Bounty Hunter
Senior Member
We've had a lot of discussions concerning different interpretations of condition definitions.
The 2009 19th Edition of the Standard Firearms Catalog provides a very "In Depth" grading systems for firearms.
First of all, I have cut and pasted the introduction section, (grading system follows) and would highly recommend a copy of this book be added to your reference collection. Only a "tid-bid" of information is provided here. The wealth of information in this one book, could prevent you, the seller and/or the buyer from making a serious mistake on your selling/buying decision, and would many times over, pay for the price of this Firearms Catalog. I'm sure there are other opinions out there on "grading systems", but this one IMO.. is one of the finest available.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 19th edition of Standard Catalog of Firearms.
This latest and most comprehensive edition contains new
features I hope you find useful.
Compiled by Fred Baumann, our “Value Tracker” sidebars
establish historical pricing trends for a variety of collectible
firearms. Prices in the “Value Tracker” listings are taken from
firearms auction firms that publish printed catalogs as well as
printed lists of the prices realized. Descriptive commentary
displayed in quotation marks is taken from the original auction
description (e.g., “Fine”). Where no general description of
condition appears in the auction catalog, one is composed by us
to summarize the overall condition of the firearm to the best of our
ability based on the description given, shown without quotation
marks (e.g., about F-VF). Significant flaws are identified
wherever possible, though not every minor flaw may be
mentioned. As a rule, the “Value Tracker” records only prices for
individual firearms that are in good working order or can be easily
made so. Exceptionally valuable firearms (such as presentationcased
guns, multi-barrel sets, or lavishly engraved examples) –
as well as non-functional firearms (so-called “parts guns”) – are
deliberately excluded from the listings to avoid skewing the
analysis of values up or down.
Throughout this edition, you will see certain models
identified as “sleepers”: models that are undergoing, or
are likely to undergo, an upward shift in value. These
entries are identified by the icon shown at the right. In
today’s volatile market, however, nothing is certain, so we can
make no guarantees as to the future appreciation of any model.
We have also expanded our perspective to take into account
the growing effect of the internet in establishing collectible
firearms pricing. As far as we can tell, internet websites, local gun
shops and traditional auction houses can exist quite well side-byside,
and the overall effect of the internet has been to expand the
hobby dramatically. We can all profit from its existence: buyers,
sellers and window-shoppers alike.
We’ve also included a few brief feature pieces dealing with
specific guns or collecting trends. We hope you enjoy them.
These pieces are part of our recent emphasis on what might be
called “second-tier” collectibles, an emphasis we plan to
continue.
May your collecting always remain safe and enjoyable. Happy
hunting!
Dan Shideler
Editor
May your collecting always remain safe and enjoyable. Happy
hunting!
Dan Shideler
Editor
The following is provided for our members for their use in determining the "accurate" description of items posted on GON.
Ron
GRADING SYSTEM
In the opinion of the editor, all grading systems are
subjective. It is our task to offer the collector and dealer a
measurement that most closely reflects a general
consensus on condition. The system we present seems to
come closest to describing a firearm in universal terms. We
strongly recommend that the reader acquaint himself with
this grading system before attempting to determine the
correct price for a particular firearm’s condition.
Remember, in most cases condition determines price.
NIB—New in Box
This category can sometimes be misleading. It means that the
firearm is in its original factory carton with all of the appropriate
papers. It also means the firearm is new; that it has not been fired
and has no wear. This classification brings a substantial premium
for both the collector and shooter.
Excellent
Collector quality firearms in this condition are highly desirable.
The firearm must be in at least 98 percent condition with respect
to blue wear, stock or grip finish, and bore. The firearm must also
be in 100 percent original factory condition without refinishing,
repair, alterations or additions of any kind. Sights must be factory
original as well. This grading classification includes both modern
and antique (manufactured prior to 1898) firearms.
Very Good
Firearms in this category are also sought after both by the
collector and shooter. Modern firearms must be in working order
and retain approximately 92 percent original metal and wood
finish. It must be 100 percent factory original, but may have some
small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions. No refinishing
is permitted in this category. Antique firearms must have 80
percent original finish with no repairs.
Good
Modern firearms in this category may not be considered to be
as collectable as the previous grades, but antique firearms are
considered desirable. Modern firearms must retain at least 80
percent metal and wood finish, but may display evidence of old
refinishing. Small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions are
sometimes encountered in this class. Factory replacement parts
are permitted. The overall working condition of the firearm must
be good as well as safe. The bore may exhibit wear or some
corrosion, especially in antique arms. Antique firearms may be
included in this category if their metal and wood finish is at least
50 percent original factory finish.
Fair
Firearms in this category should be in satisfactory working
order and safe to shoot. The overall metal and wood finish on the
modern firearm must be at least 30 percent and antique firearms
must have at least some original finish or old re-finish remaining.
Repairs, alterations, nonfactory additions, and recent refinishing
would all place a firearm in this classification. However, the
modern firearm must be in working condition, while the antique
firearm may not function. In either case the firearm must be
considered safe to fire if in a working state.
Poor
Neither collectors nor shooters are likely to exhibit much
interest in firearms in this condition. Modern firearms are likely
to retain little metal or wood finish. Pitting and rust will be seen
in firearms in this category. Modern firearms may not be in
working order and may not be safe to shoot. Repairs and
refinishing would be necessary to restore the firearm to safe
working order. Antique firearms will have no finish and will not
function. In the case of modern firearms their principal value lies
in spare parts. On the other hand, antique firearms in this
condition may be used as “wall hangers” or as an example of an
extremely rare variation or have some kind of historical
significance.
Pricing Sample Format
NIB Exc. V.G. Good Fair Poor
2250 1800 1500 1250 1000 700
The 2009 19th Edition of the Standard Firearms Catalog provides a very "In Depth" grading systems for firearms.
First of all, I have cut and pasted the introduction section, (grading system follows) and would highly recommend a copy of this book be added to your reference collection. Only a "tid-bid" of information is provided here. The wealth of information in this one book, could prevent you, the seller and/or the buyer from making a serious mistake on your selling/buying decision, and would many times over, pay for the price of this Firearms Catalog. I'm sure there are other opinions out there on "grading systems", but this one IMO.. is one of the finest available.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 19th edition of Standard Catalog of Firearms.
This latest and most comprehensive edition contains new
features I hope you find useful.
Compiled by Fred Baumann, our “Value Tracker” sidebars
establish historical pricing trends for a variety of collectible
firearms. Prices in the “Value Tracker” listings are taken from
firearms auction firms that publish printed catalogs as well as
printed lists of the prices realized. Descriptive commentary
displayed in quotation marks is taken from the original auction
description (e.g., “Fine”). Where no general description of
condition appears in the auction catalog, one is composed by us
to summarize the overall condition of the firearm to the best of our
ability based on the description given, shown without quotation
marks (e.g., about F-VF). Significant flaws are identified
wherever possible, though not every minor flaw may be
mentioned. As a rule, the “Value Tracker” records only prices for
individual firearms that are in good working order or can be easily
made so. Exceptionally valuable firearms (such as presentationcased
guns, multi-barrel sets, or lavishly engraved examples) –
as well as non-functional firearms (so-called “parts guns”) – are
deliberately excluded from the listings to avoid skewing the
analysis of values up or down.
Throughout this edition, you will see certain models
identified as “sleepers”: models that are undergoing, or
are likely to undergo, an upward shift in value. These
entries are identified by the icon shown at the right. In
today’s volatile market, however, nothing is certain, so we can
make no guarantees as to the future appreciation of any model.
We have also expanded our perspective to take into account
the growing effect of the internet in establishing collectible
firearms pricing. As far as we can tell, internet websites, local gun
shops and traditional auction houses can exist quite well side-byside,
and the overall effect of the internet has been to expand the
hobby dramatically. We can all profit from its existence: buyers,
sellers and window-shoppers alike.
We’ve also included a few brief feature pieces dealing with
specific guns or collecting trends. We hope you enjoy them.
These pieces are part of our recent emphasis on what might be
called “second-tier” collectibles, an emphasis we plan to
continue.
May your collecting always remain safe and enjoyable. Happy
hunting!
Dan Shideler
Editor
May your collecting always remain safe and enjoyable. Happy
hunting!
Dan Shideler
Editor
The following is provided for our members for their use in determining the "accurate" description of items posted on GON.
Ron
GRADING SYSTEM
In the opinion of the editor, all grading systems are
subjective. It is our task to offer the collector and dealer a
measurement that most closely reflects a general
consensus on condition. The system we present seems to
come closest to describing a firearm in universal terms. We
strongly recommend that the reader acquaint himself with
this grading system before attempting to determine the
correct price for a particular firearm’s condition.
Remember, in most cases condition determines price.
NIB—New in Box
This category can sometimes be misleading. It means that the
firearm is in its original factory carton with all of the appropriate
papers. It also means the firearm is new; that it has not been fired
and has no wear. This classification brings a substantial premium
for both the collector and shooter.
Excellent
Collector quality firearms in this condition are highly desirable.
The firearm must be in at least 98 percent condition with respect
to blue wear, stock or grip finish, and bore. The firearm must also
be in 100 percent original factory condition without refinishing,
repair, alterations or additions of any kind. Sights must be factory
original as well. This grading classification includes both modern
and antique (manufactured prior to 1898) firearms.
Very Good
Firearms in this category are also sought after both by the
collector and shooter. Modern firearms must be in working order
and retain approximately 92 percent original metal and wood
finish. It must be 100 percent factory original, but may have some
small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions. No refinishing
is permitted in this category. Antique firearms must have 80
percent original finish with no repairs.
Good
Modern firearms in this category may not be considered to be
as collectable as the previous grades, but antique firearms are
considered desirable. Modern firearms must retain at least 80
percent metal and wood finish, but may display evidence of old
refinishing. Small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions are
sometimes encountered in this class. Factory replacement parts
are permitted. The overall working condition of the firearm must
be good as well as safe. The bore may exhibit wear or some
corrosion, especially in antique arms. Antique firearms may be
included in this category if their metal and wood finish is at least
50 percent original factory finish.
Fair
Firearms in this category should be in satisfactory working
order and safe to shoot. The overall metal and wood finish on the
modern firearm must be at least 30 percent and antique firearms
must have at least some original finish or old re-finish remaining.
Repairs, alterations, nonfactory additions, and recent refinishing
would all place a firearm in this classification. However, the
modern firearm must be in working condition, while the antique
firearm may not function. In either case the firearm must be
considered safe to fire if in a working state.
Poor
Neither collectors nor shooters are likely to exhibit much
interest in firearms in this condition. Modern firearms are likely
to retain little metal or wood finish. Pitting and rust will be seen
in firearms in this category. Modern firearms may not be in
working order and may not be safe to shoot. Repairs and
refinishing would be necessary to restore the firearm to safe
working order. Antique firearms will have no finish and will not
function. In the case of modern firearms their principal value lies
in spare parts. On the other hand, antique firearms in this
condition may be used as “wall hangers” or as an example of an
extremely rare variation or have some kind of historical
significance.
Pricing Sample Format
NIB Exc. V.G. Good Fair Poor
2250 1800 1500 1250 1000 700
