OPINIONS PLEASE

[crazyphil]

This is not an offer to sell anything. Don't ask. I simply want
some opinions please. I'm 85, suriviving prostate cancer, and
congestive heart failure with several attacks. In other words I
do not make any long term plans.

I only have 14 handguns and about 10 times that many holsters.
I want to enjoy them as long as I can, so I am cataloging the
handguns with all the important information, and will do the same
with the holsters. Trying to leave all the important information
needed for my daughter to sell them.

Many of my handguns, or most of them, have a favorite holster,
grips, and matching knives. I am wondering if making package
deals, with gun, holster, grips (but include original grips too) and
knife, would be advantages, or perhaps a detriment to the sale?

Thank you for your thoughts and opinions.

[Triathloncoach]

I’m one of those who generally doesn’t like package deals. But if the holsters and knives clearly make a set with the gun you can offer up that option, but make it an option.

It’s an art as much as science to figure out how to maximize your revenue.

Stay well.

[oysterer]

Phil,

I do spend a premium for the original set of grips on the gun they belong to. That is second to the gun itself the most important to me. If another really nice set comes with it, great but I do not like to spend extra for it. Exception: Original magnas plus an additional set of targets is great but thats personal as I love shooting original SW targets.

When you pair a nice holster with it as a suggestion that is great and much appreciated but only as an option. Some may already have a holster in mind or prefer a different style.

Knife, I don't use them and I won't like to pay extra for one and especially not in addition to a gun I like to have.

All that being said, from your stunning collection of guns, knives and holsters, I see you get the most out of offering them as a set but with prices for the individual pieces.

[andy52]

You, Red and turnerriver have help me a great deal with the holsters I've purchased and when I got those holster I had a particular gun in mind for each of them.
I use a computer program that has all the information that I associate with each gun including photos of the holsters for estate use when the time comes.
I think a nice leather rig of belt and holster would enhance the value for me and if the rig is of the same time frame so much the better.
A corresponding knife wouldn't be as much interest to me.

[crazyphil]

Thanks for all the good advice so far. Keep it coming.

[Dougaz]

The pistols and holsters as a combination are fine with me but personally, the knives don't interest me much.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy a great Sunday!

Psalms 111:10

[Sevens]

Here’s some advice that may be obvious... maybe not? As you enjoy posting here, you certainly have skill for writing.

I highly suggest that you write a page or FIVE about each of the guns and the holsters that you associate with them. There are some of us who find these things indescribably interesting and an absolute gold mine to be included with a purchased gun. I would MUCH rather have a written history of all the a previous owner knew and loved about a particular handgun.

Things like how he decided on that model, what drove him to choose it, when and where he got it, maybe what he remembers paying for it or if it was difficult to track down. What he ended up using it for, maybe the role he wanted to fill with it. His favorite ammo for it, be it crafted handloads or a factory load that did what he wanted or maybe he just got a great deal on a case of that brand. How much ammo he has put through, maybe some hunts that it came along on or some competitions that it was a part of.

I can’t be the only one who just loves the back story on a particular gun!

[bamabiker]

More trouble and probably time consuming but you'd probably do better money wise to sell separately. Or at least give options because as already stated some will not want part of a package deal.

[ColbyBruce]

You might want to attach a tag to each holster stating the make and model(s) of handgun it fits. If you have a favorite combination photograph it as a set, list the components and a price per the package as well as the individual items. Put a value on everything to save your heirs the trouble.

I had an acquaintance who’s father passed, leaving quite a few firearms behind. He was a retired LEO, lots of his firearms were duty types and calibers which were carried daily in Florida weather. Few were pristine, many were in .40 S&W and .45 GAP which are not popular here. On top of that, this woman had a ex-con brother living with her so she could not have firearms in her own home. I did my best moving those items and would not do that type of thing again.

[ken158]

I never consider a holster in a package deal as having any value. What if a buyer is left handed? Holsters are a personal choice and we all usually try out more then one for a carry gun. Grips and knives also sell better separately.

[lrrifleman]

Phil,

I hear what you are saying, but I would redirect it a little.

When my time comes, it is my desire that my children receive my collection. Currently, they are early teens, enjoy shooting, and want to help with the reloading.

I am putting together an information sheet for each with where/when/cost/"improvements" associated with arm. Additionally, why it was purchased, the corresponding bullet mold, and preferred handload.

Don't look at the information being used for the disposal of your collection, but the continuation of their use as they were originally acquired!

[mikerjf]

I'd be interested in seeing the "sets", but would prefer the option to buy seperately. Some people just aren't into certain kinds of holsters - for example, pancakes don't work well for me, they always seem to conflict with belt loops.

I would think military sets would be popular - a 1917, moon clips, correct holster, period belt, old ammo box, for example. That probably would grab me.

Not really into knives, but if there is a special match - i.e. grips and knife scales both stag with a very similar look, or both made from the same figured wood, that kind of thing - then I'd probably be into it.

[VaTom]

Was at an auction several years ago. A nice collection from one consignor. They auctioned the revolvers and pistols individually and then all the holsters as a single lot. I bought a nice 1973 Model 15. It's excellent condition S&W branded leather holster was in the box of holsters. I was outbid on the box of holsters but approached the guy as he was leaving and bought the holster from him for $35. He knew what he had and sells holsters at the local shows.

I say keep together especially vintage holsters that were likely bought at same time as the firearm.

[turnerriver]

My opinion only-with few exceptions handguns and holsters were originally bought separately. I gave up trying to reason with sellers at gun shows who refuse to separate a holster from a gun because “they came together”. They don’t want to hear about a gun made in 1935 and a holster made in 1950 not having been together forever. I think you’d realize more money selling everything separately.
Regards,
turnerriver

[crazyphil]

Thank you all for a lot of valuable advice. You have helped me zero in
on a plan. Now, I just have a lot of work to do.

[robvious]

enjoy the task of creating the provenance for the various items...
it should help tremendously with the valuation of them...

[Walter Rego]

I have sold a few old military rifles from my collection in the last year. When I offered them for sale, I priced them as the rifle alone, or with the accessories that I had accumulated for them like correct bayonet & frog, sling, muzzle cover, ammo pouch, issue cleaning kit, etc. I priced the accessory package for less than I could have gotten for selling the items individually on ebay. In only one case did the buyer not want the other items. Maybe give the prospective buyer a choice ?

[Erocksmash]

If the package deal is right ill go for it, if there is one I'm spficly after ill buy the lot and sell the rest....

I think you should price everything individually, package per gun and package for the whole deal...

Just IMO sir...

[Oracle]

Not off subject, a comparison. I went to trade in my truck with a Warn winch and Rigid off road lights for a new truck. The salesperson told me the winch and lights wouldn't amount a penny additional for the trade in, he said most people won't buy package deals.

I took off the winch and lights, sold them individually.

[StrawHat]

I consider holsters as extra incentive to buy. Buy this and I’ll throw in this holster. I recently bought a 1917 Military revolver. It came with an appropriate holster but I was interested only in the revolver. A little research and I found it was not a common holster. Interesting but still not something for which I have much use.

Kevin

And I want one of your Brills!

[THE PILGRIM]

Even though it’s more time consuming, separate sales are the way to go.
I have instructed my heirs to take what they want and sell the rest.
But don't be in a big hurry!
I don’t have nearly as many holsters as you, but mine are Left Hand!

[ajgunner]

Originally Posted by Sevens

Here’s some advice that may be obvious... maybe not? As you enjoy posting here, you certainly have skill for writing.

I highly suggest that you write a page or FIVE about each of the guns and the holsters that you associate with them. There are some of us who find these things indescribably interesting and an absolute gold mine to be included with a purchased gun. I would MUCH rather have a written history of all the a previous owner knew and loved about a particular handgun.

Things like how he decided on that model, what drove him to choose it, when and where he got it, maybe what he remembers paying for it or if it was difficult to track down. What he ended up using it for, maybe the role he wanted to fill with it. His favorite ammo for it, be it crafted handloads or a factory load that did what he wanted or maybe he just got a great deal on a case of that brand. How much ammo he has put through, maybe some hunts that it came along on or some competitions that it was a part of.

I can’t be the only one who just loves the back story on a particular gun!

Could not have said this better if I had tried. Now if I could only convince my own father to take the time and do the same. He only has a modest collection but I have asked him to sit down and write up a page on each not so much for monetary reasons but more so for just the basic history on each.

[Erocksmash]

Originally Posted by Sevens

Here’s some advice that may be obvious... maybe not? As you enjoy posting here, you certainly have skill for writing.

I highly suggest that you write a page or FIVE about each of the guns and the holsters that you associate with them. There are some of us who find these things indescribably interesting and an absolute gold mine to be included with a purchased gun. I would MUCH rather have a written history of all the a previous owner knew and loved about a particular handgun.

Things like how he decided on that model, what drove him to choose it, when and where he got it, maybe what he remembers paying for it or if it was difficult to track down. What he ended up using it for, maybe the role he wanted to fill with it. His favorite ammo for it, be it crafted handloads or a factory load that did what he wanted or maybe he just got a great deal on a case of that brand. How much ammo he has put through, maybe some hunts that it came along on or some competitions that it was a part of.

I can’t be the only one who just loves the back story on a particular gun!

I like this as well.... We always say "if these guns could talk" well some written knowledge for each gun as if they could talk, their story, their history would be fantastic and I'm sure add value...

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by ajgunner

...Now if I could only convince my own father to take the time and do the same...

With Pop, no way would he do that. What we did was get him gabbing and we recorded him and wrote it down for him.

Kevin

[SDH]

A few times I've gotten a rare holster with a gun and really appreciated it. A 5" pre-27 with a hard to find 5" Lawrence basketweave, a Model 35, 6" J-frame with a lined Bianchi and a Woodsman 4 1/2" Match Target with another lined Bianchi come to mind. These guns can be difficult to find a holster for. Generally a holster will fit a bunch of different revolvers and will be desirable to many different people for that reason.

[VaTom]

Originally Posted by SDH

A few times I've gotten a rare holster with a gun and really appreciated it. A 5" pre-27 with a hard to find 5" Lawrence basketweave, a Model 35, 6" J-frame with a lined Bianchi and a Woodsman 4 1/2" Match Target with another lined Bianchi come to mind. These guns can be difficult to find a holster for. Generally a holster will fit a bunch of different revolvers and will be desirable to many different people for that reason.

Yes to above. See my #13 post. The nice vintage leather S&W Holster for the Model 15 fits my Model 10 and my Colt Official Police as well.

[reccpd101]

CrazyPhil, Sorry to hear of your difficulties. Several good ideas above. I like giving the buyer the option of buying the set or just the firearm with a higher rice if he doesn't take it all.

[GerSan69]

I'm also not a "package deal" guy. Folks aren't usually interested in a holster that may come with a gun, even if it's a nice one. I've never seen a holster increase the value of the gun, and charging extra for the holster is the kiss of death in my experience. Better to sell them separately.

[Krogen]

Originally Posted by Sevens

Here’s some advice that may be obvious... maybe not? As you enjoy posting here, you certainly have skill for writing.

I highly suggest that you write a page or FIVE about each of the guns and the holsters that you associate with them. There are some of us who find these things indescribably interesting and an absolute gold mine to be included with a purchased gun. I would MUCH rather have a written history of all the a previous owner knew and loved about a particular handgun.

Things like how he decided on that model, what drove him to choose it, when and where he got it, maybe what he remembers paying for it or if it was difficult to track down. What he ended up using it for, maybe the role he wanted to fill with it. His favorite ammo for it, be it crafted handloads or a factory load that did what he wanted or maybe he just got a great deal on a case of that brand. How much ammo he has put through, maybe some hunts that it came along on or some competitions that it was a part of.

I can’t be the only one who just loves the back story on a particular gun!

Sevens hit the nail squarely on the head! The back story on a particular gun fascinates me. My most treasured guns are those I received from an owner now gone. They have a personality, so to speak. My grandfather's Iver Johnson, Mom's Remington 34, Dad's Model 94. Not spectacular firearms, but they have a story. How many times have we said "don't you wish that gun could talk?" Here's an opportunity to put a story behind your firearms. Great idea, Sevens!

[Erich]

Package deals make me lose interest from jump.
I'm a Southpaw, so package deals rarely mean anything to me except paying more money for stuff I can't use. Even for non-lefties, holster choice is so darned subjective and personal - I wouldn't want to have the burden of getting a bunch of holsters that the former owner liked (and if you have ten times as many holsters as guns, you can appreciate how many of us already have a ton of leather around) and that I might not like at all - but might not want to discard because "someday" I might want to use them.

[GerSan69]

Originally Posted by Krogen

Sevens hit the nail squarely on the head! The back story on a particular gun fascinates me. My most treasured guns are those I received from an owner now gone. They have a personality, so to speak. My grandfather's Iver Johnson, Mom's Remington 34, Dad's Model 94. Not spectacular firearms, but they have a story. How many times have we said "don't you wish that gun could talk?" Here's an opportunity to put a story behind your firearms. Great idea, Sevens!

I could not disagree more.
"Back stories" or more properly, provenance, is important for high-dollar collector pieces. If Phil has any of those, then by all means, document!
But in the case of the "normal" transaction - anything below mortgage payment level - a simple explanation is sufficient. People really do prefer to "buy the gun, not the story."
And Phil, I second (or third) the motion that you should be writing down all these wonderful vignettes of history you've accumulated along with your collections. I, for one, would love to have an autographed copy!

[crazyphil]

Originally Posted by andy52

You, Red and turnerriver have help me a great deal with the holsters I've purchased and when I got those holster I had a particular gun in mind for each of them.
I use a computer program that has all the information that I associate with each gun including photos of the holsters for estate use when the time comes.
I think a nice leather rig of belt and holster would enhance the value for me and if the rig is of the same time frame so much the better.
A corresponding knife wouldn't be as much interest to me.

Thank you andy52. I consider it an honor to be mentioned in
the same sentence as turnerriver and Red Nichols. Two of my
Gurus.