I recently steered someone away from a local auctioneer because their estimated value was only a fraction of the collections potential. He wasn't the wiser, in fact pleased that his collections had grown in value.
He thought 'tens of thousands' of dollars was fantastic until I pointed out his collection could possibly wholesale in excess of $1m.
Literally hundreds of early and original Winchesters, Marlins, and Savages in great shape. For example, 1885's and 1895's in nearly every caliber and factory offering etc.
We spent hours and I could only inspect a portion of what I saw. He was almost dumbfounded when he discovered the ones we looked at in his "junk room" were worth easily $20k.
I truly believe the local yokel planned to take him for a ride, although I'm unable to discount ignorance on their part. Highly likely they've never encountered such a vast collection before.
They will probably go to Rock Island Auctions when the time is right. That's after they are reinventoried and graded and at least two more opinions are heard. That was my advice to him.

BTW, I thanked him for a great day. I was like a kid in a candy store!
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread
This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.