how to get me grandfathers collection back

[syvehc]

My grandfather passed away in 1984. He lived in Massachusetts, and my dad has lived in New Hampshire for almost 40 years now. When my grandfather died, my Dad's cousin took his gun collection, because he lived close to my grandfather in Massachusetts. My dad was afraid to bring them to NH because I was little then and my Mom didn't want them in the house, not to mention, he wasn't sure what the laws were about taking them over state lines. I am 42 now, and I would like this collection or, at least, part of it. My dad never signed them over to his cousin, but I was wondering how to get them back. I don't think my dad’s cousin will want to give them up. I am not sure what or how many he had in his collection. Would it be possible to have my dad sign them to me, so I can get them, and how would I legally get them to my home in New Hampshire? Another problem is that he has had them for so long that I don’t know what the laws are for something of this nature.

My grandfather worked at the Springfield Armory, and the guns were more than a collection; some of them were his life's work. This is why I want them back. Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[ACB84]

Does your dads cousin live in NH? If so you could do a ftf transfer. If he loves on another state you would have to have him ship them to an ffl. But if he doesn't want to ship them or transfer them to you then you would have to take a legal route. You would have to show that the guns were always on your fathers name. If they were in your dads name and your dads cousin has them then I would imagine your dad would be able to get them back. Not sure tho.

 

[fencer]

Your best bet would be to contact an attorney. He will probably offer a free consultation and tell you if you have a shot. I am not a lawyer but would first ask you if there was a will. If your Grandfather specifically willed his collection to your Dad I think you might have a better chance

 

[terraformer]

I don't think my dad’s cousin will want to give them up.

Proceed to lawyer, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Good luck but this may get messy.

 

[Billsail]

Dupe. Please refer to this thread: http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/145492-my-grandfathers-collection:

 

[StephenR]

Just have your father ask for them back, fairly simple. Did your grandfather have a will? Did the will say anything about the collection? What's your fathers relationship with his cousin? don't make it too complicated if it doesn't need to be.

 

[mac1911]

I would start with a good old family breakfast somewhere. If I get this right
Your Father: Did not or could not take possession where they then passed on by Will to the next person ie: Fathers cousin OR Did your Father call up his Cousin and say. "Dad died and left the guns to me BUT I just cant take them I would like you to dear cousin" ? I am going to guess maybe your Father and His Cousin are close in age ? Maybe Cousin is older now and not shooting much and its time to pass the collection on. I would do 2 things
Find out who the guns where Willed to if even Willed to someone.
2. Get your dad his cousin and yourself together and work out a deal. Any monies that might need squareing up ie: Repairs,apraisals ect ect
I would at least be happy to get a good chunk of the collection back if there is anything left. Sounds like most of these guns where purchased long before good record keeping.
Finally I would have your Fathers Cousin at least will them to you !