How estate firearm inventories are valued

Make, model and variant set the baseline. Condition is the largest single factor after that — finish wear, bore condition, refinishing and replaced parts can halve a value or more. Original boxes, papers and documented provenance can add meaningfully to collector pieces.

Market demand changes over time, so a value is always tied to a specific date. For an estate, that date is normally the date of death.

Record each firearm separately: make, model, caliber, serial number, barrel length, finish and any accessories. Photograph each one in good light from both sides, with close-ups of markings and wear.

Proofmark's estate inventory tool lets you keep every item in one list and export it as a single document for the attorney or executor's file.

Save the photos, notes and reports you used. If an heir, the court or a tax adviser asks how a value was reached, a clear file showing condition and method answers most questions quickly.