doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Help concerning auctioning a shotgun.

I recently acquired an unusual Model 21 20 gauge with the original case and handwritten receipt from the dealer plus an original 1933 catalog. The Cody letter confirms the receipt. I have contacted Julia auctions and they will accept the gun for auction. I have to make up my mind quickly in order to make the catalog for the March 07 auction. Any pros or cons to auctioning as opposed to selling straight out? I feel with the publicity concerning the Czar Parker this auction will command a very large following. Thanks

So what is so special about your Model 21? Long barrels, two triggers, strange features? I would try to sell the gun first myself if you could establish a realistic selling price or value. Many people think that selling at an auction will get them more. Often guns do not make the low estimation and the seller gets less than he expects. Model 21's have a following and a rare version with unique features should not be that hard to sell via the internet. The buyer assumes all the risk as you get his money long before he ever gets your gun. So why pay some one else in effet to sel your gun?

This 20 gauge BT;SST;26 IC/F; 14 3/4 lop to butt plate is a standard grade ordered in 1936. On the dealer handwritten receipt there is a charge for $8.90 for a trigger extension. According to the Cody letter the gun had it's final inspection 10/21/36 and left the factory with a 14 3/4 LOP. Drop at heel and comb and pitch was listed as regular. The dealer receipt is dated 10/28/36. The gun is currently in 95-96% original condition with a 14 3/4 lop. This trigger extension is a machined metal web connecting a front trigger to the rear functioning trigger. All the front trigger does is add 3/4 of an inch to the functioning trigger. In my mind the factory had to do this for the customer.

sowega 01,

I would be interested in talking to you about your Mdl 21.Please send me your contact information at kmfergus57@yahoo.com

Thanks

Sowega,

KY Jon has nailed it - why pay someone else to sell your gun? My view of the auction trade has always been that, like many other "service businesses" (e.g., for those who can't or don't want to bother with it themselves), that they are a viable business enterprise class, but that the very nature of the game is that regardless of whether you are a buyer or a seller, they "get you coming and going." Think about it - if you are a buyer, you pay buyer's commission and in most cases tax and shipping. If you're a seller, most times you have to pay a consignment fee and then take a hit on the percentage of the price realized. For a certain segment of the gun world, yours is a very desireable gun. With proper advertising on the right site, or by going to a gun show catering to such arms (e.g., modern sporting guns) you are bound to do much better. Unless you need or want the money right away, I would think carefully about this. I'm sure there are people on this BBS that would be happy to purchase your gun and give Dave his miniscule fee in the bargain. Just my $.02 worth. KBM

Why not take some photos and advertise on this site? It only costs $10 if you sell it?

Jim

Thanks for the replies. I am in no hurry to sell the gun but I am at a loss as to its value and thought that a well publicized auction such Julia's would tell the tale. I am partial to Parkers and would rather shoot my 6 lb. VH 20 than my 6 3/4 lb. 21. If I sell this gun because of this posting or if I list it on the BBS and sell it I will gladly pay Dave as I have in the past.

What did Julia suggest it was worth?

They estimated $8500-$12,500. This is a tremendous spread and I have no illusions of the higher range.

I can't comment on the fair market price of your Model 21, however, I can comment on Auction House procedures. The "house" will always give the consignor a high estimate range in hope of getting the gun into the auction. If the gun doesn't reach bid level, well that's your problem...it was just a "best guess" anyway. Of course, if you set a reserve price, you'll pay additional fees on top of the fees for advertising and promotion, and the sales commission if it does sell. After deducting those fees you'll probably find it of more value to sell to a knowledgeable buyer on a site like this one. With the provenance you have for the gun there will be interest.