My father passed away earlier this year. Among Dad's belongings was a Model 1894 Winchester 30-30, SN 336XXX indicating it was made around 1906. Dad had a lifelong friend, we'll call him Fred. They'd known each other since they were young men. Dad was 87, Fred is around 90. Apparently, Fred gave Dad the Winchester years ago, and Fred wants it back.
Fred started calling me about 2 years ago, when Dad was in the nursing home. He even drove up to visit him once. I asked Dad if he wanted me to return the rifle to Fred and Dad said no. He couldn't remember, but thought Fred gave him the rifle for some money he owed. I don't think this is likely, Fred is a millionaire probably a couple times over.
Anyway, Fred keeps calling me and the theme is the same. What good friends he and Dad were, how much Dad helped him get his business started many years ago, and can he have the rifle back. Fred has no heirs and mentions that he's leaving everything to Children's Hospital and Shriners.
When Fred called this morning, I told him the rifle is part of the estate, and I would sell it to him if we could agree on a price. I think it's worth between $400-$700. Fred has never said WHY he wants the rifle. I don't know if it has some sentimental value to him or what, or if he's just fenagling.
I don't know why this is bothering me so much. I don't want to deprive Fred of the rifle if it is really important to him, but I don't want to just give it to him on a whim either.
Any suggestions?
