OT: Adviceon selling a piece of movie memorabilia, a weapon

RipublicaninMass

I came across the original movie prop used in James Gandolfini's first film Tornado Lane, what would be the best way to sell this item as it is a real pistol?


Thanks in advance

MeteoriteGuy

eBay has a movie prop section, so I would try that first. I bought a bunch of stuff from the set of Jackie Brown (I think that's the name a QT movie). Sold very well on eBay. The main male character drives around in his car a lot....sold his set of keys for $300. I think you see the keys once in the movie only, but you here then dangle a lot.

frankhardy

It is my understanding that Ebay does not allow firearms to be sold. I would try gunbroker.com. It is the "Ebay" for firearms and ammunition.

RipublicaninMass

I was thinking maybe if the firing pin was taken out it would be ok to sell? I am going to look further into this, possible and auction house as well. I dont want to get in deep doo doo

Downtown1974

2 words for you....Chum Lee

bman90278

I see movie props being sold on ebay all the time. You'll definitely have to look into selling a weapon. In my union we have Property Masters and they have get a special certification because of the weapons they handle.

If ebay says no maybe you can try an auction.

good luck to ya.

brian

bigjaco

<< <i>I was thinking maybe if the firing pin was taken out it would be ok to sell? I am going to look further into this, possible and auction house as well. I dont want to get in deep doo doo >>



I wouldn't modify the weapon. That's like folding a card.

-jake

RipublicaninMass

<< <i>

<< <i>I was thinking maybe if the firing pin was taken out it would be ok to sell? I am going to look further into this, possible and auction house as well. I dont want to get in deep doo doo >>



I wouldn't modify the weapon. That's like folding a card.

-jake >>



good point,

lol @ ChumLee! I am planning an visiting when I go to visit my sister out there

This was a student film, but had a professional crew and this guy is property of the weapons expert who was on set

HeritageAddict

If it is in fact a real pistol, you cannot sell it on ebay, even if you completely took it apart. Your best option would be gunbroker.com, followed by gunsamerica.com and auctionarms.com Make sure when you list it that you require a copy of their dealers FFL, and that the address you ship to is the address listed on the FFL, also make mention that you are an individual and not a shop and be sure that their FFL dealer will accept a transfer with a copy of your drivers license.

Stone193

Hi Ted

Do you have a COA for the item? What do you think it will go for?

If it's worth the time - you could call a gunsmith and find out how to "neutralize" the weapon for sale on ebay; e.g., if the barrel were filled in - then it's a true prop item and you would be able to sell it on ebay.

Just a thought - I know nothing about this kind of stuff.

mike

edit: I also like the idea of seeing if an auction house for this kind of stuff can sell it - as such?

HeritageAddict

Mike, that would depend on the model of pistol. If any part of it can be removed and used to make another pistol operational then it would be in violation, meaning that if it is a semi-auto pistol, if the slide, hammer (depending on model), trigger, etc., can be removed it is a no go. An auction house that specializes in props and or firearms might be another option. What make/model of pistol is it?

RipublicaninMass

I will find out more int he next couple of days, possibly advising the owner to shadow box it with a COA and autograph from Gandolfini. As far as value I have no idea, but it is from his first film back in 1992 he filmed here in of all places Boston's Italian section called the North End!

hotmush

Perhaps try Screen Used .com?

clayshooter22

<< <i>If it is in fact a real pistol, you cannot sell it on ebay, even if you completely took it apart. Your best option would be gunbroker.com, followed by gunsamerica.com and auctionarms.com Make sure when you list it that you require a copy of their dealers FFL, and that the address you ship to is the address listed on the FFL, also make mention that you are an individual and not a shop and be sure that their FFL dealer will accept a transfer with a copy of your drivers license. >>



Ted,

HA is on the right track if you sell it across state lines. It will likely cost $150 to do the transfers unless you or the receiver have an FFL.

I've sold a few guns and my local shop charges $40 to package and $50 to transfer. I would guess the receiver would also pay about $50 unless they have an FFL.

States allow private trascations which would not incur such charges.

Mike

storm888

Not Allowed On EBAY:

* Firearms regardless of their ability to fire, how old they are, or their status as collectibles.

* Pictures of any firearms in a listing, even if the firearm is just part of the picture. (lmao)

...............................................

gunbroker.com is good.

............

DO NOT MODIFY the item in ANY way.

DO NOT CLEAN the item.

/////////////////////

To get any shobiz premium for the item, you WILL need
good paperwork to document its provenance.

A notarized letter from the prop-master is good.

A still from the film showing JG holding the item is good.

//////////////////////////////////


You might drop a note/call to JG's agent/manager/publicist, and ask if he is interested in buying the item.

2009 Addresses:

Agent: Writers & Artists Agency, 8383Wilshire Blvd., Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90211.;

Manager: Sanders/ArmstrongManagement, 2211 Cornith Ave., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90064.;

Publicist:Stan Rosenfeld & Associates, Ltd., 2029 Century Park East, Suite 1190, Los Angeles, CA 90067.

............

Possible addy:

Sanders Armstrong Caserta Management
(Talent Management Company)
2120 Colorado Avenue
Suite 120
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA

RipublicaninMass

thanks guys, off to a great start! I should call the pawn stars for en estimate of value

thenavarro

Ted,

Give Joseph Maddalena a call at an auction house called "Profiles in History" in California. I'm sure you caa find them on the web. Ask him for his estimate if you let him auction it. That will help you determine whether it's worth more as a firearm or as a movie prop. If it's worth more as a movie prop, then sell it though his auction house. he has an established client base for movie props that is well heeled. If it's worth more as a firearm, then sell it either locally or on gunbroker.com or auctionarms.com I've used both and they work well although gunbroker.com probably has a bigger audience. Firearms are very liquid and you should have no problem selling locally either.

If you don't sell locally, you are going to have to ship properly if you are not close enough to take it to the auction house, buyer, etc, in person. You do NOT have to hold a Federal Firearms License in order to ship a firearm, however, generally you have to send it to someone with a FFL or else you are breaking the law. If you are a non-FFL, then generally the only common carrier that will accept it from you is UPS and they will require you to ship it overnight which is wicked expensive. It will be YOUR responsibility to make sure your recipient has sent you a signed copy of their FFL and DL BEFORE you ship. Make sure you ship to the exact address on the FFL to protect your own rear end. It might just be eassier to have a local FFL ship it for you and then it can just go USPS at a much cheaper rate, although if you don't have an established relationship with a FFL, they will typically charge you a small fee for this service (however, the fee is worth it to some degree as they will typically due the due dilligence to get the proper paperwork for the transfer) and of course you can pass these costs along to your buyer.

A lot of people will ask you to just put it in a box and ship it, but don't do it, you are breaking the law and you don't want to be caught.

Take care,

Mike

RipublicaninMass

Thanks Mike, I would agree probably not a good idea to ship it just to anyone! I will find out some info on your guy!