The rankings sound like a dealer oriented tool judging by the rankings and apparently directed primarily at the SXS sector. This work is directed at anyone who wants to jump-start understanding of the diverse values of classic Brit and Continental guns. Very few people handle a large number of diverse guns in an environment where they can track retail prices and develop an intuitive feel for values. Pricing is based on diverse auction results over a long time span. Yes, primarily SXS with premiums for small bore, double rifle, and O/U. All the BV rankings are based on market research, never individual opinion.
It is unlikely that a savvy OU buyer would rank any of the top three UK names, including the hallowed Boss name, higher than the top Italians. This system is geared for 1890ish to 1960ish SXS. However, there is a strong market for classic O/U's, which fit with a premium of something like 4X.
Equally, anyone with enough gunsmithing-engineering knowledge is unlikely to be swayed by brand names, especially if they spot recurring faults. Like it or not, it is necessary to consider brand name in any valuation. In the field of classic Brit/Continental guns, it has an eight fold impact.
Checkering is an example of such a recurring fault even on BV1 items. I guess this would be called a connoisseurship factor especially when it comes to judging an unsigned but obviously quality item, whether a fine gun or fine wine. Flat top checkering is/was a Brit/Continental fashion whereas USA fashion was pointed up checkering. Best guns, like fine wine and fine musical instruments, have a large enough following/market to cause the last few % points of value to be very expensive.
There are two damascus knives, both made in India. One bears a hallowed gunmaker's name, sells for 1200 sterling, the other has the Indian name, sells for one tenth of the price. One hell of a premium for a BV name. Per my system, guns are valued by a factor of 8X based solely on brand name. 1/8 for guns vs 1/10 for knives is pretty close.
