Major Dispersal Help

[Harry Collins]

Friends,

I have had a reversal of fortune and lost 3/4 of my income. I need to sell off all but family Parkers, my fathers Browning 425's as well as his pistols and most of mine. I know it is a soft market, however I must reduce my debt burden.

Should I wait until the Annual Meeting in Louisville to see if any of you would want some of the offerings?

Should I give them to a local dealer and let him handle it?

Any sugestions or advice would be appreciated. I am sick over having to let heirlooms go and have not slept at night. I just lay there going over what I could or should do.

If I file bankruptcy will they come and take my "stuff" and sell it to satisfy my creditors?

Boys, I'm lost.

Harry

[Angel Cruz]

Harry, I feel for you partner. I've been there twice and I'll tell you what I did and maybe bring some relief. The first time I went the bankcruptcy route and no they do not come and take your stuff. I have 2.33 acres of land and they did'nt touch that nor did the want any of my weapons or personal belongings. They wanted hard assets.
Just over a year ago I lost half of my income and unfortunally I had to sell my Parkers. I don't think you need to sell everything at once. I sold what I needed to meet the bills that month and I held on till thing got better.
Thank God they did. In the meantime get some sleep. There is absolutly nothing you can do at 2 oclock in the morning so you might as well sleep. You will feel better and think more clearly.
Hang in there and God will provide.

Best to you..
Angel

[Bob Jurewicz]

Harry,
Very sorry to hear of your hard times. Only advice I would have is to consult a "good"/"great" bankrupcy lawyer before you start to convert personal unrecorded assets to cash. Once you know all of your rights you will be best able to make the appropriate decisions.
Bob Jurewicz

[Mark Landskov]

Harry, sorry to hear of your situation. If it wasn't for the distance factor, the only dealer I ever worked with is John Puglisi. He sold a dozen L.C. Smiths for me on consignment and got top dollar for them. I recall John calling me only once to see if I would accept an offer. Good luck.

[Harry Collins]

I had thought of Jack, God rest his Soul, he just passed
away. He was who I had thought of.

[John Dallas]

You might want to consider Jaqua's in Findley, Ohio

[Eric Eis]

Harry I am very sorry to hear this. I sent you a pm. Eric

[Dave Suponski]

Harry, I am so very sorry to hear of this. It seems everyday I hear about either a business or a friend facing hard times and quite frankly it scares the hell outta me. Many years ago I went thru a nasty marriage breakup and had to file.The advise Angel gave you is good sound advise.

Harry, These things have a way of working out. Remember as one door closes another opens...Help comes many times from where we least expect it.

Harry I would put a few of the Parkers on here first. You are a well respected member and I think they would go fairly fast. JMHO

Hang in there my friend..

[George Lander]

Harry: You obviously have friends here. I sent you a PM. Hang in there

George

[Mike Shepherd]

Harry I would start by listing one Parker here. And then another and then another. Probably list them over on the Doublegun also later. Take your time. I don't know who knows how to post pictures here and who doesn't but if you don't know email them to me and I will post them for you - both here and on the Doublegun. I wouldn't sell any guns until I got them listed in the classfieds.

I will PM you my email.

Best,

Mike

[Mike Shepherd]

PM Sent

[Pat Dugan]

If you decide to sell them yourself, try to work out something with a FFL holder to ship them for you. I now find it impossible to buy guns unless they are shipped from an FFL Holder. The gun dealers around her just wont receive them shipped from an individual, even though it is perfectly legal.


PDD

[Francis Morin]

Harry- for what it is worth in passing- this is probably the ONLY website concerning good/great double guns where we can be open and honest amongst the brotherhood- You go to other sites and see someone not "wanting to sell" but "needing to sell" some tangible assets- they are inviting the unscrupulous and sharp operators to move in and take advantage of their financial situation-- You are open and upfront, and a gentleman, like my good friend Angel Cruz, who has already responded and mentioned a few things I already knew- and I respect my "amigo de todos los amigoes" even more for that-- I concur with the wisdom expressed to you as a friend by others here- things do change- sometimes the worse move we can make is to "panic" when the wold starts to howl outside the cabin-

Put your shotguns up here first- we have a code of conduct- and you won't get the "tire kickers" chiming in, as on Yee Olde Double Gun Shoppe- I never met Jack Puglisi, but his reputation spoke volumes about the man, like Mike McIntosh (whom I met with Gene Hill in 1990) a gunner's gun dealer and honest and open. I still hear from old friend Bill Jaqua every now and then, but his daughter Camilla and her husband run the store nowadays- but like Jack Puglisi (and others we know) Bill also set the standard for honest and fair gun dealing--

I think I speak for all of your friends here- we wish only the best for you, today and tomorrow- all things pass, and there is a time and purpose under Heaven!!:bigbye::bigbye:

[Mike Shepherd]

Not the same everywhere. My FFL has received several long guns for me from individuals. He requires them to email him a copy of their driver's license in case the gun turns out to be stolen. Gives me some recourse against the seller he says.

Best,

Mike

[charlie cleveland]

harry im sorry for your loss of income andwhat misfortion as befallen onyou...you have many friends on this site..i feel that i know you through the site...these fellas are giving good advise...look at the good side of it you have your familf health friends what more can a person really ask....by the grace of GODyou will overcome...i would not sell my heirlooms ....charlie

[Mark Parela]

Yeah it's called Gunbroker.com name your price, be honest in your description. I sold and bought pile of guns of the web.

Next up reinvent yourself, no matter what there's always a buck to made. I have a good friend loose it all to the point he was living in my basement, today he drives around to homes and picks up there dog crap 3 times a week. He's doing pretty good with it I might add.

[Rich Anderson]

Harry I'm sorry to hear of your missfortune. I have always considered my guns as part of my retirement package.

Don't do anything rash as once there gone there gone no recalls allowed. Money is made and lost everyday, the Parkers arn't. This will sound corney but I firmly believe that for every adversity there is a seed of equal or greater benefit.

You have family, friends and at the end of the day that's where the real riches lie.

[Harry Collins]

Fellows, I appreciate all the kind and sound advice. It is a little overwhelming. I have had so many PM's that I was only able to respond with a sentence. As many of you have advised, I am going to talk to my horrid attorney friend when he returns to town and digest all your suggestions. I only have a few months "hip pocket" to sort things out and remain optimistic.

Should I get letters on the Parkers? This is going to ammount to over $500.00.

Harry

[Ed Blake]

Forget the letters; save your cash. Anyone who buys one of your guns will always think of it as the "Harry Collins" gun.

[Angel Cruz]

Forget the letters, save your money!!!

[George Lander]

Fellows, I appreciate all the kind and sound advice. It is a little overwhelming. I have had so many PM's that I was only able to respond with a sentence. As many of you have advised, I am going to talk to my horrid attorney friend when he returns to town and digest all your suggestions. I only have a few months "hip pocket" to sort things out and remain optimistic.

Should I get letters on the Parkers? This is going to ammount to over $500.00.

Harry

Harry:On the other hand PGCA might cut you a deal on a number of letters. One of which might show provenance that would enhance the value, perhaps a little, perhaps a lot. Just a thought.

Best Regards, George

[Mike Shepherd]

Depends on the gun. If you are selling one in a scarce and desirable configuration that you believe to be original and you can't prove it by the Serialization book then a letter might be in order. If you have an old VH 12 shooter with a white line pad and the stock has had varnish added over the completely worn checkering and the wrist is pinned then I wouldn't get a letter.

Best,

Mike

[Eric Eis]

Harry, I agree with the rest, if the gun is in the book and it books out no need for a letter if it is something special then maybe a letter but if it's in the book let the next guy order the letter. Glad to see that you are stepping back and taking a breath... Best Eric

[Harry Collins]

The 4 frame 32" D grade 10 gauge hammergun might get a letter. As Bill Murphy has mentioned many of those belonged to live bird shots.

I have a few Parkers that have the order number stamped on the barrel flats. Were all these orders done just by citizens or did they include the hardware store too.?

Harry

[Dave Suponski]

Harry, Early hammer Parkers had the order number stamped on them at the factory. I think this was pretty much over with by serial 20,000. I am just going from memory here....which ain't too good sometimes...:rolleyes: Glad you are taking a deep breath here....

[ed good]

list them on gunbroker and gunsamerica, as well. let me know if you need any help. ed

[Bill Murphy]

Harry, an order number was assigned to each transaction, whether a purchase or a repair, an individual or a business.

[Harry Collins]

Thanks Ed, I'll check them out.

Harry

[Rich Anderson]

Harry I will just add my 2 cents regarding the letters. I agree with the save your money program. I have a couple of letters and they came with the guns when I bought them and I didn't have to pay any extra for them.

I might know a place for the 4 frame 10 bore if it comes to that. No it's not me:nono:

[Pete Lester]

Harry, I am sorry to learn of your misfortune, I hope things take a turn for the better very soon. The only advice I can think to offer is take your time when it comes to selling your guns, do not sell in haste if you can avoid it. Your first best avenue for sales is right here.

[Ronald Moore]

Harry: what exactly do you have to sell, i might buy all of them.

Ron Moore
505-980-6018

[Eric Eis]

Ron give Harry a chance to get his head around this before asking that kind of question.. As I have said Harry take your time before you do something rash... Eric

PS. Vultures need not apply.........!

[Harry Collins]

I am going to sell about 40 guns. Ten are Parkers and though I hate parting with them as some are my favorites. I am keeping the family Parkers though I'm selling some of Papa's pistols & 425's and this kills me. The toughest part has not been identifying what will go, but what price to place on them to get them sold. So far I just want to get out of the Parkers what I have in them.

So many of you have been very kind to offer to buy. I have been advised to put one up for sale at a time and others think I should post a list or send out a list. I want to be fair to all and I want to retire my debt quickly. What ever I do, please know that I am not trying to hurt anyones feelings. I just need to get out of debt and be able to pay my remaining bills on what I receive from my two part time jobs.

Harry

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Harry, Eric is right! Take your time ,Consult your lawyer first and ask what the up front cost will be and if he will work on a time and pay fee. Sell those cherished firearms last! We all have guns that though they may be rough they have irreplaceable memories! Once you get your mind on the right track the good lord will guide you hang in there ! Gary

[Mike Shepherd]

Harry I recommend you select one gun and get started. Get the dimensions and configuration written up. Then write up the description of the condition. Then take pictures and post it here for sale. Focus on listing one gun. After the first one is listed the others will come much easier. Since you know what you paid for it add half to the purchase price as the asking price. If it is too high you will be able to tell. If it is too low you will never know but you will have sold it.

Best,


Mike

[Ronald Moore]

Eric: I am no vulture, just wanted to let him know I could buy all of them if he wants to turn them quickly. I am a collector and do no sell anything I buy. I have been fortunate in my life and am at a point that I like to buy Parkers, LC Smith and Foxes just to look at. H e seems to need to turn guns into cash quickly and I can do that.

Ron Moore

[Francis Morin]

A lot of my friends and those I know casually through the PGCA and attending some of the great side-by-side events in MI have 'chimed in" here. First, I think we all commend our PGCA brother Harry here for being so open and honest about his unfortunate situation-and his possible decision to liquidate some of his gun collection to reduce his debt level. That is at both hands- an honorable and right thing for any gentleman to do. no matter how those debts have occurred in his life's pathway.

IMO, Harry could have just as easily started to post some Parkers with fotos on the for sale section of the PGCA website and not said anything about the apparent misfortune that has befallen him. The fact that he is comfortable in sharing these details amongst the PGCA brotherhood speaks volumes, both about him, and our Assn.

I do not decry those who may have mentioned the outright purchase either- no misfeasance or "vulture's greed" was implied- we are all astute enough to know that no one is going to buy (hypothetically) a AHE 20 made in 1921 in 90% original condition from Harry for the same price a Trojan 20 made in 1921 in 45% original condition- I am not a lawyer (Thank God) but there are times we need their assistance, ditto a CPA- and I think Harry has been well served by the advice from others, as well as his own common sense, to consult with those professionals and to take the smaller luxury of a few extra days in lieu of a quicker "buy-out"-- Harry, no matter how the cat jumps the fence on this, we all wish you the best!!:bigbye:

[George Lander]

Harry: Francis is dead right. When going through some of my more bleaker times in owing banks money I decided to take the attitude: "Well if they're going to worry about what I owe them, then I'm not going to worry about it. There is no need for both of us to worry!"

And then I created for myself the mindset: "I'm going to put all of my problems (and I had a bunch of them & still do have a few) in a windowless room with only one locked door to which I have the only key. From time to time when I have to I'll go into that room and deal with my problems but I will never let them out to intrude on the rest of my life."

Harry, life is way too short to get all worried and down over financial problems. You are right in trying to solve them but DON'T let them get the better of you. We're all praying for you here.

Best Regards, Your Friend, George

[Eric Eis]

Eric: I am no vulture, just wanted to let him know I could buy all of them if he wants to turn them quickly. I am a collector and do no sell anything I buy. I have been fortunate in my life and am at a point that I like to buy Parkers, LC Smith and Foxes just to look at. H e seems to need to turn guns into cash quickly and I can do that.

Ron Moore

Sorry Ron but when someone comes in and says I'll buy them all when a guy is down on his luck I view that a being a vulture, just the same as someone coming up to a widow a couple of days after her husband passed and wanting to buy his guns. Sorry that's the way I feel and that's the way you came across to me with your post. Eric

[Ed Blake]

Harry - You've received quite a bit of advice here from people who care about your situation. Here's some more: avoid disclosing plans for divesting of assets if you are contemplating bankruptcy. Your creditors can easily google Harry Collins and see your discussions of selling guns, etc. Lawyers are a resourceful bunch and the internet casts a wide net. Like others have said, get good counsel and do what you can to protect yourself. And keep it off-line. "Nuff said.

[calvin humburg]

Harry, My heart is sad also. I wish the best to an ol Salt. Never herts to ask God for a little help. ch

[Chris Travinski]

Harry,

Things are scarry every where right now and I think we can all relate to how you feel right now to some degree. Please hold off as long as you can as you will never get a fair price if you are trying to sell guns in a hurry. These are pieces your going to regret selling and will probably not be able to be replaced. Reading your posts I can literally feel your pain, and I hope the best for you, but please think what you are doing through before you make any decisions.

Best reguards,
Chris