10 Steps to Consider...

...if you're interested in collecting old guns.

 Greg     Buying Trip    October 27, 2023

Recently, I was preparing to go on a buying trip and began thinking about how much pleasure this hobby had brought to me over the years. The changes that have taken place are immense. In my early days of collecting old guns, almost all of my purchases were made in person at gun shows, gun stores, estate sales or pawn shops. With time, more and more of my purchases were from online (see Buying a Gun Online).

Buying Trip Begins with Phone Call

In my Gun Blog today, I thought I would talk about some basic generalities of collecting, which could apply to anything and not just old guns.

A collector taking a buying trip typically involves someone who has a passion for collecting specific items, such as art, antiques, vintage items, coins, stamps, or other collectibles, embarking on a journey to acquire new pieces for their collection.

Here's a general overview of what a collector's buying trip might involve:

• 1. Research: Before the trip, the collector researches the items they want to add to their collection. This includes studying market trends, understanding the current value of items, and identifying potential sources or sellers.
• 2. Setting a Budget: It's important to establish a budget for the buying trip to ensure that expenses are controlled and within reasonable limits.
• 3. Destination: The collector decides on the destination for their buying trip. This could be a specific city or region known for the type of collectibles they are interested in. For example, someone collecting rare books might visit a city with renowned bookstores.
• 4. Itinerary: Creating a detailed itinerary is essential, including the schedule of which places or sellers to visit, dates and times, and any related events or auctions happening during the trip.
• 5. Networking: Connecting with local collectors, dealers, and experts in the field can be valuable. They might provide valuable insights, introductions to sellers, or knowledge about hidden gems.
• 6. Transportation: Arranging transportation to and within the destination is crucial. This could involve booking flights, trains, or driving to reach various locations.
• 7. Accommodations: Booking accommodations for the duration of the trip to ensure a comfortable stay.
• 8. Negotiation Skills: Collectors often need to have strong negotiation skills to secure the best deals on the items they want. Bargaining is a common practice in buying collectibles.
• 9. Authentication: Verifying the authenticity of items is crucial, especially when collecting valuable or rare items. Collectors might consult experts or use authentication services.
• 10. Packing and Shipping: Planning for how acquired items will be packed and shipped back home is important. Fragile or valuable collectibles require special care in packaging.
• 11. Documentation: Keeping meticulous records of purchases, including receipts, provenance information, and any certificates of authenticity.
• 12. Customs and Regulations: Understanding and complying with customs and import regulations is necessary, especially when bringing collectibles across international borders.
• 13. Enjoyment: A buying trip can also be an opportunity for collectors to immerse themselves in their passion, visiting museums, galleries, and other attractions related to their collecting interest.
• 14. Evaluation: After returning from the trip, collectors assess their purchases and decide how these new items fit into their collection. They may also consider whether further research or restoration is needed.

Ready for the Buying Trip

A buying trip can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for collectors, allowing them to add unique and meaningful pieces to their collections while also expanding their knowledge and network within their chosen field of interest.

You may find a related item, like those Smith & Wesson Survival Series knives. During a buying trip, collectors often visit different locations, such as antique shops, auctions, estate sales, flea markets, or even other collectors' private collections. They are on the lookout for items that fit their specific collection interests and may be willing to pay a premium for particularly rare or valuable pieces.