Antique statue inquiry

[redbone]

I am thinking of getting rid of 2 duplicate Enfield trainers (IIs) that I have in my collection.
The question is if they were originally manufactured pre-1899 but converted to trainers later (1912), are they still considered antique?
Any input would be appreciated.
PS. I am in the USA.

Redbone

Information

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[Brian Dick]

Unfortunately, they don't classify as antiques.

[John R.]

U.S.Customs told me that it is the date stamped on the buttsocket that governs the "Antique" status.IF it is before 1899(in reality it should now be 1909 i.e., 100 years old) but they say 1899 so let's just go with that.
IF the original date of mfg were to be overstuck with 1912 then it might be problematic.I shipped 5 1896 dated Long Lees a few years ago and ALL went to guys most of us Enfield Fanatics would know by name and the net result was that the US Customs Agent who passed them through called me to ask if I had a spare magazine for HIS own rifle.I did and he came up to pick it up on his next day off and became a regular attendee at the HACS shows in Vancouver.He said IF the rifles pedigree or date stamp shows 1898 or earlier it comes right in and MOST US Customs guys should know this too.Cheers,JR

[redbone]

Thanks for the advice.
I don't have a license but I heard once that I didn't need one as long as I shipped to a license.
Is that correct?
Redbone

[JB White]

Redbone,

Given our locales and the nutty local ordinances we have around here, not to mention ignorance on the part of some Gestapos, I've always used an FFL to send or receive.

FWIW, I use Shore Galleries in Lincolnwood whenever I have to ship or receive. They charge for the service, but it keeps the police away from the doorstep. Good insurance AFAIC.

JB

[Garandy]

Redbone, check your PM's.

[Jim K]

The antique definition is set by law as being made prior to 1 Jan 1899; it does not "float" like the C&R 50-year date does. So even if the gun is 100 or 110 years old it is not an antique. If we ever get a gun-friendly Congress, that might change, but today a bill to change the antique date would be amended to make it 1399 and ban anything made later.

Jim

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

Funny one about that. Had a Long Lee shipped from Canada, and got a note from customs saying I needed import paperwork. Called them and said lift the bolt handle and the date (1895) is on the butt socket. Reply; "Oh we thought that was the model number!" They then released it.

[conductor]

Redbone...
Based on a letter I have on the subject from ATF, if the rifle was manufactured prior to January 1, 1899 it is an antique, regardless of the caliber or type of ignition system. Accordingly, you do NOT need to ship it to or from an FFL.