Why do you need a Firearm Appraisal?

• The IRS requires that guns that are a significant part of an Estate be appraised for tax purposes. The same goes for collections of guns that are being donated to a museum, foundation, or non-profit as a tax deduction.
• In divorce cases the firearms owned will often have to be valued to spilt up the assets.
• In the case of bankruptcies, the guns are considered part of an individual’s net worth, a certain amount of which if properly documented they get to keep. (this is all covered in the course)
• Also, individuals that need money for retirement or that need to raise cash, have to know what their guns are really worth so that they can get a fair price. In addition, surviving spouses or children will often want to sell a deceased person’s firearms, but have no idea of their value. 

Once it has been determined that an appraisal is needed, and you have come to terms with Williams’ Firearms Appraisals. Then, to begin the appraisal, you will be required to sign a Firearm Appraisal Agreement.  Next pictures will be taken of the firearm provided they are local (up to 50 miles from Cincinnati).  If not local, there are two options: the first is to send me the firearm to inspect and document.  The second is, I will instruct you in the way and how many pictures to take of the firearm.  There are usually 15 – 20 pictures take of the firearm.  This will also require the removal of hand guards on older pistols and revolvers to expose the serial numbers.

I will provide you with a professional five-page firearm appraisals as a certified firearm appraiser (BW #59607) from the American Gunsmith Institute.  Using the Official Firearm Appraiser Form. These forms ensure that no critical details are left out when making an appraisal and will provide you the customer with the utmost information for your needs.

It is at this point that the cost of each appraisal is collected.  $ 75.00 for a single firearm, there will be a discount for multiple firearms depending on the number of firearms.

Appraisals usually take about a week and a half per firearm, due to the research involved and will result in a completed five-page printed report to you the clint.  Firearm grading is based on the NRA Standards.

We frequently refer to NRA conditions for modern and antique guns. Some people may not be familiar with them. Here they are, so when we talk about a gun in “good” condition, we will all be thinking of the same thing: Condition Standards for Antique Firearms (As defined by the National Rifle Association)

FACTORY NEW– all original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.

EXCELLENT– all original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.

FINE– all original parts; over 30% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood, good bore.

VERY GOOD– all original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors’ firearms.

GOOD– some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or reblued; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

FAIR– some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or reblued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.

POOR– major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required, and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated; wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collector’s firearm.