VaCollector: I'm not sure if you received my earlier PM. Since Raimey posted his thoughts which were the same as mine. If you decide to go the auction route I would recommend Ron Long at Charlton Hall Auctions & Digory Haddoke. True, Charlton Hall just completed their inagural sporting guns auction and learned a lot from that. Digory was involved in the appraisels & all gun measurements and I was highly impressed with his expertise. He will be back in June or July to appraise and measure guns for the December 2008 auction where he will also be present. Charlton Hall has been in the auction business since 1929 and has an international following. You can reach Ron at (803) 779-5678 or on his cell at (803) 466-6244. His e-mail is info@charltonhallauctions.com. He is straight as an arrow and will treat you right.

One problem in dealing with the U.K. auction houses is that they are forced to tack on a 17.5% VAT for guns being re-imported into the U.K. That, together with the shipping costs involved, would severely eat into what a qualified bidder would pay. Charlton Hall will send a bonded shipper to pick up your collection and I'm sure that Ron & Dig would travel to your place in Virginia to do the appraisels.

As also suggested I would consult with your tax attorney beforehand to learn how best to avoid excessive inheritance taxes
You seem to have an amazing and valuable collection and you must have been very special to your uncle.

Best Regards, George Lander
palmettotreasure@aol.com
Phone (803) 429-5828


To see my guns go to www.mylandco.com Select "SPORTING GUNS " My E-Mail palmettotreasure@aol.com