PGV,
1 - To register on the PGCA BB you must use your real name...hiding behind Internet anonymity with a "handle" or initials isn't proper etiquette on their site. PGCA members like to know who they're talking to and everyone who can't accommodate that one rule will receive no help.
2 - Valuation is obviously subjective, and on the Internet it's a spectator sport where anyone can claim to be an "expert".
3 - First choice might be the high end auction houses if you're close enough to one to let them do an appraisal with gun in hand. Any good auction house should demand a hands-on examination. They'll establish high/low estimates based on precedents set at previous auctions. Not always accurate, but it's a start.
4 - Second choice is actually best...go to the Southern! As stated earlier some of the biggest collectors (and experts) will be there. Not all will want to buy your gun, but even those that do will be quoting you "fair market" dollars...not the "pie in the sky" funny money prices you see on the Internet or from some dealers. If one of those collectors quotes you a price, chances are they'll also be willing to pay those prices...so if "money talks and bullshit walks", these are the best people you can ever hope to work with.
5 - A Dealer is your worst source of helpful information. For what it's worth, my personal experience as a buyer with Barnett Fine Guns has left a lot to be desired. He may be honest, but he's in business to help himself...not you. That's a truth you apply to all Dealers.
6 - Obviously a Parker .410 is a rare bird. Grade and condition may make it extremely valuable, which you already know. If it has problems, you need one of the "experts" at the Southern to point them out...something many auction houses may not have the expertise to do, or won't do if they want the consignment.
7 - How its finally priced is up to you. How it's sold is also up to you. Obviously an auction house and a dealer gets their percentage off the top. A private sale requires meeting the high end collector, so again go to the Southern SxS this spring.
8 - An extremely rare Parker can command astronomical dollars, but realize the pool of real buyers is small for such high end guns. On the other hand, if condition or rarity doesn't justify the price asked, you'll simply own it a while longer...or maybe for ever.
At least you have a very interesting problem on your hands.
Last edited by Sharpsrifle; 02/01/09 06:31 PM.
