What Ever Happened To Gary Garbrecht?

tabs · #1 07-08-2009, 08:14 PM

Several years ago I saw that Garys collection came up for sale. Did he pass away?

I met Gary about 15 years ago at a gun show that was held at Hollywood Park in So CA. He had a number of pistols mostly Smiths on his table. However he had a very nice Colt NS Target in 44 Spl as well. I asked the price, and he replied $800, I nearly fell over getting my money out. I asked him why it was so cheap? His reply was that he originally had $1200 on it and several guys tried to get him down on the price. Then they balked at the $800. He was so digusted that he offered me the pistol for that price.

Later I met him again at one of the Great Westerns, and got to talking to him. It seems that he also had a thing for Colt Artillery models, and bought a Colt Calvary SAA from a passer by while I talked to him.

The third time I talked to him was after a RM sold at a Jeff Faintich Auction in 1998 for $17,000. I saw the listing with its estimate of 1800 to 2200. I decided to bid on the pistol, but before I could get a bid in it was off and away. I asked myself what am I missing here? Gary told me the barrel length was misquoted as being an 8 3/4 inch. From that realized price I knew that sooner or later the RM's would take off. Something was up with them. So before the price spike I wound up buying 2 of them.(They are pictured under the RM Thread).

rburg · #2 07-08-2009, 08:25 PM

Yes, he passed away a few years ago.

Google is your friend. I'd think if you looked you'd probably find his obit.

model3sw · #3 01-02-2017, 05:04 PM

Thought about Gary over this past Holiday Season. Nothing but good memories. Photo (Left to Right) is Gary Garbrecht (RIP 2005), Mike Tait (RIP 2016) and me. Taken San Antonio 1998 S&WCA Annual meeting.

Bullet Bob · #4 01-02-2017, 07:05 PM

It's something when you look around and most of the people you knew well have departed. Not a new thought, but one re-lived by everyone.

Makes you start thinking crazy thoughts, like selling most of your firearms

vintagesmith · #5 01-02-2017, 08:51 PM

After Gary passed away, my husband, Ray, helped Marcia dispose of his S&W guns by doing a silent auction for members of the SWCA only. I think that there were over 250 sold. Gary was a good guy and has been missed by the group.

model3sw · #6 01-03-2017, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullet Bob

It's something when you look around and most of the people you knew well have departed. Not a new thought, but one re-lived by everyone.

Makes you start thinking crazy thoughts, like selling most of your firearms

Sadly, we will all face the great unknown mystery one day. Hopefully we can postpone it just long enough that we can still enjoy life sharing it with those most beloved to us.

On the matter of your view on crazy thoughts ... not quite yet.

model3sw · #7 01-03-2017, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintagesmith

After Gary passed away, my husband, Ray, helped Marcia dispose of his S&W guns by doing a silent auction for members of the SWCA only. I think that there were over 250 sold. Gary was a good guy and has been missed by the group.

Sheryl, I think the silent auction method (members only) to be extremely considerate, generous and secure. While the family receives both a fair value and the comfort of knowing those fine pieces went to fellow members who would care for and appreciate them with the same passion.

Also, this method removes all concerns of the family being taken an unfair advantage of in their grief. Sadly, I have seen the latter happen too often.

with fond memories ...