Collection of guns

Question
Sid,i have the opportunity to buy a collection of old      hand guns and rifles.There are 21 total weapons.   In this collection is a Broomhandle Mauser complete in excellent condition and a Walther P38. There are a number of    other pistols and rifles but for the most part            poor condition. They want to sale as a collection but the value appears to be in the two above. What is the value of the two above. Regards, Rusty

Answer
Hi Rusty,

The value of a Broomhandle Mauser is going to difficult to set considering it is just part of a collection and one of which I cannot inspect. Additionally Rusty, there are other issues in regards to the model 1896 (Broomhandle) that are unique concerns to the collector.

To begin with there are over 30 different models/variations of the Broomhandle and equally as many different retail values. I have no way of knowing which model that the firearm in question may be.

Another issue that needs mentioning here is that the retail values are also going to vary due to matching stock/holster. A correct matching set will add 40% to the value of the 1896. Non-matching stock/holster will add between $350 and $600.

Also....... Over the years there have been large quantities of Broomhandle Mausers and Astra copies imported into the U.S. These are in fair to poor condition and have been offered for sale at relatively low prices mostly as parts guns.  During recent years these very common pistols have been "converted" to "rare, exotic, near mint, original" specimens selling for four figures.

Since it is impractical to try to list 30+ values X about a half dozen price setters, I can advise you that a Standard Wartime Commercial model in "good" condition has a retail value of about $800. That said, prices for other variations climb as high as $10,000.

A 1920 Rework would be selling for about $500 in "good" condition. Post war models as low as $600 in "good" condition. There are some Chinese copies that sell for as little as $350 in "good" condition.

The P38 is a very wide description of a host of Walthers. The retail value on such a gun is anywhere from $350 and up depending upon a list variables of which I have no way of knowing for certain.

The best advice that I can give you is that usually a person who has such a collection for sale with some items having special significance, they can provide a copy of an independent qualified appraisal of at least the firearms with collector interest such as the Mauser and Walther mentioned. I would ask for such documentation before making an offer to purchase and/or offer to hire/pay for an appraisal yourself if the owner cannot provide same. This is the best protection that you can obtain for yourself.

Thanks for the question.
Sid Lark