I don't think there is anything to be jealous of.
I guess we were brought up in a different era.
I guess we were brought up in a different era.
A $10.00 S&W Model 36
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Texas Star
US Veteran
Why the pics of Patrick Stewart? He's anti-gun and has another characteristic that I can't mention here. And he drinks Earl Grey tea, which seems affected and which tastes awful.
Oh: the Queen also likes Earl Grey , probably as supplied by Twining's, one of my favorite tea merchants, est. in London in 1706. I drink some of their other tea. No disrespect meant to Her Majesty.
As for Capt. Picard (Stewart), the only one of those Star Trek spin-offs I liked was, Enterprise, mainly for T'Pol. But I've never seen her do those face palm poses.
Folks, this has gone as far as it needs to. I think we've covered all angles. Now, we just wait and see if the auction company or the bereaved family reports the gun as stolen.
Even if so, unless the gun comes to police attention in some way, probably nothing will happen. If the present owner/holder ever sells the gun and someone checks on it, the cat will be out of he bag, if a stolen report was issued.
That's why I urge the OP to get a note from his mom, telling how and when the gun came into her possession, date and all, and the place involved, and the insistence that she buy the entire box of stuff.
Photograph that box and the other contents.
Then, Mom can sell the extra teacups at a garage sale and come out with a profit. But check out those cups: they may be valuable china on their own!
Oh: the Queen also likes Earl Grey , probably as supplied by Twining's, one of my favorite tea merchants, est. in London in 1706. I drink some of their other tea. No disrespect meant to Her Majesty.
As for Capt. Picard (Stewart), the only one of those Star Trek spin-offs I liked was, Enterprise, mainly for T'Pol. But I've never seen her do those face palm poses.
Folks, this has gone as far as it needs to. I think we've covered all angles. Now, we just wait and see if the auction company or the bereaved family reports the gun as stolen.
Even if so, unless the gun comes to police attention in some way, probably nothing will happen. If the present owner/holder ever sells the gun and someone checks on it, the cat will be out of he bag, if a stolen report was issued.
That's why I urge the OP to get a note from his mom, telling how and when the gun came into her possession, date and all, and the place involved, and the insistence that she buy the entire box of stuff.
Photograph that box and the other contents.
Then, Mom can sell the extra teacups at a garage sale and come out with a profit. But check out those cups: they may be valuable china on their own!
WOW!!! This is better than Facebook,You Tube. The Tea Cup Scandal. I see Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb in the jury room. Forum members smoking, pacing the jury room floor, arguing among themselves. Did mother have criminal intent when she bought those boxed, paper wrapped tea cups? The jury could be out for DAY'S!!!
policerevolvercollector
Member
If the box had contained a wallet with ID and $500 dollars in it under the tea cups, would it be OK to keep that also?
Folks have worked themselves in a frenzy because this is a nice gun. Let's face it we are all addicted to some degree in that regard. My point is if it were not a firearm would we be having this discussion?
Most folks would realize it was an error and return the money,right? Is this really any different?
Some moral compasses are spinning with wild abandon.
Folks have worked themselves in a frenzy because this is a nice gun. Let's face it we are all addicted to some degree in that regard. My point is if it were not a firearm would we be having this discussion?
Most folks would realize it was an error and return the money,right? Is this really any different?
Some moral compasses are spinning with wild abandon.
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MikeLeitner
Member
There isn't an episode of "Antiques Roadshow" that doesn't have a story of a "find" in a box of stuff. Are they all felons and/or immoral low-life's?
The ONLY difference in this case is that it is a firearm.
Is there not a single lawyer on this forum that can state authoritatively whether or not this purchase was legal?
PS - If OP and mom live in different states, then a felony has been committed. In that case, he purchased a handgun and transported it across state lines without an FFL.
The ONLY difference in this case is that it is a firearm.
Is there not a single lawyer on this forum that can state authoritatively whether or not this purchase was legal?
PS - If OP and mom live in different states, then a felony has been committed. In that case, he purchased a handgun and transported it across state lines without an FFL.
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Texas Star
US Veteran
Might depend on the locale. But you already have the statement of a retired FBI agent that it is legal.
My concern is that they may have to prove they got the gun that way.
MikeLeitner
Member
Thanks, I missed that one.
But my PS does stand.
PSS - Can you purchase a gun in Texas (assuming that that is where this took place) without showing any ID or making any record of it?
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Good grief! I would never have imagined such controversy about something so simple. 
Family and auction company (or whatever they are) are guilty of "epic fail" to do their jobs. Mom bought the gun fair and square, even though she didn't know she was buying it. I imagine this kind of thing happens from time to time in these situations. If I was one of the survivors and I learned of this I would just think it's my "tough luck" for not being more diligent.
SIGP220.45 says it's not a stolen gun, presumably based on what Mom knows. Given his background, that's good enough for me. It's not a quarter-million dollar Faberge egg!
Family and auction company (or whatever they are) are guilty of "epic fail" to do their jobs. Mom bought the gun fair and square, even though she didn't know she was buying it. I imagine this kind of thing happens from time to time in these situations. If I was one of the survivors and I learned of this I would just think it's my "tough luck" for not being more diligent.
SIGP220.45 says it's not a stolen gun, presumably based on what Mom knows. Given his background, that's good enough for me. It's not a quarter-million dollar Faberge egg!
What should the OP get his mother for Mothers Day, a bar of soap with a hacksaw inside?
Slidemuzik
Member
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I was truly taken back that it took so long for anybody to mention the ethical questions surrounding this revolver.
This is Golden Rule 101 for me. It would seem somebody goofed here. I agree that were it me, I'd contact the estate and deal with them directly.
It's highly probable the company doing the sale will try to cover their butt and never tell their client about the mistake.
If it were my gun, I would hope the buyer of the box would come forward with it. If it was involved in a crime and I were the victim, I'd hope somebody would come forward. It could be crucial evidence needed to convict a perp.
I find we are faced with temptation every day. Greed whispers in our ear and tries to rationalize and justify what we know in our heart to be less than noble. It's not easy to do the right thing sometimes, but that is what builds character. It's what separates us from wild animals. It is our primary weapon against evil.
I believe everything happens for a reason. You'll always have the story of your $10 S&W no matter what you do. There might be a whole lot more to the tale that will be much more valuable to you in the long run, than the revolver. You might just be doing yourself a huge favor and avoiding serious trouble down the road if it's been reported as stolen, which in this case is very possible. Somebody wrapped it. Then it ended up in the box. Somebody(s) knew it existed. When it's not accounted for, the natural conclusion would be that it was stolen. If that serial pops up on the hit parade while in your possession, you will not collect $200 and it's going to cost you a lot more than that revolver is worth.
The world would be a better place if we were always the human our dog thinks we are.
This is Golden Rule 101 for me. It would seem somebody goofed here. I agree that were it me, I'd contact the estate and deal with them directly.
It's highly probable the company doing the sale will try to cover their butt and never tell their client about the mistake.
If it were my gun, I would hope the buyer of the box would come forward with it. If it was involved in a crime and I were the victim, I'd hope somebody would come forward. It could be crucial evidence needed to convict a perp.
I find we are faced with temptation every day. Greed whispers in our ear and tries to rationalize and justify what we know in our heart to be less than noble. It's not easy to do the right thing sometimes, but that is what builds character. It's what separates us from wild animals. It is our primary weapon against evil.
I believe everything happens for a reason. You'll always have the story of your $10 S&W no matter what you do. There might be a whole lot more to the tale that will be much more valuable to you in the long run, than the revolver. You might just be doing yourself a huge favor and avoiding serious trouble down the road if it's been reported as stolen, which in this case is very possible. Somebody wrapped it. Then it ended up in the box. Somebody(s) knew it existed. When it's not accounted for, the natural conclusion would be that it was stolen. If that serial pops up on the hit parade while in your possession, you will not collect $200 and it's going to cost you a lot more than that revolver is worth.
The world would be a better place if we were always the human our dog thinks we are.
Wow! Greed and stupidity seem to go hand in hand. I'm really surprised by some of the people on this forum. I had a an incident here where I sold an set of items to a forum member. Along with the item, there was piece that was of equal value, which at the time I didn't realize it. No wanting to part out the three items I sold the complete set to the member. Only after I read his post, basically, rubbing my nose it my mistake, did I find out his true character. I've been collecting now for over 40 years, I've worked hard at maintaining an honest reputation. In over 10 years as a Law Enforcement officer I had more than my share of bribes. I never once took up with it.
I really don't care if you believe that. Based on some of your comments in this situation, your opinion really doesn't matter to me. Based on some other members answers, I'll never allow them in my house. Such is life.
I really don't care if you believe that. Based on some of your comments in this situation, your opinion really doesn't matter to me. Based on some other members answers, I'll never allow them in my house. Such is life.
^^^Don't make me pull out that face palm picture again...
LOL...... this thread is going to rank right up there with those........"open carry" threads.
No one is going to convince anyone of anything.......it's been reduced to accusations of moral bankruptcy and criminal activity......... the OP will have to enter a Witness Protection Program and/or change his user name.
I wish you all "au revoir"
IMHO it's time for the Mods to lock this one down...........
No one is going to convince anyone of anything.......it's been reduced to accusations of moral bankruptcy and criminal activity......... the OP will have to enter a Witness Protection Program and/or change his user name.
I wish you all "au revoir"
IMHO it's time for the Mods to lock this one down...........
RubenZ
Member
Honestly I would avoid dealing with the auction company. Go to the FAMILY. Kindly tell them the situation but that you are still interested in the firearm and or if they are willing to just do a bill of sale etc. Not sure how laws are there where you live but I would think its the right thing to do. But like I said earlier, avoid auction company. They would probably just take the firearm and keep it as if nothing happened.
Why has no one suggest reporting the auctioneer?
Why has no one suggest reporting the auctioneer?
For those suggesting/demanding that the buyer return the gun to the seller.
An auctioneer has a fiduciary duty to his client. (e.g. Seller)
Failure to proper inspect ALL property before selling, and properly merchandising it to achieve maximum price for it is a failure of this duty.
Such negligence can and should be reported the the licensing agency for auctioneers in his state.
The board/agency/commission would then take matter to protect future potential clients.
Bekeart
Why has no one suggest reporting the auctioneer?
For those suggesting/demanding that the buyer return the gun to the seller.
An auctioneer has a fiduciary duty to his client. (e.g. Seller)
Failure to proper inspect ALL property before selling, and properly merchandising it to achieve maximum price for it is a failure of this duty.
Such negligence can and should be reported the the licensing agency for auctioneers in his state.
The board/agency/commission would then take matter to protect future potential clients.
Bekeart
rog8732
US Veteran
Somewhere along the line this ole thread veered over into "The Jerry Springer Show", and can't seem to get itself righted again.
Not only that, but I'm seeing member-to-member personal insults being hurled back and forth throughout the comments.
No matter what our feelings are about the "event", I'd rather NOT see us come across as that mean spirited.
I doubt even a few of us would come out unscathed under full scrutiny of our actions......Rocks and houses of glass come to mind.
Not only that, but I'm seeing member-to-member personal insults being hurled back and forth throughout the comments.
No matter what our feelings are about the "event", I'd rather NOT see us come across as that mean spirited.
I doubt even a few of us would come out unscathed under full scrutiny of our actions......Rocks and houses of glass come to mind.
len917
Member
If you live in a small town, you may want to go to the Police Chief and ask him hypothetically what is the procedure. He may sympathize with you and check the serial number for a stolen pistol. If it's stolen, you save future trouble and are only out $10. Then take it from there.
Good Luck
Good Luck
kbm6893
Member
I don't know. I was happy for the OP's good fortune when I read the first thread, but my opinion has changed.
Was this a legal transaction? Unless he bought the gun out of state and transported it over state lines, and that is illegal where he lives, then yes, the transaction is legal and he shouldn't worry about it.
But this isn't some old lady who said "take this thing away from me. I always hated my husband having it around". Clearly, nobody knew the gun was in there. Yeah, both the seller and the auction house should have checked. They screwed up.
But to ME, this is no different than "finders keepers, losers weepers". Would I keep a $20 bill I found on the street? Sure. No way to know who lost it. Would I keep a wallet with $200 and ID? No. And that happened to me last winter and I drove it to the house of the owner.
I'd rather give somebody fair value for the gun IF they wanted to sell it. To you, it's just another Model 36. Maybe one of the kids of the deceased was expecting it. I don't know. It just doesn't sit right with me. Legally, I'm sure you're fine. Morally, for ME, it wouldn't sit right with me. And that's not even considering the possible origin of the weapon.
But we do what we feel is right. if the OP is OK with it, then enjoy that 36.
Was this a legal transaction? Unless he bought the gun out of state and transported it over state lines, and that is illegal where he lives, then yes, the transaction is legal and he shouldn't worry about it.
But this isn't some old lady who said "take this thing away from me. I always hated my husband having it around". Clearly, nobody knew the gun was in there. Yeah, both the seller and the auction house should have checked. They screwed up.
But to ME, this is no different than "finders keepers, losers weepers". Would I keep a $20 bill I found on the street? Sure. No way to know who lost it. Would I keep a wallet with $200 and ID? No. And that happened to me last winter and I drove it to the house of the owner.
I'd rather give somebody fair value for the gun IF they wanted to sell it. To you, it's just another Model 36. Maybe one of the kids of the deceased was expecting it. I don't know. It just doesn't sit right with me. Legally, I'm sure you're fine. Morally, for ME, it wouldn't sit right with me. And that's not even considering the possible origin of the weapon.
But we do what we feel is right. if the OP is OK with it, then enjoy that 36.
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If you buy a box of goodies at a sale like that you own the box of items. If there is a 3 carat diamond ring in there you now own it along with everything else including teacups, dust, trash and guns. They sold the box as a single item including it's contents.
EXACTLY! As far as I've seen nobody has tried to argue that if it were a first edition book or a Louie the 14th teacup or a diamond ring, or anything else of value it would be morally bankrupt to accept your good fortune and move on. However, because it is a gun, somehow that seems to be putting some people around here on a moral high horse.
What happened to the idea of "a gun is just another inanimate object" or "a gun is just a tool - like any other tool"? Why would the book or the ring or the rare piece of porcelain be treated differently?
Can't have it both ways. Either guns are just objects like any other "thing" or they are something so "special" they need to be regulated and controlled and their possession a matter of law.
So for those who feel that they are taking the moral high road, which is it?
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martensjas
Member
I don't think he stole it, he tripped over it.
MikeLeitner
Member
I just reread this whole blasted thread and picked up something that I had missed.
"S&W Model 36 wrapped in newspaper,"
along with "two screwdrivers and some hacksaw blades"
were hidden in a box of teacups.
Umpteen LEO "experts" commenting on this thread haven't noticed that enticing clue? Burglar's toolkit?
and...
OP still hasn't said what state momma lives in.
He's changed his name by now, and hopin' ATF doesn't read this forum.
"S&W Model 36 wrapped in newspaper,"
along with "two screwdrivers and some hacksaw blades"
were hidden in a box of teacups.
Umpteen LEO "experts" commenting on this thread haven't noticed that enticing clue? Burglar's toolkit?
and...
OP still hasn't said what state momma lives in.
He's changed his name by now, and hopin' ATF doesn't read this forum.
martensjas
Member
I was an FFL some time back in another state and would go to all the auctions and estate sales to buy firearms for resale if I could get them at a good price. I bought a box of misc stuff just crammed full of gun parts, holsters, and reloading stuff. All the guns were cataloged in the sale and sold separately. In this box I bought in the bottom I found a Ruger standard with 6 inch barrel, all in parts. Complete pistol in that box. I brought it to the sellers attention the told me you bought the box its yours. I still have that Ruger standard today and all I had to do was put it back together. No paper work was filled out for it.
kbm6893
Member
EXACTLY! As far as I've seen nobody has tried to argue that if it were a first edition book or a Louie the 14th teacup or a diamond ring, or anything else of value it would be morally bankrupt to accept your good fortune and move on. However, because it is a gun, somehow that seems to be putting some people around here on a moral high horse.
What happened to the idea of "a gun is just another inanimate object" or "a gun is just a tool - like any other tool"? Why would the book or the ring or the rare piece of porcelain be treated differently?
Can't have it both ways. Either guns are just objects like any other "thing" or they are something so "special" they need to be regulated and controlled and their possession a matter of law.
So for those who feel that they are taking the moral high road, which is it?
I'd still consider returning it. But a diamond ring, first edition book, or Louie the 14 teacup is worth a hell of a lot more than a $500 Model 36. I guess my conscience is worth a lot more than $500.
And I don't own any guns without a paper trail and I won't. So on that alone I'd.be leery of keeping it. But that's just me.
kbm6893
Member
Never knew a burglar to use hacksaw blades. I think you're reaching a bit.
loeman
Member
It's time to pull the switch and take this thread off the respirator.
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