I took it outside on a sunny day, in the shade, and just started taking photos with my phone until I got clear, defined, and well-lit shots :) I angled the firearm towards where the sun was and shot them off to the side, not to get in the way of the natural lighting.

I have found that the following works well:
Photos taken outside, on an overcast day. Clear skies are to be avoided... as is direct sunlight. Lighting is then bright but diffuse, with shadows kept at a bare minimum.

This lighting should work very well with most smartphones,
I have to admit, even though I have a iPhone, the Samsung photo quality is, I think, somewhat better :)
No flash of course
Pretty close to yours Sky Zero... your photos are good :)

Good idea! I'll try the overcast day when my next one comes in, which should be in about a week :) and thank you for the compliments! Glad to know I'm doing a decent job of showcasing these pieces

Thank You For Sharing!! I wish more members would!!! Eric

Well.... A few more photo tips:
For those photographers out there with Single Lens Reflex cameras:
Same lighting as described above: 10AM -2PM is an optimal time frame.
Background should not be open sky or otherwise brightly lit.

For photos of entire firearm, with handheld camera:
Use the following settings in "Manual" mode:
Set Shutter speed: 1/60 or 1/125 sec
Set Lens opening: f/8,
Your ISO should now be less than 400. If it is not, then open your lens to f/5.6, and keep the shutter speed at 1/60 sec. Then use whatever ISO you camera's light meter specifies.
Distance between camera and subject should be as close as possible to fill the frame leaving
1-2 cm open space around subject.
Lens should be 50-85 mm.

For those who have a tripod and a remote shutter release:
Shutter speed 1/15 or 1/30 sec
Lens opening f/8
These settings bring ISO to an absolute minimum.

For close-ups of details such as proof marks, handheld camera
Shutter speed 1/125 sec
Lens opening: as wide as possible for your lens.
This will be f/2.8 for most 50 mm lenses. Some of you may have an f/1.4
If you have a macro lens, use it :)
If you have a tripod and remote shutter release, then use these too :)

These conditions should render evenly lit shots with minimal shadows, virtually no glare and decent detail. Play around and experiment....