It got me thinking, the auction scene, I'm not sure what it's like in the US but here in the UK, clearly we are much smaller and it's easier to get to more of them for all of us, but there are usually 2-3 big ones in London around now. With Holt's big Christmas bonanza just done it made me realise a bit about what goes on at these big auctions.
There are some guns that are definitely just a bit unique, like the three barrelled Dixon round action 16 bore that went for 43K (plus 22.5% commission of course) and a few other guns with prominence this time around.
However, there was also lots of what I call, well "crap" I suppose. It's not really crap it's just the stuff pitched at 3-400 that someone has blued the pins up a bit on or hidden a small surface crack in or usually a combination of both!
My problem is that I'm quite interested in that crap and the problem is that these guns get lifted out of where they should be value wise and driven off into the heady realms of the mid to upper guns. At Holt's last week I was astounded to see a fairly OK hammer gun rated at 2800 go for 12K and the round action of course estimated at 25K going for a whopping 43K.
It's all fine of course, no-one can complain, the bottom line is you know when you raise the card, touch your forehead, squawk down the telephone or press the internet button that you are about to commit to something that you are willing to pay for...plus commission.
Down to my point. I went to see a few guns there, I in fact bought a Grant, not a lot of people would have been interested in it because it was broken in the lower horns, but for me, it was a nice example, crisp, a high-ish grade and perfect for my gun restoration therapy. It was the most expensive gun I've bought from an auction but I wanted it for the right price and it was mine.
I was after a 20 bore "anything" for a friend but they all went for well over 800 (plus commission ahem...) and it was too much for him. No deals here.
Bottom line is this. Holt's are in there to make money. The experience is fine;
- Plenty of space to look around
- No crowding, when I went anyway, but so much space mitigates this
- Courteous and polite staff
- Very much a customer focus, go on, pick the gun up, have a proper look, all above board and fairly relaxed
- Great backup and support, invoice, clarity, thanks
You get what you pay for. It re-affirmed my belief that you simply have to go and have a look. This stuff cannot be done at arms length. Get someone (like a Dig or another gunshop owning friend in my case) to look too and give a view. Then you can confidently big without (too) many heart failing potential findings later.
But the drive from above appears to get people in a lather and the smaller less assuming guns get lifted too and that's a shame...no bargains here...
Just my observation.
Cheers
T
