Antique Importation Question

[Ornery Ol Bastard]

Someone I know will be traveling to West Africa soon. When I lived there I had access to, and fired several Blunderbusses and Pistols from the late 1700- early 1800's.
( I remember " In The Service of Her Majesty the Queen" stamped (engraved) on the barrel- I assume Victoria)
What should he do in advance if he does come in contact, and can purchase one or more of these antiques.
Should he get a C&R License before he goes?
Any other paperwork?... I am sure they would be considered inoperable... or ?
I have to do a little research but I believe he will not be breaking the other country's laws... but I'm going to check...
I have researched some, but maybe not well enough.

Thank you for your anticipated inciteful comments and advice.

[0321jarhead]

Good question(s). Have you not tried contacting your local B.A.T.F.E. ? Or, perhaps you might find your answer here at www.atf.gov If this can't help you I would think someone on this forum will. Good luck.

[a1c]

You'll also have to research the laws of the country in question regarding export of firearms or antiques.

What you want to do is contact an importer in the US - they will help you figure it out.

[a1c]

You'll also have to research the laws of the country in question regarding export of firearms or antiques.

What you want to do is contact an importer in the US - they will help you figure it out.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

"Antique" firearms are exempt from import restrictions into the U.S. I've had MLE ("Long" Lee Enfield) rifles imported from New Zealand without any trouble, and they even fire modern ammo. The seller in New Zealand said he had shipped hundreds of antique rifles to the U.S. without any trouble.

If the firearm is for personal use then it is also exempt from any import duties since it is an antique. Be aware that ATF and Customs have two different definitions of "antique". But a muzzle loader made at least 100 years ago would be considered an "antique" by both agencies.

The guy in New Zealand included a note with the invoices that listed the reasons the shipment was exempt. I don't know if that helped the shipments clear customs more smoothly or not. I will try to find the note in my records.

As everybody has already implied, the biggest problem will most likely be dealing with local laws and bureaucrats on the shipping side. In some third world countries you have to bribe everybody and his uncle just to get anything done.

[Ornery Ol Bastard]

Thanks for the information. I still need to do more homework, but I have time yet.
and yes, graft is the only way anything gets done...they used to call it a "gift" in slang...LOL...but with the economies there...it should be not much of a problem... in comparison to the benefit.