QUESTION

[bigfreakinrevolver]

Why is it that when you have a gun restored it isnt worth as much? Cars restored are worth just as much if not more when restored. The reason I ask is cause I am thinking having turnbull mfg. restore a gun for me. Ideas? Thoughts?

 

[sceva]

The same reason that restored fine art is not as valuable as original art in good condition. Automobiles are disposable items and were not meant to last. Even then, an original in like condition will bring more than one tht's restored. Fine firearms were meant to last.

 

[Jack Flash]

Collectors are all about originality. If they just wanted something that "looks" original, they could buy replica guns rather than searching out the real thing. They would save a lot of money and time that way.

I think the comparision to cars is not as valid as, say, a comparison to antique furniture. How many times have you heard this on the Antiques Roadshow --
"If you had not cleaned this cabinet, it would be worth $200,000. But since you did, it is now worth about $30,000."

And that's just cleaning it! Not a restoration! At least a careful cleaning will not ruin a gun's value.

 

[bigfreakinrevolver]

thats true!

 

[Göring's S&W]

Why is it that when you have a gun restored it isnt worth as much? Cars restored are worth just as much if not more when restored. The reason I ask is cause I am thinking having turnbull mfg. restore a gun for me. Ideas? Thoughts?

While this is often said and true on the surface, it is NOT true that a car restored is just as valuable as one that is original, if conditions are close. The unrestored car is always worth more sometimes even if its not pristine. Kind of like the original finish of a gun, its only on once.

In select instances with a gun, the restoration can add to the value but this is seldom the case. The catch 22 here is financially, for a gun to be worth restoring, because of rarity/value also means that anyone who could afford one would most likely keep looking for an original since the item becomes an investment when getting into higher dollar stuff, say 4 or 5 figures. In other words, in a way, for the same reason the gun is worth restoring, its also not worth restoring (except select cases).

Also a Turnbull restoration looks more Turnbull than original to my eye. If you want to do it just because you want to, and the $$$ doesn't matter then go for it. If you are looking at values, investment, $$$, potential/futures, be careful.

 

[PMRet]

Cars and guns were both meant to be used. However, it's a lot easier and cheaper to take care of a gun than it is a car. We often see mint condition Model 17's from 1957 and 1969, but how many original mint condition '57 Chevys or '69 Cameros have you seen lately?

 

[chief38]

Why is it that when you have a gun restored it isnt worth as much? Cars restored are worth just as much if not more when restored. The reason I ask is cause I am thinking having turnbull mfg. restore a gun for me. Ideas? Thoughts?

Cars are usually NOT worth more when they are restored as compared to a similar one in decent original condition (even if it's not perfect). When you restore a gun (or anything else) it is no longer the original item. That's not to say there isn't any value, but certainly not as much as if it were all original.

I have often thought about buying an antique car from the late 1940's or early 1950's, and although I have seen some "pretty" ones, most of them have been butchered IMHO. Thinks like putting a high output engine in, adding a/c, stereo systems, chopped tops, modern seats, etc. etc.

I would not be opposed to a carefully executed and CORRECT restoration, but they are next to impossible to find for what I am willing t spend. Nothing erks me more than when a car is painted a NON FACTORY paint color, or when a Ford engine is installed in a GM car.

The same theory applies to guns.

Chief38

 

[bigfreakinrevolver]

i agree chief38 im a huge car buff as well and that bothers me to... and i can understand everything you all are saying.

 

[CJS57]

Restored guns are worth less because you can Still find nice original examples. So a restored gun is worth same as a zero percent gun to me! (Other people pay more). You cannot find a Mint 57 Chevy so you have to accept lower condition or a take a restored one. My 57 Belair 2 door hardtop 270 hp is original as it can be, but has some new parts and paint. With cars the paint goes bad and so that is now it starts. Still it is hard to tell a good older paint job from original from 10 feet. With reblued guns the difference is glaring. Cars and guns are a different game with different rules.