Craigd you have a point.

"The original fellow may be deathly afraid of how an acquisition is perceived by others, rather than how much he likes it, the fit or how it shoots."

And the big test is the unsigned gun with obvious quality work but no recognisable name. I have come across a few of these, all British, bearing the right proof marks but no name. The reaction of both afficionados and dealers is fascinating to watch. They want them, but are afraid to commit, like a cat stalking strange prey!