case value

17 October 2016, 06:17

jimmy j

case value

I love vintage guns. This question applies to both shotguns and rifles (doubles especially):
How much value do you put on the original case?
I have some guns with the original leather and oak luggage case, but the makers label is absent, or the felt is worn to the point of being emabarassing! One case is missing the dividers, and the leather strap for around the pistol grip is ripped off.
I know there is a good market for these old cases, but how do you place value on them?

17 October 2016, 08:38

cal pappas

Value of the cases is probably best done with prior sales. I have paid a low of 300$ for canvas cases, 700$ for leather cases, and between 900-1500$ for fine oak and leather cases. Original labels are a plus as are charge cards and accessories.
Cal

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Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
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17 October 2016, 09:18

MJines

Hard to place a value on a case since not all cases are created equal. I have the original case for my pre-War H&H, along with all the original tools, oil bottle, snap caps. A beat up canvas case with labels warning about tropical loadings, etc. To have the whole package for something that is almost 100 year old is hard to determine a price for . . . but as part of the total package it is worth way more to me than a a couple of grand.

17 October 2016, 18:30

sambarman338

IIRC, H&H want at least $7000 for a new oak-and-leather case to go with one of their guns or rifles. Considering the prices they charge for the guns, it amazes me they are not free.

17 October 2016, 19:36

MJines

That would be ridiculous. If I was buying a new gun, no way I would pay more than $750-$1000 for a case. To me for a case to have any real value it needs to have some historical significance with the rifle it holds.

18 October 2016, 03:45

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
That would be ridiculous. If I was buying a new gun, no way I would pay more than $750-$1000 for a case. To me for a case to have any real value it needs to have some historical significance with the rifle it holds.

The above is correct! A double rifle or shotgun with a case holding all the labels and tools that match the classic rifle or name shotgun enclosed in it is worth several thousand dollars if it is in even fair condition. If labeled for a famous hunter the price can go through the roof to a collector!

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....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
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"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

20 October 2016, 16:21

jimmy j

So, even at the most modest values quoted, if I can find someone to re-furbish them, would it add enough value to the gun as a package, as to be worth the effort?
The few I have that I would consider doing this for, are good leather cases, but without some dividers, and the felt is in need of replacing. The makers lable is long gone.

20 October 2016, 20:10

cal pappas

Jimmy:
IMHO--NO!
The cost to refurbish a case will cost far more than the value will be. That said, I have done this to cases for rifles I plan to keep in my collation, but not to a case I plan to sell, or a rifle and case I plan to sell. If you are curious, contact a case maker or refinisher and ask for a quote to redo a case and fit tools. Many replies will knock you off your chair!
Cal
PS. Of course the work may be justified if a Holland Royal but not a plain bpe double.

20 October 2016, 21:09

MJines

I agree with Cal. Unless I had a case that was original to a rifle that I also had, I would not entertain refurbishing the case.

22 October 2016, 00:19

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
I agree with Cal. Unless I had a case that was original to a rifle that I also had, I would not entertain refurbishing the case.

I too agree with Cal! To restore a fitted case it is only cost effective if the case can be absolutely connected to a classic rifle.

The only way even a new double has added value because of a fitted case is if the case came with the rifle from its maker with the proper label affixed. Then it will only add no more than $500 dollars or so to the new made rifle being sold, unless it is one of the top Britt makers. Then it will add quite a bit to its value, even if new.

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