Original longrifle prices

[Shreckmeister]

The KRA has given me the opportunity to see amazing pieces of American history that otherwise could only be seen a piece or two at a time in museums behind glass and definitely no opportunity to pick up and examine the amazing details.  Dave Hanson’s collection comes to mind. The best of the best of the best and the man is kind enough to allow you to handle them. To me it’s like holding a Rembrandt. Quite thrilling really. So to a degree I can appreciate why they don’t want to be open to the public, but we do need to work harder at inclusion. Sometimes I take rifles to shows open to the public and a guy will ask to handle your rifle and the proceed to put it down hard on the buttplate against the floor or roll the rifle over and  stress the ramrod pipe sideways with the ramrod. They just don’t know any better.

[Seth Isaacson]

This summer was my first show as a KRA member, and I absolutely appreciated that it was closed to the public. There was a ton of pieces on open display that you wouldn't dare leave out if anyone and everyone was there. They also had top notch security for the gun room. That led to lots of incredible pieces being available for examination, and it also meant that it was really easy to walk around and talk with everyone about their pieces. The organization does other events that are more open and also works on some neat public displays at various museums, the NRA Annual Meeting, etc. to promote the organization and these historic arms. Joining is a somewhat involved process but not overly difficult. I was able to join thanks to two members here helping me as endorser and sponsor and then had a great time at the show with the one that was able to make it. I don't recall meeting anyone at the show that wasn't excited to share what they knew and what they had. I'm definitely planning on going back again this year.

[dweber49]

For those who have been involved in collecting for a while, how do current prices compare to those from say 20 years ago?  Does this vary with desirability?  Have high-end longrifles held their value better?  Where do you see prices heading in the future?

Jim

In the late 70’s, Sam Pennington, the founder of the Maine Antiques Digest wrote “I fear people will know the price of everything, but the value of nothing”.  This has stuck with me the last 45 years.  It’s tempting to get caught up in acquiring an item because it’s a good price, but of questionable value.  Items of importance usually hold up over time.  Take this as you may.

[DaveM]

I always thought prices were a bit disparate between rifles with patchboxes and early Pennsylvania long guns without patchboxes. Like everyone here I really like early rifles with patchboxes. But there is just as much history and artistry per pound with the Pennsylvania fowling and smooth rifle guns. There are some real unique gems out there, some signed, carved etc., same history - just no patchbox. Does anyone have thoughts on how the compartive prices on smooth guns have been heading in recent years?

[Seth Isaacson]

Of the more expensive American flintlocks I've cataloged, the only one that comes to mind that was a smoothbore without a patchbox was been a Medad Hills gun that went for $51,000. Some of the "smooth rifles" with patchboxes have done well, but the expensive ones tend to be the fancier rifles with carving and patchboxes.