Hello all,

A recent Cancer diagnosis has led me to the conclusion that I should be downsizing my collection. I've been acquiring some pretty cool BPCR Rifles over the last 10 years or so and I'm wondering what the best mechanism is for selling them for the best return? I know there are plenty of auction houses and places to go that would allow for some high visibility, but I figured I'd reach out here to see.

Some of the rifles that would be available are as follows:

1) Shiloh 16lb 45-90 with Fancy Wood, AA Finish, Buffalo Soule MVA Sight, MVA Globe front sight, Steel Shotgun Butt, Some other items. This is Unfired and New. Lots of Brass available as well.
2) Shiloh Half Round with Fancy Wood, AA Finish, Soule MVA Sight, MVA Globe front sight, Steel Shotgun Butt, 1:36 Twist to be able to shoot lighter bullets. This is a sweetheart to shoot and very accurate. Lots of Brass
3) Shiloh 45-70 with std weight Barrel, Semi-Fancy Wood, MVA Sights, Steel Shotgun Butt, Beautiful. Tons of Brass as well.
4) Ballard Rifle and Cartridge Co. Switch Barrel with Extra Fancy Wood. 38-50 Remington Hepburn and 32-40 Barrels. 4 years ago brought to Wyoming Armory and had Keith Kelby fix droopy lever and tune it up. Brass/Components avail
5) Ballard Rifle and Cartridge Co. Pacific in 45-110. Beautiful Rifle. Brass avail
6) Browning BPCR 45-70 w/MVA Full Length Scope
7) Browning BPCR 40-65 w/MVA Sights
8) Remington Rolling Block 43 Spanish
9) Remington Rolling Block 45-70 (Danish)
10) Wyoming Armory High Wall built by Keith Kelby Chambered in 38-55. Nicest Rifle I've ever seen. Unbelievable wood/finish, color case hardening, bluing, pewter pistol grip cap, etc.
11) Sharps Rifle original 1874 3-Band Military Rifle w/Factory Letter. Very nice condition Century and a half old rifle
12) Sharps Rifle Carbine 1863 Conversion in 50-70. Very nice condition
13) Antique Winchester High Wall in .38 WCF
14) Antique Winchester Low Wall in .38 WCF

There are some other nice pieces as well, but I'm looking to see what folks think are the best avenues to try to get the best return on this investment.

The answer depends on your objectives and circumstances.  You say the objective is to maximize return on investment.  However, you also say it's precipitated by a cancer diagnosis.  The two may not be mutually compatible because of time required to sell.

To maximize the return on investment, research what the guns are selling for, what the new Shiloh's would cost to order, and replacement cost to build the rifles that aren't currently available.  Then, add 5 or 10% to that, and put them out for sale with good photos and descriptions on every online forum you can find, take them to matches and show them off, put them on gunsinternational (be sure to add another $xx to cover their fee), put them on gunbroker (add XX% to cover their fees) and wait for a buyer to come to you.  Be firm on your prices, and as time goes on and inflation raises the replacement costs, increase your prices to match.  You'll have very few sales, and it will take a lifetime, but it'll maximize $$$ return.  There's a major dealer that does that, he still has rifles he advertised in Shotgun News 30 years ago.

To maximize return in a bit less time, look at what rifles have sold for on gunbroker, and put them up for sale in the same places as above, for 95% of that, and negotiate within reason if you get interested buyers.  You'll probably be able to move 1/3 to 1/2 of the rifles in the next year with this technique.

If you have less time and want to sell more, you'll have to give up some of the potential return on investment.  The best way to approach it is to put them on gunsinternational at the 95% price, and mark down 5% every 30 to 60 days if it doesn't sell.  Or, put on Gunbroker at auction, and start the auction at 85% of the price, and see where they end up.  They'll likely average out to 90 to 95% price, but you'll pay the commission, I think it works out to about 8%.   

To minimize the return on investment, price them too high to sell, and leave them until your heirs have to deal with it.  They'll likely sell for 60% or less of value, but they won't care, because they didn't pay the original purchase value.  Plus they won't have the knowledge or interest in them that you do.

Like everything in life that involves money, you trade time for money.  To get top dollar selling, you have to put in time and effort.  Sometimes that time ends up being of pretty low value in terms of higher price realized.  A quick, easy sale is worth something.

Sorry to hear of your situation.  Time and enjoying it to the fullest  might determine your course of action.  Good luck.

Post prices for the rifles you listed. You just might sell a few right her.

A good auction house that specializes in firearms sales is your best bet. Yes, they will charge a sellers premium but they take care of shipping and transfers. A good house will advertise on the internet well before the sale which helps to bring top dollar.
But if there are none close by it becomes a moot point. Don't know where the OP is but here in south central Pa there are a couple of places that fill the bill.

John

Another auction house is Rock Island Auction. Yes they have fees but they will either pick up the rifles or send you a crate with padding and have you pack them, then UPS picks up the crate at your door. RIA pays the insurance on the crate so you are covered there. They advertise well and put them into auctions until they sell. Then they send you a check. No negotiations or hassle with FFL's, lost guns, and busted stocks due to shipping problems. After my last busted stock I just went with RIA. The cost of the crate seems high but when you look at how much shipping you would have to pay for the guns individually it was actually the cheapest way to send them. Last time was 13 guns, 6 months until they all sold and I got the check. I am in a similar position as you and I am going to go with RIA again pretty soon. I am trying to sell the sights and brass now so my kids won't have to deal with it. It's hard to separate the sentimental value from the actual value they will bring but it's time to let it go.  Good luck with whatever you do.