You have inherited firearms, militaria, hunting items, or even a complete collection and are unsure how to handle them correctly? For many heirs, this situation is unfamiliar – and it regularly raises a number of fundamental questions:
What is legally permitted? What administrative steps and inspections should I expect?
Which of these items am I allowed to keep, and which must be reported or surrendered?
How do I store firearms and militaria properly and safely?
What are the individual pieces or the entire collection actually worth?
How can a sale be conducted in a way that is both legally sound and economically beneficial?
Which items can be sold at all, and what options exist for cost-free disposal or deactivation?
As Austria’s leading auction house for firearms and related collector’s items, Joh. Springer’s Erben has supported private individuals, groups of heirs, and estate administrators for decades in the secure, transparent, and value-optimizing handling of inherited collections. Our experience spans from single pieces to extensive collections – always with a focus on legal certainty and achieving the best possible results.
Please contact us directly at +43 (0)1 890 90 03 or auktion@springer-vienna.com.
We also assist with registration and, where required, with official certifications such as firearm licences, ownership permits, expert evaluations, as well as with security training and theoretical/practical instruction in our professionally operated training center and shooting cinema.
If you decide to sell, our auctions provide the ideal platform to market firearms and complete collections efficiently and in full legal compliance. Our events rank among the most prestigious trading venues for hunting, sporting, and collector firearms, and are highly regarded by collectors, dealers, and discerning private buyers worldwide. Bidders from across the globe compete regularly in our sales; hammer prices exceeding 90% success rates and well above reserve values demonstrate the international appeal of our house. Through high-quality photography, professionally produced printed catalogs for luxury firearms, a powerful web platform, and targeted outreach to high-end collectors, we reach a global audience willing to pay top prices for exceptional items – transforming regional estates into international success stories.
Your benefits at a glance
Legal certainty from a single source
We inform you in detail about the classification and status of your items, check them in the Central Firearms Register (ZWR), and – upon consignment – handle the official registration, issue the consignment receipt, and ensure proper legal storage. Items we cannot accept will be clearly indicated, and we will advise on the appropriate administrative procedures, including whether legalisation is worthwhile or if cost-free surrender to the authorities is advisable.
No upfront costs – zero risk
Valuations are free and without obligation. A commission is only charged upon formal consignment and only if a sale is successfully completed. If your items are not sold, you incur no fees whatsoever.
Market-driven results through auction
Our international reach and competitive bidding environment ensure that genuine market values – often even top hammer prices – are achieved, far exceeding typical direct sale offers.
Personal and discreet guidance
We provide individual consultation, take your legal and family-related needs into account, and explain every step transparently. Whether an initial video call, on-site meeting, or shipping solution – together, we find the most effective path forward.
Objects we regularly sell successfully
Hunting, sporting, and collector firearms as well as historical and antique guns
Edged weapons, bayonets, military issue firearms and militaria (medals, uniforms, helmets, insignia)
Telescopic sights, optics, equipment accessories as well as mounted trophies and taxidermy
Additionally, selected items in the fields of country life, art, decoration, furnishing, jewelry, and watches
The process – simple and secure
Initial contact
You send us photos or a list of items or schedule an appointment. We provide a first assessment of whether and in what form an auction is possible and outline the requirements.
Free valuation & legal review
Our specialists assess each item for rarity, condition, and estimated price range. At the same time, we review all legal requirements related to firearms law.
Legally compliant consignment
After placing a consignment order, you receive an official consignment receipt. We store the firearms in compliance with all legal regulations for the entire duration of the process.
Professional presentation at auction
High-resolution photography, detailed catalog texts (German/English), and targeted marketing on international platforms maximize the visibility of your lots.
Hammer price & prompt payment
After the auction, you will receive a credit note for review. The hammer price, minus commission, will be transferred to you shortly thereafter. Unsold lots can be returned to you upon request or reoffered at a reduced reserve price.