How to Appraise a Gun Collection

Find an Appraiser for Your Gun Collection

• 1

  Understand that professional appraisers are regulated by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Get more information on regulations and standards from The Appraisal Foundation website (see Resources below). Call The Appraisal Foundation at 202-347-7722 with questions about the USPAP.

• 2

  Find a third party appraiser for your gun collection. A disinterested third party must conduct an appraisal for it to be considered valid for any legal purposes. Appraisers can be found in the phone book or online.

• 3

  Consider an online appraiser. Online appraisals are a convenient way to get a small collection appraised, especially when there are details and pictures available for the online professional to appraise items with.

Appraise Your Gun Collection

• 4

  Compile all relevant information about each gun in your collection for the appraiser. All historical and technical information is pertinent such as make, model and year manufactured. The condition of each gun (scratches in the wood, rust on the metal) is also an important fact to note when seeking an appraisal.

• 5

  Furnish the appraiser with detailed photos of each item to be appraised. Allow the appraiser to see rare or specialty items in person. A professional hands-on assessment will lead to the most accurate appraisal.

• 6

  Get your appraisal in writing. Written appraisals are needed for tax, insurance, sales and other legal purposes. Store your appraisal in a safe place, and consider storing a copy in a fire-safe box.

• 7

  Look for a second opinion. If you do not agree with an appraisal, or if you have had several appraisers disagree about certain items in your collection, solicit a second opinion for the most accurate information about your guns.