Special Terms
Connecticut Firearms Auction
Terms of Sale
All bidders are required to read the Terms and Conditions of the Sale before bidding with Connecticut Firearms Auction LLC and/ or CT Firearms Auction collectively referred to below as “CTFA”. Those who bid are bound by these Terms and Conditions of the Sale, as amended by any oral announcement, published or posted notices, which together form the contract of the sale between the successful bidder “buyer”, “CTFA” and seller “consignor” of the lot.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS: When bidding on any lot offered by CTFA, the bidder indicates acceptance of the following Terms of Sale. Any participation in the auction binds the bidder to agreement of these terms whether or not buyer has read or understood said terms. The terms in writing contained herein are subject to change without notice and bidder agrees that the most recently published Terms of Sale as published or amended on the website at the beginning of the auction shall apply.
BIDDER ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION: Buyers warrant that they are at least age 18 and possess a valid photo ID. Buyers are required to provide a verifiable address of residence, phone number, and email in writing at least 48 hours prior to auction date. Long guns will only be sold to persons 18 years of age, or older. Handguns will only be sold to those persons 21 years of age or older. It is the bidder’s responsibility to take buyers premium, shipping, and insurance costs into consideration when bidding on items. It is the buyers responsibility to personally inspect auction items, or request condition reports and detailed questions prior to bidding.
TITLE: Title to all merchandise shall pass to the highest bidder at the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer. The buyer will then assume all risk and full responsibility of the lot purchased once ownership has changed. CTFA recommends that buyers arrange insurance for all items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder.
BUYER’S PREMIUM: A buyers premium will be added to all successful bids and is payable by the buyer as part of the total purchase cost. Base buyers premium of 18% applies to phone and absentee bidding. A 3% discount is offered for cash, check, wire, and money order payments. Buyers premium is non-negotiable. Split payment methods (cash/credit) lose 3% discount. Third-party Bidding platforms such as Proxibid, Live Auctioneers, Invaluable or HiBid charge an additional percentage of buyers premium. Refer to the bidding platform of choice for the final buyer’s premium at the time bids are entered.
LIMITED GUARANTEE: CTFA makes every effort to accurately describe all items offered in its sales. The descriptions and condition reports carry a limited guarantee. It is a guarantee to protect the buyer against errors in fact and major discrepancies that would have a significant effect upon the value of the item. This limited guarantee covers the following:
DESCRIPTIVE FACTS: Manufacturer, model, caliber, serial numbers, barrel length, special features, major restoration, modification, repair not described, counterfeits, reproductions or major fabrications not disclosed in the description.
CONDITION DISCREPANCIES: It is the bidder’s responsibility (present, online, or absentee bidders) to determine by inspection by themselves (or a hired professional) the exact condition of each item prior to bidding on the item. CTFA makes every effort to follow the commonly accepted and current condition guidelines for modern and antique firearms such as the NRA Modern and Antique grading system, Blue Book percentage of finish rating, and Standard Catalog of Firearms Modern grading. It is important to note that these systems have changed over the years, and present different opinions based on the edition and authors. Condition reports are the opinion of CTFA and represent the observations of the cataloger.
BIDDERS RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the bidder’s responsibility to initiate contact with CTFA in request for additional information regarding the items. Submit all questions regarding upcoming auction items at least 48 hours prior to the date of auction. CTFA will make every effort to answer all submitted questions in a timely manner. In-Person Bidders must examine all items prior to purchase and again upon receipt. Any discrepancies must be noted prior to leaving the facility. If bidding via absentee or online, then it is the bidders responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is the buyers responsibility to contact us immediately. The limited guarantee is null and void 28 days after the auction date (NOT THE DATE OF RECEIPT). If a buyer pays late and receives items late, through action or inaction on their part, the buyer is disqualified from any guarantee. Under no circumstances will CTFA be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer's responsibility to return it in the same state and condition as received. Returned items that are modified, damaged, or mishandled void all guarantees.
LIMITATIONS: The limited guarantee covers major discrepancies in condition reports, such as error in fact, visible repairs or restorations, or major differences in percent of finish or bore(+/- 20%). This limited guarantee is only available to the buyer of record. Please refer to POST SALE RETURN POLICY. Except as stated in the limited guarantee above, CTFA will not be held responsible for typographical errors or errors of omission. This limited guarantee does NOT cover imperfections, patina, slight damages, handling marks, natural imperfections, undisclosed minor blemishes, finish differences, wood-to-metal fit issues, surface cracks or chips in wood, dings and dents, unverifiable age, and other similar differences that are inherent in the firearms or other antiques and collectibles offered for sale. Firearm internal mechanisms and moving parts are not inspected, and guns are not test fired unless otherwise noted. If mechanical or other working parts are inoperable, even if working at the time of sale, CTFA is not liable due to the inherent nature of the age of these used items. CTFA will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs.
AS-IS: Auction lots and items offered with the designation “AS-IS”, “Poor condition”,or “For parts or restoration” are offered without guarantee, all sales are final and sold without refund or buyer recourse.
POST SALE RETURN AND REFUND POLICY: If a major description or condition discrepancy is discovered within 28 calendar days of the auction, a buyer may submit a request in writing for a full refund under the following conditions: The request for refund must be received in writing before the end of the 28th day. The auction lot in question must be received by CTFA within 3 days of the request for return and refund. After receipt of the lot in question, CTFA will perform an evaluation, and determine the validity of the request. If a return and refund is granted, CTFA will notify the buyer within 7 calendar days of receipt. CTFA does not offer adjustments or partial refunds. Refunds are only given for the total hammer price plus buyers premium per lot. Accepted refunds are paid only by paper check, and submitted to the buyer 30 days after receipt of items.
FIREARMS TRANSFER AND ELIGIBILITY: All firearm transfers will be in strict accordance with all International, Federal, State and local laws. Buyer is responsible for adhering to all country, state and local laws before bidding. If a bidder is unable to import, purchase, own, or recieve a firearm for any reason, they should not bid on these items. If a buyer later determines they cannot legally own a firearm or accept delivery, the bid is still a valid contract, and the buyer is still obligated to remit payment in accordance with payment terms. CTFA does not offer returns, refunds or cancellations on the basis of ineligibility or failure to facilitate transfer.
DENIAL OF TRANSFER: If “Denied” by FBI / NICS background check buyers will not be able to take possession of the firearm and the firearm will be consigned to the next available firearm auction. Dealers and Individuals that bid on and win items own the items and are fully responsible for payment within terms regardless of whether the FBI / NICS approves their taking physical possession of the items. CTFA will not cancel the sale due to disapproval for any reason. If a buyer is appealing a “Denied” decision, we will hold the firearm for a grace period of 30 days, with monthly storage fees in effect on the 31st day.
IN-PERSON PAYMENT AND PICKUP: Only the person to whom the bidder number is registered may accept transfer of the firearm(s) at the conclusion of the sale – Federal Law disallows anyone else from accepting the transfer. Buyers may not bid on or pay for modern firearms on behalf of another party.
Modern Firearms (1898 and later)
Can be picked up in person with a valid CT Pistol Permit or applicable Certificate
Can be picked up by FFL Licensee or listed responsible person with “Live Copy” of License
Eligible Curio & Relic Firearms can be picked by by C&R Holders with “Live Copy” of license.
Non Connecticut Residents (without FFL or C&R) may not pick up modern or NFA firearms in person at our CT Facility.
Antique Firearms Can be picked up in person with valid photo ID by persons over the age of 18. No background check required, all states of residence eligible.
Non-Guns may be picked up by any eligible buyer (or buyers agent) with a valid photo ID.
Ammunition: Any buyer receiving ammunition in the State of CT must possess a Valid CT Pistol Permit, Long Gun Certificate, or Ammunition Certificate per state laws.
SHIPPING: Shipping and transportation costs are the responsibility of the buyer. Modern firearms are legally required to be shipped to a BATF licensed FFL business within their state of residence for transfer. For states that allow shipment of C&R firearms to the C&R license holder, CTFA reserves the right to ship those C&R firearms to the address listed on C&R license. Modern handguns only ship via UPS 2-Day Air or U.S.P.S. Priority Mail. Modern long guns are shipped via UPS ground. IT IS THE BUYERS RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT THEIR RECEIVING FFL AND ARRANGE TRANSFER AND FFL REMITTANCE. The receiving dealer must submit a new shipping copy of their FFL for each auction invoice. FFL’s are not kept on file. FFL’s should be submitted to sales@ctfirearmsauction.com or through our website here: https://ctfirearmsauction.com/submit-your-ffl/
ADDRESS: CTFA is not responsible for incorrect shipping addresses. Buyers must verify the shipping address listed on their invoice prior to shipment. Standard items packed internally by CTFA will ship approximately one to fourteen business days after payment AND applicable paperwork (FFL) is received.
INSURANCE: All firearms in transit are insured at no additional cost up to $2,500 per shipment. Packages valued over $2,500 require insurance at a rate of 1% per invoiced dollar unless the buyer declines in writing 48 hours prior to package shipment.
OVERSIZE: Certain auction items exceed standard shipping fees and may require over-sized and heavy shipping surcharges. Every effort is made to note these charges prior to catalog publication, but may be included on a buyers invoice post auction without notice.
GOODS MADE FROM OR CONTAINING MATERIALS FROM PROTECTED SPECIES: CTFA does not accept any responsibility or liability for the sale of items containing materials from protected species or for any omission in marking or labeling goods as containing materials from protected species. Such material includes, but is not limited to, ivory from elephants and walruses, tortoise shell, crocodile skin, whalebone, rhinoceros horn, some species of coral and certain woods. Restrictions on the importation, exportation, sale, transfer, and/or possession of goods containing materials from protected species derive from international, federal, and state laws and regulations promulgated thereunder. Laws include, but are not limited to, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA). States currently restricting trade of protected species include, but are not limited to, California, New York and New Jersey. Prospective buyers are on notice that several countries completely prohibit importation of property made, all or in part, of protected materials. Some countries require special permits, such as a CITES permit, from the relevant regulating authority in the countries of exportation and importation as well. Potential buyers intending to import the property into another country should be familiar with the relevant customs laws and regulations prior to bidding on goods containing material from protected species. Regulations may vary as the U.S. generally prohibits importation of articles containing material(s) from species it has designated endangered or threatened if the articles are less than 100 years old, subject to certain exceptions. It shall be the potential buyer’s sole responsibility to research and satisfy the requirements of any laws and regulations that apply to the import and export of property as described in the aforementioned paragraphs. All buyers agree to comply with any and all domestic and international restrictions on the trade of protected species as a condition of the sale. Please note that the ability to obtain an export license or certificate does not ensure the ability to obtain an import license or certificate in another country, and vice versa. It is the buyer’s responsibility to obtain any export or import licenses and/or certificates as well as any other required documentation. CTFA is not able to assist the buyer in attempting to obtain the appropriate licenses and/or certificates, and there is no assurance that an export license or certificate can be obtained. The inability or delay in obtaining permits, licenses or other permissions to import or export goods containing material from protected species will not constitute a basis for rescission or cancellation of the sale of said goods or the delay in payment of purchased items in accordance with these Bidder Terms and Conditions.
BIDDING TERMS: The auctioneer will determine the highest bidder. The auctioneer alone has the right to reopen the bidding of an item at any time if deemed necessary due to a dispute. If there is a tie bid between the floor and Internet or absentee bid, the floor bid takes precedence. In the event of a tie internet bid, the auctioneer will choose the highest bidder. CTFA and its representatives reserve the right to remove those attendees who impede preview and/or the auction. CTFA is not responsible for any errors in bids, omissions of bids, or failure to execute bids and shall have no liability to any bidder for any technical or other failure associated with internet, absentee bidding, or telephone bidding. In the event of an on-site utilities or internet services interruption, the auction will be suspended until such a time that the utility can be restored. Consignors are not allowed to bid on their own merchandise nor have any agent bid on their behalf. If the Auctioneer recognizes such bidding, the Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any or all items consigned by the offending consignor.
ABSENTEE BIDDING: CTFA will accept absentee bids if pre-authorized by mail, phone, email, online, or in-person. Absentee bidders must use the absentee bid form and clearly mark the lot number, title and maximum bid amount. If there are two (2) identical bids placed on the same item, priority will be given to the first bid received. All bids must be left in increments as published for that particular auction. If a bid is “out of increment,” the auctioneer will automatically round the bid down to the next correct increment. Seller(s) agree to allow the Auctioneer to accept and execute absentee bids in a competitive manner for potential buyers and under the CTFA absentee bidding terms and conditions. During the live sale, the auctioneer will execute absentee bids competitively (starting with the lowest possible bid point) up to the maximum amount indicated.
ONLINE BIDDING: Online bidding through www.CTfirearmsauction.com, Live Auctioneers, Invaluable, Hibid, Proxibid, or other bidding platforms may be available. These terms and conditions apply, as well as additional terms and conditions for each third-party platform. These Terms & Conditions will take deference over any posted online terms and agreements. A surcharge may be added for third party online platforms. Refer to the bidding platform of choice for the final buyer’s premium. If there is a tie bid between the internet bidding venues and the floor, the floor bid takes precedence. Due to our fast paced auctions and bids coming from floor bidders, phone bidders, Internet bidders and absentee bids, the auctioneer has the final word on all item(s) sold. The bidder assumes the risk of winning an item online and discovering the item has sold to another bidder. This is due to the final call of the auctioneer and the operator not being able to re-open that lot. Registered Online bidders are fully responsible for accidental bidding as if they bid normally.
BID RESULTS: CTFA will only contact successful bidders. Please allow up to 48 hours post auction to receive an official invoice directly from CTFA. The invoice will include the lot info, hammer price, premium, shipping, insurance, and any other charges that apply. Please hold phone inquiries regarding bid success until after receiving the invoice. For verifications, CTFA cannot provide winning bid information until the second business day after the auction. CTFA will not provide bidder information to any outside sources.
TELEPHONE BIDDING: Requests for phone lines must be received at least three (3) days prior to the auction date. CTFA cannot guarantee phone lines but will make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to participate live via phones. Phone lines are provided to qualified bidders at CTFA's preference. Please contact us directly to arrange phone bidding.203-710-0189. Minimum bid requirements may apply.
BIDDERS PRESENT AND TAKING ITEMS AFTER AUCTION: Since item liability transfers upon a successful bid, items paid for must be packed, transported and/or removed by the buyer at his/ her own risk after the close of the sale. CTFA recommends that buyers arrange insurance for all items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder. If any employee or agent of CTFA shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the buyer. CTFA shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee.
RESERVES: The majority of our items are unreserved, but occasionally items may carry a moderate reserve. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is at or below low estimate. In the case of a reserved item, the seller has authorized the auctioneer to bid on their behalf until the reserve price is reached. The auctioneer will note if a buyer is bidding against the reserve.
PAYMENT TERMS: CTFA accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, personal checks, certified checks, wire transfers, money orders, and cash. Any invoice totaling more than $50,000 must be paid within three (3) business days of the auction date. All other merchandise must be paid in full within seven (7) days of the date of the invoice.Upon payment in full, it is the bidder’s responsibility to submit any additional information necessary, including an FFL, to initiate transfer and shipping. Invoices over $5,000 may be subject to mandatory check or wire payment. All goods not retrieved by Buyer within 30 days after the invoice date, shall be subject to a storage fee of $50 per item per month. Buyer authorizes CTFA to sell, at their standard commission and consignment contract terms, any goods not retrieved after a 90 day period in any manner deemed appropriate by CTFA and the proceeds will be applied to any outstanding balance due from the buyer.
CREDIT CARDS: Link for online credit card payment will be listed in the buyers invoice. Credit Card payments are subject to maximum buyers premium, and can be discounted by 3% if payment is received by cash, check, money order or wire transfer. Credit Card payments are only accepted from the buyers name listed on the invoice. CTFA reserves the right to refuse to ship to a different address than the billing address on the credit card being used. CTFA does not allow credit card chargebacks for any reason and any delivered firearms subject to a chargeback will be considered as a stolen gun and reported immediately to the BATF. Credit cards information is not stored and payment for invoices is the buyers responsibility. We do not use third party billing services and the buyers credit card will not be automatically charged.
CHECK: There will be a $40.00 service charge for returned checks. Make checks payable to: CT Firearms Auction LLC. Checks can be mailed to: CT Firearms Auction LLC 758 Four Rod Rd Berlin, CT 06037. CTFA reserves the right to hold items paid for by personal or company check until said check clears (14 days). CTFA has the right to hold all checks over $2,000. Customers who have an established successful buying history with CTFA may be exempt from this requirement. First time buyers paying by check may be subject to additional requirements such as bank letter of credit.
WIRE TRANSFERS: Wire transfers are accepted for invoices totalling more than $5,000 USD. Invoices below $5,000 may be subject to a $30 transaction fee.
NON-PAYMENT: In the few situations where a successful bidder does not remit payment when due, CTFA will proceed with the legal steps necessary to protect its interests and will block the bidder from future auction participation.
SALES TAX: CTFA is required to collect sales tax where applicable. It is the bidder’s responsibility to know the sales and use tax law in their locality and know what sales and use tax will be due upon their purchase. Lots are subject to all applicable state and local taxes, unless appropriate resale permits are on file with CTFA prior to invoicing. Bidder agrees to pay CTFA the actual amount of tax due in the event that sales tax is not properly collected due to: 1) an expired, inaccurate, or inappropriate tax certificate or declaration, 2) an incorrect interpretation of the applicable statute, 3) or any other reason. The appropriate form or certificate must be on file and verified by CTFA five days prior to Auction, or tax must be paid; only if such form or certificate is received by CTFA within 4 days after the Auction can a refund of tax paid be made. Lots from different auctions may not be aggregated for sales tax purposes.
NFA TRANSFERS: National Firearms Act Weapons and Destructive Devices (DD) Processing to Dealers: Buyer must provide CTFA with a copy of their receiving dealers active FFL and their SOT. Estimated time for processing and approval of the required Form 3 can take 3 days to 3 months, dealer to dealer via E-File is usually less than a week. Individuals IN CT: Law requires a completed Form 4, or Form 5 for deactivated guns. CTFA will prepare and sign the front of the applicable transfer form, and send to the individual buyer or meet with them directly. Individuals are responsible for completing requirements for fingerprints and photo, as well as completing applicable portions of the reverse side of the form. Estimated time for processing and approval of Form 4 is 6-12+ months.Dealers and Individuals that bid on and win NFA or DD items own the items and are fully responsible for payment within terms regardless of whether the BATF approves their taking physical possession of the items. CTFA will not cancel the sale due to BATF disapproval for any reason.
SAFETY: Since all firearms sold are “collectible” items, CTFA does not test the safety or warrant functionality of these firearms. All firearm purchases should be examined by a certified gunsmith prior to shooting.
DENIAL OF SALE: CTFA reserves the right to deny the sale of a firearm to any buyer, for any reason, at any time in the sales process.
WITHDRAWAL OF PROPERTY: CTFA reserves the right to withdraw any property from the auction at any time and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
DEFINITIONS:
CURIO & RELIC (C&R): Per BATF: To be recognized as C&R items, 478.11 specifies that firearms must fall within one of the following categories:
Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas of such firearms;
Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and
Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event.
Firearms automatically attain C&R status when they are 50 years old. Any firearm that is at least 50 years old, and in its original configuration, would qualify as a C&R firearm. It is not necessary for such firearms to be listed in ATF’s C&R list.
ANTIQUE FIREARMS: Per BATF: The term “antique firearm” means—
any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; or
any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica—
is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; or
any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “antique firearm” shall not include any weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.”
FFL: Federal Firearms Licensee with a current and valid license to be a firearms Dealer / Manufacturer / Importer
CURIO & RELIC HOLDER: FFL type 03 or C&R license or Collector
NFA (National Firearms Act of 1934) Weapons (commonly called “Class 3”):
A shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;
A weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;
A rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;
A weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;
Any other weapon, as defined in subsection (e);
A machine gun;
Any silencer (as defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code); and
A destructive device.
DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES:
A missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than 1/4 oz.
Any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be converted to expel a projectile, by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore greater than one-half inch in diameter.
A combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a device into a destructive device and from which a destructive device can be readily assembled.
MODERN FIREARMS: Any firearm that does not already classify as a C&R, NFA Weapon or Antique and is under the purview of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
