I don't go much out of my way for gun shows anymore. There may be some willingness, as far as I've seen, to negotiate but usually from extremely high starting prices. Too many ARs in weird configurations and occasionally a nice Garand or M1903A3 for a ridiculous price. They've lost me for now.

My last gun show purchase in northern Illinois was this past Spring. I started the discussion with "why you selling this gun so cheap?" Then he made me a deal I couldn't refuse. Looking at similar guns on the net I feel I did better than OK.

I hardly ever go to shows anymore. Granted, I have relocated to a small town in northern CA farming country, where the biggest shooting discipline is duck hunting. The local shows are small, poorly attended, and what space there is is largely filled with black rifles, plastic pistols, jerky, tee-shirts, and antique china/furniture/etc.

I built my entire collection from GOOD shows in the SF Bay Area in the 70's and 80's. You would not believe what used to show up. Most of my collector friends have passed, so when I return to my old haunts, all I see is ghosts (and more %$#$^#%$^ black rifles).

Am about ready to start hanging it up. I plan to prepare a list of items for sale over the winter. I WILL be parting with one of my 26" rifles, but have not decided which. Paring down to 75 SA-made arms will be fairly easy, the next step - 50 - will be harder, and my final goal - the 25 best* or most interesting - will be VERY hard. 

Will be keeping MY Chaffee-Reece!

I have belonged to gun collecting clubs in Michigan, since I was 16 years old. It was always common to quickly pass tables that had little to attract my specific interests. But, I could always find something at a show that was desirable and a good value. (Even though, I often didn't have the resources to buy it).

My 'Buddy' and I have always done well 'Selling'. We periodically cull things from our accumulation and have reasonable prices.

Last week, I had a week-end table at the "Michigan Antique Arms Collectors" show. Table fees have jumped from $50 to $75. I did not see much business going on in regard to gun sales. Growing expenses and lack of action may hurt the size of shows.

The MAAC has become a smaller, lightly attended show, and the population in attendance is aging, (compared to the past). There were not many, under age 55, attendees.

We recouped our table fees on gun sights, collector ammo, manuals, and accessories. My sales were mainly to fellow table holders. The younger people did not seem to have much knowledge, interest, or money.

There were lots of antique guns, but, prices were largely unreasonable. I had some good conversations and learned a few things, but, my purchases were a Mills buckle and some parts.

It was surprising how many 'Walkers' and 'Amigo vehicles' were in use. Our 'fraternity' has aged and not attracted younger members.

'Black Rifles' are not allowed at this show, but, the antique stuff is not great and over-priced. The best items are on 'display' and NFS.

I believe the internet has greatly changed arms and parts sales and the quality of items at a gun show. In recent times, I have had the most success on the internet and at the local gun shop.

My interests have changed over the years. I have never had the wonderful focus and collecting discipline exhibited by Dick Hosmer!

I have been a 'generalist', drawn to some historic military guns and accessories, some hunting guns, certain handguns, and some target arms.

Dick,

You are facing a situation that many of us (or our spouses!) will have to deal with at some time in the future- how to best dispose of our firearm collection.

Auctions are terrible for the seller generally. Auction houses charge 25-30% commission to sell and are up to 20-25% buyer's premium charge in addition to "handling" charges added if they package and ship the firearm. So, auction companies are making around 50% of the sale price of these firearms sold! Amazing.

Selling on Gun Broker is not bad but they charge around 10% of the selling price. A local gun show is good but you don't have the national exposure like an online auction or Gun Broker has.

But, if you have owned these for a while, they have undoubtably increased in value. So, a little cost for selling them isn't bad. If you sell them, though, you probably don't want to give them away. You, like most of us, will want to get a fair current price for them.

I, honestly, am always looking for a bargain. I mostly search and search for a piece that has hidden value and rarely want to pay full price for an item. If I was collecting and trying to fill all of the types of a specific  series or model, I may want to pay full price or more for that one piece I need to fill a hole.

So, I wish you well in figuring out what approach you will take to start selling your hard-earned collection. What you choose to do might help us decide how we deal with the same situation in the future!

I usually attend the Michigan Antique Arms Collectors show and always visit my good friends Chuck and Rich.  I agree... attendance is definitely down, and not many younger people there.  I'll see something I want to look at and get barked at with "Don't Touch That!"  Most of the Krags and Trapdoors I see are over priced.  I wish I had more loose change lying around... I'd walk out with a Krag or two.

I'd love to be able to purchase one of Dick's collection when he starts paring it down... but with my current financial situation... that will have to remain a dream!

I will, however, inherit my dad's 1873 carbine and Bannerman built Trapdoor rifle once dad's gone (hopefully no time soon).  Otherwise, I'll just keep playing the lottery and wishing/dreaming 

Whig - FWIW: Some 'Jungle Carbine' bayonets are quite rare and valuable.

How about posting some pictures of your Dad's carbine and bayonet under 'other arms'?