To Sell or Not To Sell? The Bren Ten

[NorCalOllie]

As I have posted previously, I inherited my dad's firearms collection in December. The collection is very extensive and varied with over a hundred pieces and over 25000 rounds of ammo. I resisted selling anything at first because I didn't know enough about many guns to make a good decision. So, after 6 months, 3 large Liberty safes and a lot of research, I've started to part with a few.

Mainly I've gotten rid of a few very old long guns that I'm never going to shoot. They take up the most space and the ammo is more scarce so the decision was easier.

Now to the point. In the collection is a Bren Ten, Special Forces, Dark (SFD), #80.

This gun has the most minor of wear and may be unfired. The very tiny scratches are probably just from handling the gun and the well known finish loss from the slide contacting the frame. Because the gun is all black every imperfection is very visible.
The main reason I think it may be unfired is because I have 25 boxes of original Norma 10mm ammo. I think that would be a case. Meaning that Dad probably bought the gun and a case of ammo and never shot it.
He had over a dozen unfired guns.

I had not considered selling it because it doesn't take up any space and because it's effing awesome.
But..... I'm probably not going to shoot it. For me, it is too valuable to risk.

Two BTs have been for sale online this week. One sold today for $14,000 and the other is sitting at $10,000 with 11 days remaining on the auction. Mine is nicer and rarer the either on the market AND I have 2 magazines.

I love it but it's hard to keep something that could pay for a year of college for one of my kids.
What to do????

 

[Richard Simmons]

In your situation I would sell.

 

[s&wchad]

That would be a good one to sell.
They have an almost iconic status and bring big money, but they have a reputation for being problematic and magazines are scarce as hens teeth.

Selling it on a site like Gunbroker is the way to go, but new sellers with no feedback raise a lot of suspicion and you might not get top dollar. If I were in your position, I'd have a GB dealer with an excellent reputation sell it for me. We have a few members (both here and on the SWCA side) who would be excellent choices. Feel free to PM me for some recommendations.

 

[M29since14]

Since it's not something your Father used frequently I'd not think there's much sentimental attachment there, and if you could use the money for something worthwhile (like a 529 account for college education), I'd be inclined to sell. If I didn't really need the money, I might not - but I'd also consider that right now what I consider to be some pretty crazy prices are being paid for firearms. That trend may not continue indefinitely. One never knows.

If you do decide to sell, S&WChad's advice might be the best way to go.

 

[985Plowboy]

That would be one I'd sell.

 

[stansdds]

I am also in the camp of selling that one. It's not something your father shot, you are not planning on shooting it, prices now are high and people have money to spend. I'd put it up for auction now before the economy slides further down and people stop spending money on rare firearms.

 

[glenwolde]

Yeah, as awesome as that is, under your circumstances I'd sell that one. But I'd sure as hell shoot it first (and video it) especially since you can't advertise it as unfired. It would be the only chance I'd have in a lifetime to shoot one. I think your Dad would have been cool with that.

It's like new-in-box Pythons. Not that uncommon as a lot of guys stashed one of these. Guys who have actually shot a new Python are rarer than the owners of same.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

I would sell. As cool as the cool factor is, if you have no connection and the money will help you otherwise why hand onto it? With two mags? Wow...you would be surprised what you can get for the spare mag alone.

Good luck.

 

[Baxter6551]

My advice would be to take S&W Chads advice. And don't forget the value of that ammo !! Collectors who have a Bren 10 would most likely love a box of original ammo for display with their guns. Sell some with your gun and then sell boxes or lots or the remainder.

 

[Imissedagain]

Scholarships are abundant.
Have them study hard and get one.

 

[Old_Cop]

If you can get $14000 for the gun and mags then sell. The ammo is just frosting on the cake.

 

[CH4]

I'd sell it, but not until I got asking price. Don't be in a hurry.

 

[ColbyBruce]

That is a rare gun, but

The value of graduating from college debt free is actually priceless.

 

[BSA1]

On the other hand what will it be worth in a few more years?

I had a Model 520 that I foolishly sold for $700 which was a awesome price back then. I say foolishly because look what happened to their price now days. I could probably double my money. Worse yet I have nothing to show for the money I got for it.

p.s. College degrees are way oversold. It is the college making money on the promise that maybe the graduate will get a good enough paying job after finishing school to justify the huge expense of going to college.

p.s.s. I have a Honors Degree and the wife has two degrees and a school loan she is still paying on.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Without repeating, good advice from Chad and others.Go with a known seller that charges a reasonable commission(10-15% IMO),Brens are hot right now and the SF is somewhat uncommon.Sell the ammo separate, it will bring a premium too.See if you have the box for it, they were pretty plain with a padded envelope inside that the gun came in.As stated earlier I would shoot it first.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Since it's not something your Father used frequently I'd not think there's much sentimental attachment there, and if you could use the money for something worthwhile (like a 529 account for college education), I'd be inclined to sell.

I love it but it's hard to keep something that could pay for a year of college for one of my kids.
What to do????

How old are your kids now? A 529 is a fine idea, and if selling the gun now can establish a good base for the account to grow on, that's the way I'd go. Both my daughters got their degrees and have no student debt, because we started 529's for them when they were born, and contributed as much as we could as they grew (and as the accounts grew). The accounts did well enough that both girls have enough left for grad school, if they desire, or could roll the accounts into IRA's later. If selling one gun can get you started that way, have it appraised and put it on the block.

 

[Sevens]

I was totally on board with your post and with everyone's recommendation to sell UNTIL all the college talk.

I'm pretty much disgusted with the entire college system. For certain, there are particular areas of life where it's absolutely required, but this industry as much as anything in this entire nation needs a triple nitro-powered enema. It's not just the financial side, it's like whack-job leftist agenda side.

Talking rare, expensive and collectible firearms and then tainting the discussion with "college" nearly makes me hurl.

If you do decide to take the advice of s&wchad and hear recommendations for a consignment seller, I also have my recommendation for that. Feel free to PM me to see if my recommendation lines up with his.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I agree - it's too valuable to handle the sale by yourself. Make a deal with a consignment seller, in writing, and let someone with experience sell it for you. With a reserve price you're sure to not sell it too cheaply.

 

[Sevens]

I will disagree with unlimited fury on a reserve price, a reserve is something that zero of the real consignment dealers will use.

One other angle that should be discussed is...
Are you located in California currently?

I know precious little about the California gun trade but if that Bren Ten is currently in California, does that mean it can legally be sold to another California resident?

If that is true and legal, that may expand your market. Guns that cannot enter California -- if legal to be sold if they already reside there might add a very large upside to a gun that's already worth ridiculous money.

 

[koz5614]

As a Bren owner myself, I offer a counter argument:
The market price has already been established - it is doubtful it will return to the days of a $2500 gun. Depending on the age of your child/children, I would hold on to it for a little while. It doesn't cost you anything to keep it. You can always dump it if you need to, but once you sell it, the chance of you picking up another one for a reasonable price is zero. Seller's remorse can be a cruel mistress.