Value of an IAC/Norinco 1897 "Trench" Shotgun

[Snowdog]

Due to the dwindling space for long guns with my latest acquisitions, I've decided to take a look at what I have and what I simply never use.

I have an IAC/Norinco shotgun in used condition (with perhaps a total of 50 trouble-free shells fired). There is a strange discoloring on the finish on one side that has always been there. It came like that.

It's the latest 5th generation as the serial number is 0800XXX so it has all the upgrades.

I'll put this up for auction on my favorite gun auction site. What would a fair starting price be, in case there's only one bidder who wins? I once placed an auction with a much lower-than-value starting price. With my luck, there was only one bidder and I ate the difference. I'd rather avoid that from happening again.

Thanks in advance!

 

[earlthegoat2]

My LGS had one on consignment pre-Election for $600 and it didn’t last long. Everything firearms has gone up since then but that is a place to start.

A quick GB completed listings search shows them going for 650-1200. Higher priced examples are NIB.

 

[1KPerDay]

What’s the least you’d be willing to take for it? *shrugs*

 

[Scooter22]

You can also have a Reserve auction and start the biding at say $1.00. I,ve noticed it gets more people to jump in and once bidding many continue. The Reserve is basically what you want. Sometimes Reserve isn,t met and the gun doesn,t sell. Many times it goes above. Either way you won't sell it for less than you want.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Just as an anecdote involving the game theory of auctions, I very rarely bid on any auction where there is a reserve (at least if it hasn’t been met yet) or a starting bid close to actual value in general.

It ruins the spirit and fun of auctions and turns what would be a fun auction into a boring classified ad. I want deals at auction. I’ll hit the local classifieds if I am going to pay retail.

That’s just me though as I am not the seller whose material and possibly sentimental value is on the line.

When selling, I start them at a dollar and no reserve so I buy and sell at auction the same way. No reserve and a low starting bid starts the auction fast and attracts many watchers and bidders who just may get caught up in the action and get into a bidding war. The more eyes on an auction the better for the seller.

 

[desidog]

You can also have a Reserve auction and start the biding at say $1.00.

Please don't use this method. If the reserve is X... start the auction at X. It's a waste of the buyer's time to put in bids under your reserve.

 

[Scooter22]

Please don't use this method. If the reserve is X... start the auction at X. It's a waste of the buyer's time to put in bids under your reserve.

I agree as a buyer and thats me 100% of the time on gun auctions. I just bid on a auction 2 days ago that didn't meet the reserve. But the OP is selling and he doesn't want to sell below price. Thats where a Reserve auction comes in. I've seen many, many auctions that started at a fixed price, say $300, that is close or higher to the going price for the gun listed. I've watched them sit there for weeks with no bids. Then it's relisted with a Reserve and a starting price of a penny. I'd say most of those guns then got bid up and sold for the original price or more. A low starting price gets more starting bids and once someone is in they tend to keep bidding. Thats what I've seen with online auctions in 25 years or so. He can try it either way. But as a seller I wouldn't be worried about wasting buyers time, but making the most from my sale. If you want a fixed price look in stores. jmo

 

[Riomouse911]

Start with a fair price to begin and you’ll often get a bidder or two. I just won a Kimber 9mm 1911 with the starting (and only) bid. (The price was quite a bit less than MSRP, but not a smoking deal.)

The $1.00 start-no reserve auctions fo seem to generate a lot more action… but as you found out you may not get what you really want for it when it closes.

Stay safe.