"There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." - President Ronald Reagan.

Buy The Amazon Kindle Store Ebook Edition

Buy The Amazon Kindle Store Ebook Edition
Get the ebook edition here! (Click image.)
Showing posts with label collectibles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label collectibles. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

10 Rifles Worth a Fortune — You Might Own One and Not Know It

10 Rifles Worth a Fortune — You Might Own One and Not Know It video by At The Range.

Summary:

He sold grandpa's rifle for a few hundred dollars. It was worth thousands. The only difference was a stamp on the barrel he never checked.

It's never the model it's the marker. The JM stamp. The pre-war serial. The matching numbers. The CMP papers. The original stock nobody sanded. We climb from the rifles probably in your safe tonight all the way to a Winchester that sold for over a million dollars.

Most of you own one of these. The question is whether you know which one and which one to never sell.

What's the one that got away? Tell me below.

You Might Own a $10,000 Rifle and Not Know It

You Might Own a $10,000 Rifle and Not Know It — 10 Most Valuable Guns of 2026 video video by Weapon World.

Note: Some weapons shown do not match the audio. 

Summary:

Stop what you are doing and check your gun safe. Right now — in closets, attics, and storage boxes across America — people are sitting on $10,000, $50,000, and even $250,000 rifles without ANY idea. The collector firearms market is booming in 2026. Auction records are being broken every single month at Rock Island Auction, GunBroker, and James D. Julia. And the rifles most people think are just old family heirlooms? They could be worth a FORTUNE.

We ranked the 10 most valuable guns of 2026 — the exact rifles you need to check for RIGHT NOW. Every value is backed by real 2026 auction data. Watch before you sell ANYTHING.

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

10 Firearms Where Wear Boosts Collector Value

Above, the gun department at Cabela's in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some collectors of firearms prefer pristine or nearly pristine guns. Others prefer some wear on them as it boosts collector value. Since I am in neither camp, I'll just leave it up the the reader.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 10 firearms where wear boosts collector valute. 

They begin it with:

Many collectible firearms gain value when they retain original finishes and show signs of honest use rather than restoration. From classic revolvers and lever-action rifles to iconic military sidearms, subtle patina and light wear often signal authenticity and preserve historical character. Scarcity, craftsmanship, and unaltered condition combine to make these well-worn examples highly sought after by collectors.

To read more, go here

Friday, May 29, 2026

Practical Guide To Selling A Gun Collection



Sometimes people need the sell their guns, whether they sell their guns one at a time or the whole collection. There's a myriad of reasons why they need to do so.

GUNSweek posted an article on how to sell a gun collection. 

They begin it with:

Whether you have a collection that's outgrown your storage or inherited guns that don't fit your needs, you may want to know how to sell a gun collection.

The process definitely comes with questions that selling a single firearm doesn't.

How do you value dozens of guns at once? Is it better to sell everything together or piece it out? Which selling method gets you the best return without consuming your entire life?

And what if you don't know much about the guns you're trying to sell?

This guide walks through all of it – from valuation to selling methods to the logistics of actually getting it done.

To read the full article, go here

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

15 Rifles Quietly Becoming FORTUNES… And Owners Don’t Realize It

15 Rifles Quietly Becoming FORTUNES… And Owners Don’t Realize It video by GunZone.

Summary:

15 Rifles Quietly Becoming FORTUNES… And Owners Don’t Realize It

What if the rifle sitting quietly in your safe is actually becoming a collector goldmine? In this video, we break down 15 Rifles Quietly Becoming FORTUNES that many owners still underestimate. From historic military classics to legendary hunting rifles and ultra desirable collector pieces, these valuable rifles continue climbing in demand among enthusiasts, historians, investors, and serious collectors.

You'll see iconic names like the Colt AR-15 SP1, Springfield Model 1903, M1 Garand, Winchester Model 70, Winchester Model 1886, Original Henry Rifle, Sharps Model 1874, Ruger No.1 Early Production, and more. Some of these rare rifles were once affordable working guns. Today, many have become highly sought-after collector rifles with values that keep moving upward.

Whether you're into gun collecting, historical firearms, military surplus rifles, lever actions, classic hunting rifles, or hidden collector investments, this countdown may completely change how you look at the guns in your collection.

 

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

10 Rifles That Will Be Worth a Fortune (Never Sell These!)

10 Rifles That Will Be Worth a Fortune (Never Sell These!) video by Arms Insider.

Summary:

We rank 10 rifles that are quietly sitting in safes and closets, often with owners unaware of their true worth. This video highlights their real auction prices and historical context, showcasing why these firearms hold enduring value for any gun collector. From vintage firearms to military history pieces, we explore the legacy of these collectibles and provide reasons never to let them go.

 

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Guns That Are Worth More To Owners Than the Market Understands

Above, my Winchester 94 and Winchester 62A. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some guns are worth more to their owners than what its market value may be.

That's the crux of an article posted by The Avid Outdoorsman. Some guns are worth more to their owners, whether it may be sentimental value or other reasons, than what the market understands.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, I was looking for one that is pre-1964 and in good shape. I found one and it is my favorite gun. I would not ever sell it. The Winchester 94 is included in The Avid Outdoorsman's list. On paper (and online), the Winchester 94 doubled in price from what I paid for mine. 

The begin it with:

Some guns never look impressive on a value chart. They are not rare enough for collectors, not flashy enough for trend chasers, and not expensive enough for people to treat them like safe queens. If you sell one, the market may shrug and offer you less than you think it deserves.

That is exactly why some guns are better kept than sold. Their value is not always in resale price. It is in how well they fit your hands, how many seasons they have seen, how easily they still do the job, or how many memories are tied to them. These are the firearms that are worth more to owners than the market usually understands.

To read more, go here

Friday, March 20, 2026

10 Legendary Rifles That You Should Never Sell (Collectors Know Why)

10 Legendary Rifles That You Should Never Sell (Collectors Know Why) video by Arms Advisor.

Summary:

At gun shows right now, collectors are quietly buying the same 10 rifles while everyone else walks past them. Prices are about to explode, and smart money is moving before it's too late. Hit subscribe because what I'm revealing could save you thousands. Let's count down these legendary rifles, starting with number 10.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Why Some Collector Firearms Look Better With Honest Wear

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94. Photo by Larry Lucier.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, it was in good shape with some wear here and there. The bluing, for the most part was nice with just one long scratch. It was made in 1962.

It appears that collector firearms that show some "honest wear" are possibly more valuable than those supposedly in mint condition.

That's the crux of an article in The Avid Outdoorsman

They begin it with:

Not every collectible firearm needs to look untouched to feel valuable. In fact, some of the most appealing collector guns are the ones that show they actually lived a life. Holster wear, thinning blue, softened edges, a darkened walnut stock, and small marks from real use can make certain guns feel more authentic, not less. There is a big difference between abuse and honest wear. Abuse feels careless. Honest wear feels earned.

That is especially true with firearms tied to military service, law enforcement use, hunting camps, ranch work, or the kinds of ownership stories collectors still care about most. A gun that looks too perfect can sometimes feel distant, almost frozen. A gun with the right wear often feels more believable and more connected to the role that made it collectible in the first place. These are the firearms that often wear age well, because age looks right on them.

To read more, go here

Saturday, March 7, 2026

13 Guns Overlooked For Years And Are Suddenly Hard To Find

Above, the Winchester 94 made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's guns aren't all that exciting to me. My preference are those guns of yesteryear that are now considered classics. 

A lot of them did not attract much attention over the years but collectors are now seeking many of them out. 

Bushcraft Base Craft posted a list of 13 guns that were overlooked for years but are now suddenly hard to find.  

They begin with:

Some firearms spend years sitting quietly on store shelves without attracting much attention. They may be overshadowed by trendier designs, newer technology, or simply stronger marketing from competing brands. Over time, however, shooters rediscover certain models for their reliability, practicality, or historical value. When that rediscovery happens, demand can rise quickly. Suddenly, the same gun that was once easy to find becomes difficult to track down. Collectors, enthusiasts, and practical shooters begin searching for them again. The following firearms are examples of models that were once overlooked but are now attracting renewed attention in the market.

To see what they are, go here


Tuesday, March 3, 2026

15 Classic Hunting Rifles That Are DISAPPEARING

15 Classic Hunting Rifles That Are DISAPPEARING – Keep These at All Costs! video by The Gun Warehouse.

Summary:

Some hunting rifles don’t disappear because they failed  they disappear because the industry moved on. In this video, we break down 15 classic hunting rifles that are quietly vanishing from the market, starting with the legendary Winchester Model 70, the early production Remington Model 700, and the discontinued Browning A-Bolt. 

Collectors and serious hunters know the truth supply is now permanently fixed. Clean, early-production examples are moving into private collections and rarely returning to the open market. Whether it’s Pre-64 controlled round feed actions, early-era machining quality, or discontinued bolt designs, these rifles represent a generation of manufacturing that is slowly fading away.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Winchester's USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition

 


It seems not too long ago that the United States celebrated the Bicentennial, the 200th anniversary of the nation's founding.

This year, we're starting to celebrate the 250th year anniversary. To commemorate the anniversary, Winchester has introduced their special ammunition packaging.

According to Shooting Sports USA (NRA):

The United States turns 250 this year and Winchester showed up to SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas last week with a tribute you can hold and display. The company’s USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition series isn’t just a label swap. It’s a set of five keepsake packages that pull from the company’s vault of art to celebrate the workers who built the nation and the shooters who carried its story forward.

On first view at SHOT Show, the boxes looked and felt premium. One sample had a reinforced build and magnets tucked into the lid so it snapped shut with a satisfying click. It’s the kind of functional upgrade that makes you want to open it again, then keep it on the shelf.

Winchester first teased the lineup in 2025, but this was the moment to see the production art up close. Colors pop without shouting. Line work feels lifted from poster archives, then tuned for modern print. The result is ammo packaging that reads like a mini gallery show and doubles as a time capsule for the quarter-millennial celebration rolling through 2026.

Before we know it, we'll be celebrating the nation's 300th anniversary. I doubt not too many of us will be around then, though. 

To read more, go here.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Guns Every Smart Investor Should Know

Above, a Winchester 1873 rifle once owned by Billy the Kid on display at the
 Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People collect just about anything. 

Whether it is coins, tapestries, toys, furniture, political memorabilia or other items, collectors will seek out items that may be worth investing in.

This also goes for guns.

Collectors look for rare and vintage firearms at estates sales, auctions, classified ads and even pawn shops.

AOL has posted an article on guns that every smart investor should know.

They begin it with:

Your grandfather’s old service pistol from the war, carefully wrapped in cloth and stored with reverence, might have seemed like mere family memorabilia. More central to this article, that piece could be worth far more than anyone realized at the time.

The most expensive vintage gun ever auctioned, a single-action army Colt revolver owned by Pat Garrett, which was used to kill the outlaw Billy the Kid, sold for $6.03 million in 2021. While not every historical firearm will reach such astronomical heights, the vintage gun market has quietly become one of the most intriguing alternative investment sectors for those who appreciate both history and financial growth.

Historical firearms collecting isn’t just about nostalgia, though there’s plenty of that for those who grew up watching Westerns and war movies. It’s about recognizing that these pieces of American and world history can serve as tangible assets that often outperform traditional investments. The value of a historical firearm depends on several key factors: rarity, condition, provenance, and historical significance. When these elements align, the appreciation potential can be remarkable.

Disclaimer: Before considering any firearm investment, thorough research into local and federal regulations is essential. Market fluctuations can affect values, and proper legal compliance is non-negotiable.

To read more, go here

Friday, July 18, 2025

WACA Stuff

When I posted about the Winchester Arms Collectors Association's 50th Cody show, I said, "I drove 900 miles to attend the gun show and all I got was this t-shirt."

Well, that's not entirely correct. 

I also did get a commemorative 50th anniversary button and an association pin. 

Here they are:


For those who might've missed my t-shirt post, here's the photo:



Thursday, June 26, 2025

Coins: What Do You Think Is The Biggest Challenge Facing New Collectors Today?

Above, the 2023 National Money Show in Phoenix. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since silver has risen to $36/toz over the past several weeks, my buying of silver coins have tapered off. It appears that I am not the only one doing so.

I have a sizable enough collection thanks to my buying over the past few years. New collectors seem to be not so lucky.

Numismatic News posted a poll question on June 20:

Poll Question: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing new collectors today?

From the June 20, 2025, Numismatic News e-Newsletter, readers shared their thoughts on the biggest challenges new collectors face today.

To read what the responses were, go here

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Original Curt Swan Art Page

Somewhere around 20 years ago, I purchased a page of original art of Action Comics no. 405. It is the October 1971 issue.

The page was pencilled by Curt Swan and inked by Murphy Anderson (with backgrounds inked by Jack Abel). At the time I bought mine, original comic book art was not too expensive. Mine was $100. I have forgotten who the dealer was that I bought it from.

The page was signed by Swan. 

Today, Swan's original artwork, highly sought after, sells in the thousands of dollars. Key issue art commands more as do covers and splash pages. No, I don't plan on selling my page.

Here is the cover of the issue (by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano):


Here's the page I bought as it appeared in the comic book:


Here's the original artwork as it appears in my home:



Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Challenge Coins

Last month, I picked up a challenge coin from the clampout in Quartzsite, Arizona.

The Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus had issued previous challenge coins over the years. The latest is a new one. 

In yesterday's mail, I received a challenge coin from the Wounded Warrior Project, a charitable group who has programs and services for wounded warriors, families, and caregivers. I am an annual donor.

Both challenge coins are in the photo below with the Lost Dutchman coin at left.



Friday, April 25, 2025

Lost Dutchman ECV Challenge Coin

This morning, I finally emptied my travel bag and got out the challenge coin from the last clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus.

If I find a challenge coin interesting, I'll buy one. Otherwise, I just stick to buying silver coins.

Here's both side of the coin:






Sunday, March 23, 2025

One Dollar Coins Worth 40 Times The Value

Above, a 1928 Peace Silver Dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was ten years old when the U.S. Mint decided to end producing silver coins the following year and only produce copper clad coins. Some had some silver content, about 40%. 

Only the 1964 Kennedy half dollar contains 90% silver.

The Mint produced Peace silver dollars with 90% silver content until 1935. When the Eisenhower dollar was introduced in 1971, it had only 40% silver content until 1974. 

Today, if one should get their hands on a silver dollar, whether in a jar of saved coins or in pocket change, that dollar may be worth 40 times the value.

The Daily Express US posted an article on the value of silver dollars, especially ones made in 1935 and earlier.

They begin it with:

If you have some dollar coins hanging around the house, and they've been there for a while, you may want to give them a closer look as you could have small treasure on your hands. 

A typical dollar coin is worth just that — one dollar — but there are dollar coins that are actually silver dollars and could be worth $40 each if they were issued in 1935 or earlier.

Everett Millman, managing editor at Gainesville Coins, explains what the difference is and how to spot one of the more valuable coins.

To read more, go here

Search This Blog