, including LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, Bidsquare, HiBid, and Proxibid. You can follow the bidding process as you raise your amount until the item is sold.
If you are the highest bidder, we will arrange how you will get your rare gem. We will also guide you on how to complete payment for the item.
Tips for Buying Antique Guns at an Auction
Acquiring a gun at firearms auctions is the most cost-effective way of getting a rare item. The auction process is even more fun because the auctioneer starts by dramatically announcing several details about an item.
The process is even better if you can apply several tips. These include:
1. Know What You Want
Do you want a Colt, Winchester, Beretta, or any other model? You have to be specific with what you want. Otherwise, the auction process can be overwhelming.
So, do your research and find out whether a specific gun will be up for auction. Then, stick to your decision. You can have several options in case someone outbids your offer.
2. Stick to Your Budget
You might be tempted to exceed your budget for a pretty rare firearm. You will even go to a bidding war if other bidders know the value of the particular gun. However, do not be tempted to exceed your budget.
Shop for similar guns online and predict the possible price of the gun at an auction. Then, create a budget that resonates.
3. Find Whether the Auctioneer Has a License
You do not want to find yourself in the middle of breaking laws. So, confirm that the auctioneer has the Federal Firearms License.
Services We Offer
Buying or selling at an auction can be intimidating for a first-time person. But it does not have to be. At Blackwell Auctions, we smoothen the auctioning process.
We have a massive network of buyers and sellers and many platforms to facilitate the same. We are a group of experts dedicated to easing the transfer of ownership of different items.
So, if you have an antique firearm that you no longer want, we can help you sell it. You only need to send us a picture and description of the item, so we can give you an accurate estimate of how much it might cost.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a specific gun, we can help you find it. We will invite you to various auctions and facilitate the shipping of the gun to your preferred location if you win the bid.
You can visit us in St Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida. Alternatively, you can call us at (727) 546-0200 to get a free evaluation of the gun you want to sell or to enquire about the availability of a rare firearm and future auction dates.
