Blue Book of Gun Values

**bigdawgbeav** · March 27th, 2019, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by gghbi

If you have a good bit of esoteric items, and you are not in a hurry, maybe check with some higher end auction houses. Finding the right buyer might make it worthwhile.

Auction houses want too much for their fees and I'm not sure the overall value of the guns. I'm thinking of taking them to Tanners and see if they would be interested in buying them. I need to raise some funds for unforseen expenses. While these were passed down a couple of generations, I'd rather they go to a good home rather than sit in my safe

**gghbi** · March 27th, 2019, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by bigdawgbeav

Auction houses want too much for their fees and I'm not sure the overall value of the guns. I'm thinking of taking them to Tanners and see if they would be interested in buying them. I need to raise some funds for unforseen expenses. While these were passed down a couple of generations, I'd rather they go to a good home rather than sit in my safe

OK, gotcha. I know Randy at the Handgunner in Topton has a copy of the Blue Book he keeps on the counter for reference. He might be another source, but I would call first. I know he would likely be interested in the 1911, but not so much any rifles, but a call would not hurt. He is a good guy and may let you stop by and look things up if he is not using it.

**Ecclectic Collector** · March 27th, 2019, 08:39 PM

Maybe you should start with the Gunboards forums. I'm pretty sure the folks there would be very interested in both guns. There is a dedicated forum for Lee-Enfield and Commonwealth arms that is a part of it. They have their own classified section. Assuming both the guns you mentioned are in original condition, you should be able to get some pretty fair offers right off the bat.

**Marcus99** · March 27th, 2019, 09:02 PM

Blue book is pretty good, but it does have some draw backs. #1 it's sometimes difficult to differentiate between different models given their descriptions. #2 as others have pointed out, there is also a local market factor. #3 sort of ties into #2, but I would say that blue book values don't really account for lowered value of things that are extremely common and therefore not sought after. For example, most of your run of the mill .22 rifles, 30-30 lever actions without any collector value, 12 ga pump shotguns(Rem 870, Moss. 500, etc...) Most of these guns are "a dime a dozen" and in my experience that lowers the value well below what it will show you in the blue book.

**unclejumbo** · March 27th, 2019, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by bigdawgbeav

The problem is I'm looking to unload pieces that you will not find on Gunbroker... Like a Ross Rifle chambered in .303 that is stamped with all sorts of Canadian Infantry markings, including the bayonet. Plus an older revolver and a 1918 Colt 1911 stamped "United States Property"

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/805094349
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/797756020
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/801405593
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/803780141

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/796793392
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/797206838
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/801482996
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/798044742

**gnbrotz** · March 28th, 2019, 04:26 PM

I have a copy of the 32nd Edition. My understanding is that the values don't change much, so it may be helpful unless the gun was made since that printing.

If you think my copy would be useful, let me know and I'll fix you up.