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Ask LeRoy: If you are trying to identify an old gun or need an evaluation, we would be glad to take a look. It would be best if you could email us a few clear photographs and a brief description.
The links in the side column lead to the various categories of our inventory. We have a flexible layaway program and try to be easy to deal with. We've been doing this for nearly 45 years and hope to continue our great reputation. If you need more info on an item, or would like to sell any old guns, be sure to drop us a line.
The latest edition of our printed catalog, Issue Number 118, was mailed on January 30, 2012. This edition ties Norm Flayderman's World Record for The Longest Continuously Published Antique Arms Catalog. Thank you Norm for letting us catch up!
 The Merz Antique Firearms Museum is now online. Click here to browse many unique old guns and rare treasures.
We recently discovered THE ONLY KNOWN ENGRAVED MODEL 1888 MARLIN RIFLE. This gun was formerly owned by Santa Claus himself. We recently acquired this outstanding rarity from a mysterious individual known as Mr. Rudolph. This is the only engraved Marlin Model 1888 Rifle ever to surface.
We offer gift certificates in any amount you choose. Give us a call and we will drop a fancy-looking gift certificate in the mail today, along with free copies of our most recent catalogs. At your convenience, you can send a check to pay for the gift certificate.
Some of LeRoy's fine engraved Savage rifles were recently selected as "Gun of the Week" on the Blue Book of Gun Values website. Collectors may recognize this photo from the back cover of a previous Blue Book as well as the front cover of an older CADA Gun Journal. Thanks Steve!
Should a gun be refinished or cleaned? Definitely not. You may have seen old cars or other antiques that have been restored and sell for a lot of money. The opposite is true for restored guns. There is no way to duplicate the original finish on a gun, especially after the metal has worn away or pitted. Once the metal is gone, there is no way to replace the lost metal. Some people do collect restored guns. That is a personal choice. But most people will pay a lot more for a gun showing honest wear and age, rather than one that has been cleaned, refinished or restored. If you have an old gun, do not attempt to "freshen" or clean it in any way. That is a quick way to reduce the value. The only thing we recommend using on a gun is a lightly oiled rag, or a silicone gun cloth, on the metal. This should be done about once a year in a dry climate, and up to once a month in a wet climate. Every time you handle a gun you should wipe away the fingerprints, because the oils in your skin might damage the metal over time. A little bit of oil on the metal is the best way to preserve the value of your guns for future generations. We are proud to be caretakers for many fine old pieces of history.
Give us a call at 218-739-3255 to discuss any item or email leroy@merzantique.com or fax 218-739-4599 to reserve your gun. Thank you.
~ LeRoy Merz ~
& the Merz Antique Firearms Posse | In The News: LoveToKnow Antiques recently published an interview with LeRoy Merz, with a lot of good questions and answers about antique guns. Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, also has an interesting article featuring LeRoy in Family Tree Magazine. |
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We are interested in buying estates, collections or single items. No collection is too large or small. Our years of experience have prepared us to handle all types of antique firearms, swords, knives, western memorabilia and related material. We will pay finders' fees and we also accept guns on consignment. It can be a lot of work trying to sell old guns on your own, but we do this every day and are glad to help you get them safely into the hands of someone who will appreciate their history. We are fully-licensed and have relationships with dealers and collectors around the world, making us the natural choice for selling any type of antique, collectable, historic or rare weapons. Allow our team of experts to locate the right buyer for you. Contact Us.
People often inquire about selling old guns online or through auctions. (Note: eBay does not allow any firearms.) While sometimes good prices can happen at auction, for the seller it can be a risky, long process, filled with many chances to pay fees. Don't wait months for a roll of the dice at an auction, when we can usually send you good money for your old guns within a few days. Let us know what you have. |
