"Did the bidders possibly think the Owen was a fake?"
Yes I did, and that tempered my bid. I bid as if I was wanting a custom stocked rifle with the features I could see. If indeed it was a true Owen then that was a bonus. The name looked to be cut, and I am not experienced enough to know if it was real or fake. I have only held one Owen to examine, although I did get to see it at 3 different shows. When you price a reasonably figured blank and consider the cost of a decent stocking job by even an unknown smith along with the other features, I am comfortable with the price that it and the Stiles guns brought. When you start adding the cost of the parts up, there isn't much for the labor. It was consistent with what I see around the country. There is that certain element of risk to any internet purchase, or even face to face at times, that a fake is involved.
Now that you've opened the ball, is it real or do we know? What features would lead you to suspect it being fake? I'm not questioning your judgment, I readily admit to being a novice at the custom world of guns. I was late to the party and am trying to learn as fast as I can, and not have to pay too much for the lessons!
Thaine
