Firearms at Antique Auctions?

[skuter]

I attend a lot of antique auctions (2-3 per week) in MA. Occasionally there are older pistols or new muzzle loaders that the auctioneers say that they can sell and no firearm license is required. These items are just auctioned off and the buyer goes home with it. No additional paperwork is filled out.

How can this be. Are these items no considered firearms? I am confused.

 

[sig shooter]

you do not need a FID or LTC to possess or buy a muzzle loader but you do need a FID or LTC to buy the components to fire it. they are not even considered firearms by the ATF for that matter.

 

[jdubois]

Any gun made before 1899, or replicas thereof, if those replicas are not designed to use modern rimfire or centerfire ammunition, do not require a license to possess in Massachusetts. Handguns that fit into this category, however, do still need a license to be carried.

 

[skuter]

Any gun made before 1899, or replicas thereof, if those replicas are not designed to use modern rimfire or centerfire ammunition, do not require a license to possess in Massachusetts. Handguns that fit into this category, however, do still need a license to be carried.

At an auction how does one know if it was made before 1899? Is that a static date or will it be 1900 next year?

 

[jdubois]

Yes, it's a static date. One would hope the auctioneer would know the date of manufacture for a gun they were auctioning. If not, the onus is on you.

 

[terraformer]

...do still need a license to be carried.

Imagine carrying this
http://www.piratemerch.com/images/french_flintlock_pistol_rep.jpg
French no less.

 

[jdubois]

Just don't get caught in the rain

 

[skuter]

Imagine carrying this
http://www.piratemerch.com/images/french_flintlock_pistol_rep.jpg
French no less.

Concealed? Cocked & Locked?