I must admit I had a similar experience a couple of years ago when I purchased a pre 1898 item at auction and used Harry for the first time. Harry ( I assume that he is the exporter we are talking about) is a nice guy and has been in the gun buisness a long time, but with no disrespect, he sure likes to talk, but means well. It was a new learning experience, but did not put me off of buying guns at the London auction houses.
Either right ot wrong, I always feel I am bidding against US gun dealers when I am bidding! One look at Boss & Co. gun prices listed on Guns International by gun dealers, is why I buy my English guns at auction. These same guns when they cross the Atlantic may cost me an additional $1,000 or so, but they seem to double or triple in price when they cross the Atlantic for the dealers.
All the labor, anxiety and stress of auctions and importing, will disappear, when you feel the beauty of that little darling of bygone English craftmanship in your hands!
Don't dispair cheer up, it may be painful but you did the right thing!
Believe me! I have been there!
Have a nice week-end!
Herb
Last edited by H.W. Hyatt; 05/17/13 03:16 PM.