Rock Island Auction Condition Rating System for Regional Firearms Auctions Explained
For the readers of AmmoLand who have asked here is the explanation of Rock Island Auction houses rating system.
Rock Island’s Fantastic Spring Regional Firearms Auction June 27 & 28, 2009
Rock Island Auction Company – -(AmmoLand.com)- Our Regional sales are geared toward potential bidders actually being present to bid. We have not spent time to individually evaluate each item. Our evaluation for condition will consist of using a grading system whereby we will assign a rating to an item based on the below grading chart similar to the “NRA” grading system for firearms.
This is an imperfect grading system. We are sure there will be examples that do not exactly match the chart. It is our intention to assign a rating which we feel is closest to what we believe is the rating the firearm substantially falls into. This is simply our opinion.
We do not guarantee this rating. We acknowledge that this is very subjective and will result in rating assignments that may be judged “incorrect”.
The terms of this Regional sale are simple. Everything is sold “as is”. No warranty, guaranty, pledge or endorsement of condition exists between Rock Island Auction Company and any successful bidder.
The catalog is simply a list describing items to be sold. Absolutely no returns will be allowed for any reason. Ultimately we expect each buyer to form their own opinion as to what each item is and to determine its condition.
We encourage you, a friend or agent to actually view items that are to be sold (or that you are bidding on). In summary the terms and conditions of sale as posted in this catalog are the contract under which bids both live and absentee are accepted. Each bidder acknowledges this and agrees that all items are sold as is without warranty or guarantee, endorsement or pledge.
Antique or older guns require a different standard for condition rating, An 80% finish gun would have a different rating depending on age. A gun manufactured in 1900 that retains 80% or better original finish would be rated excellent applying NRA standards.
Yet a recently manufactured gun displaying 80% finish would only be rated very good. To address this issue our rating system will be split into two distinct categories older guns or newer guns classification. This older and newer must not be mistaken for antique versus modern for ATF rules.
Antique guns (those manufactured before December 31st, 1898) are not subject to ATF restrictions. Our classification of older and newer is simply a condition rating and should not be relied upon for ATF classification of antique or modern. Generally we look at 1920 – 1930 as the breakpoint between older/newer.
This is clearly over the 1898 threshold for modern versus antique for ATF rules consideration, thus a firearm with an “O” rating may be considered “modern” by ATF classification. It is up to the individual to know what they are bidding on. In any case ATF rules will be strictly adhered to.
Newer Condition Rating (1930’s or newer)
NA = NEW – all original parts; 99% or more original finish.
NB = EXCELLENT – near new condition 95% – 98%, used but little, no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing near perfect (some wear at muzzle or sharp edges can be expected).
NC = FINE – All original finish 90% – 94% or better, some dings in wood wear commensurable with percent of finish. In working order.
ND = VERY GOOD – in working condition, 80% finish or better, appreciable wear on working surfaces 80% – 89%, no corrosion or pitting, minor surface dents or scratches. Wood condition commensurable with percent of finish with dings and dents associated with 80% – 89% gun.
NE = GOOD – in working condition, wear on working surfaces, finish 40% – 79%, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning, but may have some minor surface pitting. Wood condition commensurable with percent of finish with dings and dents associated with 40% – 79% gun.
NF = FAIR – 0% – 40% with generally smooth finish, may have mild cleaning yet not deeply pitted, but well worn, replacement of minor parts may need mechanical adjustments, may have rust and may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable. In working condition. Wood condition commensurable with percent of finish with dings and dents associated with 0% – 40% gun.
NG = POOR – major or minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collectors firearm in its present state. Finish obscured by heavy cleaning, rust or corrosion.
Older Condition Rating (1930’s or older)
OA = FACTORY NEW – all original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition
in every respect.
OB = EXCELLENT – all original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering,
numerals and design on metal; unmarred wood.
OC = FINE – all original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood.
OD = VERY GOOD – all original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised.
OE = GOOD – some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.
OF = FAIR – some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.
OG = POOR – major or minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collectors firearm in its present state.
N = NEWER 1930’S OR NEWER NPRF = NON-PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED/COLD BLUE, ETC. PRF = PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED
WB =WOOD IS BETTER FOR THE PERCENT OF FINISH RATING GIVEN WW = WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN
Some items may have “dual” codes for example 90% professional reblue (newer) would be the code NC-PRF
Auction Details:
Rock Island Auction Company announces the next Regional Firearms auction to be held at their facilities in Moline, IL. The huge success of our premier sale ($8.5 million) proves that people are investing in what they know: firearms are solid investments that hold value through economic downturns.
Investing and collecting opportunities abound at Rock Island’s fantastic Spring Regional Auction to be held June 27 & 28, 2009. At a time when the stock market changes daily, gun collectors are seeing the worth of their investments.
Hard assets are the place to invest your money and gun values continue to rise. This auction has firearms for every level of collecting and investing from Colts to Winchesters and the hundreds of high quality sporting arms. Rock Island’s continued sell through rate of over 97% proves that items that come to RIAC are for sale and now is your chance to make a solid investment.
About:
Rock Island Auction Company has been solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction. After working with two other auction companies, Mr. Hogan began Rock Island Auction in 1993. Rock Island Auction Company has grown to be one of the top firearms auction houses in the nation. Under Mr. Hogan’s guidance the company has experienced growth each and every year; and he is the first to say it is his staff’s hard work and determination that have yielded such results.