Stolen antique handgun for sale. (Opinion)

[jager]

I would like some advice please.

Let me give you the run down.

I had a handgun stolen from my storage unit several years ago by former employee.
Didn't realize it was missing until quite some time later.
Nothing I could do at that point.

It belonged to my great grandfather. Not a valuable piece by any means but sentimental none the less.

I recently have seen this gun listed for sale on the internet.
I believe it to be the same weapon, It does have a few distinguishing marks.
It is also non-working, and if it is the same gun I know exactly what the issue is.

I don't know the seller or how it was acquired.

There is a listed price..way more than what is worth.

How would you handle this?

I know I could bite the "bullet" and pay to get it back. Is there a transfer fee for antique guns??

I really would like it back.

Offer lower price and pay?
Tell my story...

Would just like some other opinions.

Again, what would you do?

Please don't judge the method of storage.
it was/is a non functioning antique that was well packed.

Thanks!

[Dan-o]

I would set up an inspection in a safe public place and then explain to the seller.   If he's honest, he may work with you. If he's a dirt bag at least you could read his reaction.   

[jackelope]

Call the police maybe?

[boneaddict]

Call the police. Get a detective. 

[Bob33]

If it meant a lot to me I would buy it first, ask questions later.

There should not be a transfer fee on an antique gun.

[boneaddict]

My question is how would you prove it was yours?  No police report when it was stolen?  Insurance claim? In which case, I guess what Bob said

[jager]

The only way I could "prove" that it was mine is the way in which it malfunctions which doesn't exactly prove anything...

No insurance claim no police report.

[Colville]

Focus. Whats most important.  The guy could be the third one to own it since the theft for all you know. Is the point vengence, a cheap return or no return, or getting your family gun back. Dont use option one or two if three is what's most important, or you'll kick yourself later.

[WapitiTalk1]

Haven't bought many used guns but wouldn't current seller know that it wasn't "clean"?  If so, that makes him a turd, yes? 

[DRobnsn]

Haven't bought many used guns but wouldn't current seller know that it wasn't "clean"?  If so, that makes him a turd, yes?

How would he know that?

[KFhunter]

You have no proof it's yours so don't have much options.  Would be worth a call to the police, maybe something will lead back to the dirt bag who stole it, maybe the current seller is a dirt bag    You can't anticipate some other good, maybe someone else will be hooked up with their stolen items.

[viva_che1363]

I'd buy it back, set up a safe place to meet face to face and once it's in your position ask your questions,  how he acquired it, when etc.  And go from there.

[Blacktail Sniper]

If it meant a lot to me I would buy it first, ask questions later.

There should not be a transfer fee on an antique gun.

If it is an 1898 or older gun, no transfer is required.

Haven't bought many used guns but wouldn't current seller know that it wasn't "clean"?  If so, that makes him a turd, yes? 

He said it was taken several years ago by an employee.   No way to know how many times that gun has changed hands. The current seller could be honestly clueless about that.

Now, if the seller turns out to be the employee that took it all those years ago, then things could get interesting...


Guess you would have to get with the seller for a closer inspection to verify if you can, whether it is or isn't your gun that was stolen, then decide what it is worth to get it back.

Curious why you didn't file a stolen firearm report at the time you found it missing?

[Skillet]

I agree with Colville - keep your eye on the prize here.  Having detailed knowledge of the gun proves nothing in terms of getting the gun back.  Consider anything you pay for it "tuition" for the learning experience.

If you do find that the guy selling is the guy that stole it, well - I suppose you just thank him for coming clean and bringing it back to you, holster it and leave. 

[tlbradford]

File a police report right now.  Followed by contacting a detective about the firearm for sale.  This is if you can someway prove ownership in the past.  If you have no way of doing that, then you should contact the seller and buy it back.