Should I keep the box

[cyphertext]

Using a piece like that decreases it's collectable value.

I'm a shooter, not a collector. I get more value out of shooting it than just letting it sit in the safe.

My father in law bought my son a late 1800's Winchester that is in very nice condition... a collector for sure. First thing Grandpa did was take the boy to the range to shoot it.

 

[blues7]

Gents, the truth is there is no right answer...only the answer that is right for you. And even that may be different from time to time.

I've been a moderator on the largest custom and production knife enthusiast website for over 16 years and this issue is commonly encountered.

The bottom line is that some folks will pay more for box and paperwork. Some folks don't care. Sometimes the boxes (and/or paperwork) matter, sometimes they don't.

Depending on rarity and availability, some pieces will bring considerably more in the marketplace if pristine...sometimes not.

What have I learned over the years? If I purchase a high dollar item it is mine to do with as I please. If that makes some folks blanch because I've sharpened a hard to come by custom knife, so be it. If I choose to leave one on the shelf for any of a number of reasons, it's no big deal either.

Life is short. Enjoy your guns in whichever and whatever legal way floats your boat. If you want to make money, you should probably make alternative investment decisions for the long run.

Me, I like to shoot and enjoy my guns and keep them properly maintained in case called upon for more than recreation.
Boxes and paperwork? If I have the storage free, sure. But I won't lose sleep over it unless it's required for authentication somehow.

 

[cyphertext]

Don't get me wrong, have no issues with those who collect pristine firearms and never use them, it just isn't for me. I guess 80's baseball cards turned me away from collecting for investment purposes.

Some boxes are worth money. I have a vintage, three screw Ruger Single Six with box. The box is worth $50 - $80 to a collector. I bought it used, with the box. I knew there was some value to the box, so I kept it. But the pistol itself is not really a collector piece, as it had been shot when I bought it, and has been shot ever since.

But a box from a Sport II? Not really worth more than the price of recycled cardboard.

 

[vortex360]

Using a piece like that decreases it's collectable value. I have a couple Colts besides that one, a Python and an Anaconda, all unfired, all in original boxes.

Prices are stupid high and will get higher. For investment purposes only. They just go bang like any other firearm.

I would check on them and occasionally take-down and smother them, inside and out, in gun oil.

 

[SilentKnight]

I never worried about the box until recently. I figured my kids would inherit my guns that had been well used. I was not so much a collector as a user. Having see the value with the box of older weapons, I am inclined to say I made a mistake. I should have kept the boxes. Your grandchildren will thank you for it... even if they do not understand it today. Big mistake. I have many that I wish I had the box for now. Have no regrets.