I have bought a number if rifles at auction in England. They usually ended up costing about $400.00 to $500.00 to have it boxed up and shipped to the nearest airport to you in the U.S.. It will save you money if you get your gun through customs yourself. Here's how to do it:
1. When you are notified that your gun has arrived at the
airport, drive up to the airline that flew it over and go
to their freight office.
2. Ask for the papers for your gun
3. Take the papers to the U.S. Customs office and have the
gun cleared through customs. They charge a fee and you
will need to find an agent who is familiar with the gun
laws in the U.S.
4. Take the papers back to the airline freight office and
pick up your gun. They typically charge a "handling fee"
which means a guy will hand you your gun and demand that
you pay them up to $20.00 for picking up and giving it
to you.
5. I have ONLY shipped in rifles that were pre 1898. I don't
know what the deal would be for a post 1898 gun.
6. If you have a broker get the gun through customs it will
be expensive!
I too am very concerned about the added on costs when you buy a gun at auction anymore. A 25% premium is outrageous.
I have contacted Holt's by phone many times and they will give you a very honest opinion of any gun that you ask them about and they will answer any question honestly. When I have purchased a gun through Holts (after a phone conversation with them about condition) I find that the rifles were actually somewhat better than described.
