SENDING MY COLLECTION TO AUCTION

[Bill Murphy]

I respect Allan's comments as I respect him. However, the dealers are overwhelmed with Parker inventory and I'm not sure how fast they are turning over. Another thing to consider is that we all have gotten bargains from the best of auction houses. Buyers of some of your items will also get bargains.

[George Lander]

Originally Posted by Mike Franzen

George you should consider posting the Parker's here for a few days before shipping them out. Btw ... tell Billy I said hi.

Mike, I will do just that & I will tell Billy that you said hello

Best Regards, George

[Craig Larter]

I have had great experience with a small local auction (Hessney) for guns worth less than 1K, low commission 10% and pay in 10 days---market prices for all of my items. For the middle tier stuff I have had great luck with Amoskeag-----stuff I just wanted to go away and have been VERY happy with realized prices----beat my expectations on my Fox shotguns. For items that I wanted a set dollar amount without the auction risk I have used Tom Wyraz, Steve Barnett and Jay S, all are good depending on the item (Fox=Wyraz ( the best!), Winchester 21's= Tom Wyraz, Jay and Steve, Parkers=Jay or Steve). Tom will give you excellent personal service in my experience, Jay and Steve are great but more big volume dealers. I have purchased from RI and Julia's but have not consigned to them. Both are very good organizations in my opinion. But I have instructed my wife and son to call Julia's on my premature demise and ask for 0% commission to sell all my guns . As eightbore said some guns will sell for strong prices some will falter, average condition guns are in a market downturn. And don't forget the for sale forums on the collector sites------I have sold three Parker on this forum this year--- realistic prices and good Parker guns sell FAST!! in my experience. George if you have a 20ga 32" Sterlingworth CALL ME!!! Craig

[Kensal Rise]

For the generous of heart, there could be another option to the auction house.

The PGCA is a 501(c) 7 organization (thanks Allan). Thus, donations to the PGCA should be tax deductible and can be valued at present retail prices.

So... if one were to "donate" a Parker gun to the PGCA (for raffle/youth incentive, etc.) then the donor could potentially realize the gun's current value as a credit against his or her taxes.

Got a $1500 VHE that you're not sure will fetch $1500 at auction? Donate it. And write off $1500.

I could be wrong about this, but I'm just tossing it out there.

[Jean Swanson]

John

Great idea;however the PGCA is actually a 501(c) 7---the Parker Gun Foundation is in fact a 501(c)3 . The tax consequence is up to you and Uncle Sam.

Have a great day
Allan

[Reggie B]

And the contribution would not be a credit, it would be a deduction from adjusted gross income as an itemized deduction subject so certain limitations depending on several factors. Credits offset tax dollar for dollar. Deductions reduce taxable income, therefore, the tax savings is dependent on your tax bracket.

[Bill Murphy]

Yup, a deduction, not a credit. At my income level, my tax deduction for a donated A-1 Special 20 gauge would probably be about a tenth of the value of the gun.

[George Lander]

Many thanks to everyone who posted here so far. I met with Josh Lowenstiner today and had him look at my collection. I am also considering Charlton Hall Auctions as I have worked for them in the past when they had guns. Some of the others that you mentioned I will consider as well. I have @ 20 or so Parkers, 10 or so A.H.Fox and a couple L.C. Smith.
over 100 long guns and a number of handguns.

My reasons for wanting to sell are three fold: 1. My age 78 2. The fact that no one in my family appreciates old guns and 3. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY my oldest child, my daughter Lisha, is suffering from stage 5 brain cancer. She has had two operations at Duke Medical and will have to have at least one more. Right now she is doing great and she loves to travel. This is how I plan to use the proceeds from my selling my collection. I've enjoyed it long enough and it's time for others to have the pleasure.

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR INPUT AND ADVICE........Best Regards, George

[BRDHNTR]

God bless you George and your daughter. We will pray for her

[Kentucky Bird Hunter]

What a tribute to the love a father feels for his daughter. From all of us dads of daughters, George, our hat is off to you, and we salute your decision. May these decisions go well.

All the best,
Dave