Guest
I get asked daily "What's my Great Grandfather's gun worth"? Most folks want you to pull a figure out of the air with out seeing and researching their firearm. The "Antique Road Show" has given folks an idea that everything has a higher value. I'm sure you have seen some questionable prices on different items over the years.
DO NOT give anyone a "guessment" if asked; because down the road something will happen and the next thing you know you are being quoted as to the item's worth.
Most folks do not understand it takes time to research their wares and give them a reasonable value. Here's an example of one done a few years ago.
08/20/2007
Good Day Mr. Buxxxxx,
Thank you for giving us the chance to look at your guns the other days, nice old history pieces that your grandchildren will enjoy one day.
Manufacturer: J. HETRICK - .45 cal., 35-1/2 inch barrel length, 7/8 inch across the flats, old refinished maple stock with artificial striping, percussion cap ignition (new nipple), broken toe plate, patina brass furniture, dark patina metal, replacement rear sight, broken front sight. At first glance it looks to be NRA good condition. 
Researching the maker’s name is a reference given for this name/builder by the German book “Heer Der Neue Stockel Vol. 1” of “Vol. 1 & 2”. These books are a valuable tool for any collector or researcher dealing with arms of the 1400 -1900 era. They are pricey for the two volume set, but necessary when working with old weapons.
Found several “HETRICK” names listed in the manufacturing of arms but further research showed that for the most part they produced small quantities (less than one hundred recorded). This was from tax records available showing the name HETRICK sending arms to small trading firms and local business supplying the travel west.
For additional information about these “cottage industry” weapons I checked the book by De Witt Bailey, Ph.D. “British Board of Ordnance - Small Arms Contractors 1689-1840.” This book covers everything from the lock to the ramrod and more, those interested in numbers and time periods will enjoy this work. There are two builders listed with the name “HETRICK” but both where very early craftsmen dealing more with 1720 to 1810 flintlock guns, a possible blood line connection.
From: “Heer Der Neue Stockel Vol. 1”.John Hetrick, Newark, Ohio, born approx 1820, died 1896, probably working 1840 ”“ 1880.  Levi Hetrick, New Orleans, La and Warsaw, Indiana, ca 1853 ”“ 1911 ”“ quite possibly a son of John?
From: “Merwyn Carey, American Firearms Makers 1953”.“Hetrick, John 1858-1870. General gunsmith at Third Street, Newark, Ohio.”
From: “Gluckman & Satterlee”“Hetrick, John, - Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, 1866-70. ”˜Employed four hands.’”  Also found Levi Hetrick in Lima, Ohio, before and after 1888-94.
I found several percussion guns that would be close to or of equal value to yours for the number of arms produced by the maker, condition and style. Some where half stocks along with a few full stock guns. Full stock guns (depending on condition) will bring a few more dollars than the half stock ones.
Biggest thing I was looking for is like conditions and similar time frames of manufacturer. I have provided you with a good example of a gun made in the same area of the country and built close to the time period of your gun.
Here’s an example of a gun made approximately in the same era.
Half stock percussion rifle - Biddle lock - .36 caliber; 34” oct. barrel. - Good condition. - Dark patina metal; markings & engraving on lockplate & hammer weak in places, appears to read “R. & W.C. BIDDLE”.  Hammer does not hold cock; double set trigger.  Well done old steel filler to top of lockplate (conversion from flint?) and brass plate repair to wood in front of nipple.  Patina brass furniture.  Stock is cracked at the wrist (not apparent in photo) & nice tiger stripe on forend.$685.00
Sorry there wasn’t much information to be found which is not surprising with the number of small business that got into this industry in the development of our country.
For your insurance purposes I really think the gun would be in the $700.00 to $825.00 retail price range. I would take several pictures for your safety deposit box along with any “rubbings” of the name, insurance claim folks like that.
I’ll keep an eye out for additional information to help you with your research on this weapon.Thank you for the chance to share your experiences in the hobby and looking at your guns.
Yours truly,
Always end your research with positive remarks making the owner aware that you have tried to meet his wants. :applause:
DO NOT give anyone a "guessment" if asked; because down the road something will happen and the next thing you know you are being quoted as to the item's worth.
Most folks do not understand it takes time to research their wares and give them a reasonable value. Here's an example of one done a few years ago.
_______________________
08/20/2007
Good Day Mr. Buxxxxx,
Thank you for giving us the chance to look at your guns the other days, nice old history pieces that your grandchildren will enjoy one day.
Manufacturer: J. HETRICK - .45 cal., 35-1/2 inch barrel length, 7/8 inch across the flats, old refinished maple stock with artificial striping, percussion cap ignition (new nipple), broken toe plate, patina brass furniture, dark patina metal, replacement rear sight, broken front sight. At first glance it looks to be NRA good condition. 
Researching the maker’s name is a reference given for this name/builder by the German book “Heer Der Neue Stockel Vol. 1” of “Vol. 1 & 2”. These books are a valuable tool for any collector or researcher dealing with arms of the 1400 -1900 era. They are pricey for the two volume set, but necessary when working with old weapons.
Found several “HETRICK” names listed in the manufacturing of arms but further research showed that for the most part they produced small quantities (less than one hundred recorded). This was from tax records available showing the name HETRICK sending arms to small trading firms and local business supplying the travel west.
For additional information about these “cottage industry” weapons I checked the book by De Witt Bailey, Ph.D. “British Board of Ordnance - Small Arms Contractors 1689-1840.” This book covers everything from the lock to the ramrod and more, those interested in numbers and time periods will enjoy this work. There are two builders listed with the name “HETRICK” but both where very early craftsmen dealing more with 1720 to 1810 flintlock guns, a possible blood line connection.
From: “Heer Der Neue Stockel Vol. 1”.John Hetrick, Newark, Ohio, born approx 1820, died 1896, probably working 1840 ”“ 1880.  Levi Hetrick, New Orleans, La and Warsaw, Indiana, ca 1853 ”“ 1911 ”“ quite possibly a son of John?
From: “Merwyn Carey, American Firearms Makers 1953”.“Hetrick, John 1858-1870. General gunsmith at Third Street, Newark, Ohio.”
From: “Gluckman & Satterlee”“Hetrick, John, - Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, 1866-70. ”˜Employed four hands.’”  Also found Levi Hetrick in Lima, Ohio, before and after 1888-94.
I found several percussion guns that would be close to or of equal value to yours for the number of arms produced by the maker, condition and style. Some where half stocks along with a few full stock guns. Full stock guns (depending on condition) will bring a few more dollars than the half stock ones.
Biggest thing I was looking for is like conditions and similar time frames of manufacturer. I have provided you with a good example of a gun made in the same area of the country and built close to the time period of your gun.
Here’s an example of a gun made approximately in the same era.
Half stock percussion rifle - Biddle lock - .36 caliber; 34” oct. barrel. - Good condition. - Dark patina metal; markings & engraving on lockplate & hammer weak in places, appears to read “R. & W.C. BIDDLE”.  Hammer does not hold cock; double set trigger.  Well done old steel filler to top of lockplate (conversion from flint?) and brass plate repair to wood in front of nipple.  Patina brass furniture.  Stock is cracked at the wrist (not apparent in photo) & nice tiger stripe on forend.$685.00
Sorry there wasn’t much information to be found which is not surprising with the number of small business that got into this industry in the development of our country.
For your insurance purposes I really think the gun would be in the $700.00 to $825.00 retail price range. I would take several pictures for your safety deposit box along with any “rubbings” of the name, insurance claim folks like that.
I’ll keep an eye out for additional information to help you with your research on this weapon.Thank you for the chance to share your experiences in the hobby and looking at your guns.
Yours truly,
__________________________
Always end your research with positive remarks making the owner aware that you have tried to meet his wants. :applause: