Our appraisal service is thorough and concise, employing the latest information and pricing guidlines obtained from recent publications and trends in the antique Colt market. We provide a type written discription of the firearm, note unusual characteristics or markings, discuss the historical connections if any and document when possible these connections. We will ascertain the authenticity of color, markings and materials and include four photo views of the firearm, inserted within or listed with the text of the appraisal. In cases where only an opinion can be offered, we will state this and charge a lesser fee. Our service will include civilian and military arms. Since we have been involved in the restoration business for over 32 years, the recut or restored markings from various sources, including our own, are in our data base. Surprisingly enough, there have been many guns thought to be fakes that were, in fact, completely original. The condition was so good that collectors were afraid they were restored! An excellent appraisal can sometimes bring you a small fortune!
Our fees will be based upon the determined value of your firearm. 5% up to the first 5000 dollars worth of value, 10% thereafter. Please call us at 330-952-0031 to discuss your needs. Discounts will apply to collections of more than 2 guns.
Disputes will be delt with discreetly, refunding the fee if the patron has documented proof of an error in our evaluation. The advice here, if you would have doubts, is to get a second opinion before you sell or buy, thus avoiding trouble with the next owner. Valuations WILL NOT be given over the phone. The firearm in question must be examined personally
J. P. LOWER MARKED FIREARMS OF ALL TYPES WILL BE EVALUATED FOR AUTHENTIC MARKINGS AT A FEE OF $50, IN ADDITION TO ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED APRAISAL COSTS.
A WORD ABOUT AUTHENTICATIONS, RESTORATIONS AND FAKES.
The Colt single action has been the subject of many opinions when it comes to restoration, part replacement and value. No other firearm except for perhaps the Colt 1911 auto has had so many alterations and changes made outside the factory. Finding one in unaltered condition is NOT unusual, but you need to know your items before you start collecting. The published works of John Kopec and Kieth Cochran are excellent starting points for your own education. Or, consult with a known Colt SA expert first. This office would be happy to assist in any decision making using text photos. A 75 dollar fee can be sent to my Pay Pal account when using the photo method. If you want to bring it to the shop or a show for my personal inspection, 50 dollars will be the flat fee.
The historical connections are important to many collectors, but many more don't really care. In the trade, Colt single actions are expensive enough without tacking on another 500 bucks for extra historical information. Factory letters that list serial numbers, shipping dates and locations, configurations and calibers are a sure positive when checking authenticity. Any other information, depending on the person or persons involved with it, are based on opinions. Not all opinions are correct or valid, but it will be up to the purchaser to decide what is acceptable, and make a decision. SA Colts are sacrosanct for some reason in the minds of traditional collectors.
This may be due to the large number of SA's available since the 1930's when collecting became a gentleman's hobby. Many of the older collectors had access to the finest quality available at reasonable costs. There was no reason to "study" them because the fraternity traded knowledge as well as Colts. When restored Colts began to show in the sixties, collectors may have feared being taken to the cleaners by a restored gun that could fool them. And, some were and retaliated.
