IMHO: take two guns of similar condition, grade, gauge, ect., and same price. Lay them side by side. One has well owned provenance, the other does not. The one with provenance will probably sell first. It may even command a slight premium. The problem is when folks discover that their gun was once owned by someone of past fame or fortune, (no matter who it was) they think they have found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Historically speaking perhaps they have, but in strict monetary terms not necessarily so. If you can connect it to someone like Annie Oakley, then all bets are off. But then anything connected with Miss Oakley renders collectors insane. Selling a gun with special provenance requires a very special and limited market. 98 + % of the people on this forum or in the general market place are not going to pay significantly more for a gun just because it belonged to the one time rich and famous. I, however, really, really, really like a gun with provenance. I think the gun in question was a fabulous find with a wonderful history and would encourage Mr. Corely to do lots of research. I promise that it will add untold personal value to the gun for him.
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