The dealer is chasing them, but readily admits that he knows nothing in that field, and has to consult various people when such guns come in. I've left something else with him to see if he'll buy it off me, and he'll make a few calls and see what it's worth; In effect I'll be trading a top name, best grade gun in middling condition for a second tier name in a lower grade, but mint condition and impeccable, documentable, local provenance (which satisfies my perverse preference for damascus barrels and BP proof too). I think that's fair to all.
I don't consider myself to be personally uniquely qualified and the only "worthy custodian" of these guns, but in SE Australia there were once a lot of very fine British guns with impeccable provenance - some of the very best. Some remain, but many have disappeared overseas in times when the GBP or USD was stronger. Much of our firearms heritage really has disappeared. In Australia many of we enthusiasts and collectors do consider ourselves custodians and defenders of our history and heritage - especially given the legislative context which has seen known historically important and valuable arms defaced and destroyed in the blink of an eye.
Some of us actually like to know the histories of the guns we own, and are more attracted to (and they're materially worth more as) guns with a story than those without; we also see too many magnificent guns - the kind an afficionado would gladly offer body parts for - which are utterly unappreciated (I know of at least two Purdeys which are used and cared for the way one might use an H&R). It's hard not to be a bit of a crusader then.
RG
