From what I can gather, this is part of the collection of Dr John W Hall. It seems like he has some VERY nice items, but the auction results were less than stellar for antique Smith & Wessons.

Auction #124 - Two-Day Sale, November 23 & 24

Am I missing something, or is the market definitely softening, even for some very nice items, as grey haired folks are selling off their collections and less of the younger generations even have an interest at all???

It's always difficult to extrapolate from a single auction set, but this and other observations suggest to me the antique S & W market is soft at present. Whether it will recover or not only time will tell.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Can you elaborate? Thanks!

Purely anecdotal (watching online auctions, etc.), but selling prices for nice examples of tip-ups and early top breaks are lower than from a few years ago, and those of later nice top-breaks are flat to slightly lower. Ex-US military guns seem to be the exception, but since those are well out of my collecting interest (and price range) I haven't watched those very closely.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I think it probably is a age thing plus a money/income thing. I myself am soon to be 53 love antique guns in general, and antique Smiths right up to the 1970's ones. Most guys I talk to today are into the latest tactical (you fill in the blank), and could care less about anything made even 30 years ago let alone true antique guns. I consider myself middle class I live comfortably bills paid no house payment, or car payments, financially stable. The most i've ever spent on a single gun purchase is probably no more than $800 for a M1 Garand, and I sold two guns to do that. I am not comfortable spending much more than that on what is a hobby for me even though one could look at guns as investments. This auction shows why investing in guns may.or may not work out. I do realize that many of the guns listed here probably were purchased many years ago when prices were much lower, but you would have to figure for inflation to know if you made money on the sale.

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Randy

I wanted to see someone else's response before I responded. I would fully agree with your observations. Even "U.S." marked Smith & Wessons are flat, at best. Auction #124 - Two-Day Sale, November 23 & 24

Over in the Colt world, "U.S." marked Colt Cavalry and Artillery model revolvers are definitely down from previous highs several years ago, with a few exceptions.

When it comes to groups of gun people, groups such as these:

--friends that I know personally and visit or communicate with on a regular basis

--folks that I see in gun stores, gun shows, shooting ranges, ammo/gun areas of big box stores

--folks that spend a lot of time sharing posts and conversations via discussion forums like this one

...I continually find that I am in the 95th to 98th percentile when it comes to spending my money on guns, gun related items, shooting, ammo, handloading, and anything/everything related to guns.

And even at that, I don't take part in these auction houses with their huge percent buyer's premium that are so ungodly high that they seem to blow the entire perception of the purchase, the market, the reported "sale price."

I can tell you that I know squat about truly antique Smith & Wesson (or any gun manufacturer) so I have no opinion whatsoever about the market for them currently or the prices that are reported in the link attached to the first post.

But let me ask...
If you find the buyer's premium and also add up shipping, handling and insurance fees and FFL fees at the buyer's end, and add all of those expenses to the prices that seem to look low or soft, do the numbers pop up closer to where you think the market ought to be?

I know that when I go to my favorite member's only every-other-month gun show, when I find a gun that I want, we agree on a price and the final cost after the fact is 100% exactly the price that we agreed upon and not one red cent more.

Go win a $1,000 bid at an amoskeagauction and please report back the number required to get that item in to your house. Cause I don't think it's $1,000. And that might be part of why the prices seem down.

Or maybe not... I don't know that market.

The auction prices shown, unlike other auction houses, do not include buyer's premium. So, a $1000 bid would be 17.5% more if paying by credit card, discounted to 15% if paying by cash. That $1000 just became $1150 to $1175, and then add in shipping, if appropriate.

Having said that...still seems like a rather soft market.

well, their 17.5% premium might have something to do with the size of the bids. When you ad almost 20% they don't seem so far out of line.

It’s NOT a soft market. It’s a HUGE market!
There are so many auction houses now, websites, “world wide”.
NOBODY can follow all this stuff!
I’ve noticed that the highest prices achieved or “ Realized” is from an Auction House that Aggressively advertises! This auction house isn’t one of them!
So in my opinion the Market is solid just HUGE! There is no way to monitor every site, every auction, World Wide!
You can literally spend 12 hours a day surfing and still miss items that sold below Market! So it’s not SOFT! It’s impossible to “See it all”!!!

I stumbled on a S&W peanut mold on an auction site in the U.K. a few days ago. Somehow I punched in the right word or letter in my various search engines and up this obscure site came! I got the mold for $130 with the exchange rate. It’s in mint condition!
Try to find one in the U.S. for that price!


Murph

I agree with Sevens, The "HUGE" buyers premiums have done more to chase buyers away than to get better sales. When I see a buyers premium over 20% and some (like this one) up to 27%, chases the bidders away. I won't even open a auction site that has buyers premiums that high, and I certainly won't list any of my guns with one that high. When collectors realize this they will seek out the smaller but well advertised sales that only charge 10% and 15%, (yes they are out there). I get a proxibid listing every week with at least 8 to 12 auctions going that week.

I have a local auctioneer (who is on proxibid) that has been building his following and I have been well pleased with my return, but this upcoming auction he increased his fee to 20%, and he didn't get any of my guns to list.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

A high buyer's premium as a seller is certainly of grave concern. Any of the money that could have been your profit goes to the auction house, and you might realize a loss.

As a buyer, this should be of less concern. I bid with the buyer's premium in mind, so if I think a gun is worth about $1200, and the buyer's premium is 20%, I can bid no higher than $1000. It works for me, except when you find you bid against a bidder who fails to take a buyer's premium into account when formulating a bid.

Small auction houses work best, those far smaller than Amoskeag. And those without an internet presence, although this is rare today. One of my best deals was a Registered Magnum I purchased in May at a local auction house, for which I paid a 5% buyer's premium. It really was 10%, but I argued successfully on a technicality why it should be 5%.

A small local auctioneer proudly advertises a 0% buyer's premium, meaning the seller bears the costs and that is whatever is agreed to beforehand. He doesn't really do gun auctions, though--not to say that some estate he disposes of the contents of there might not be a good firearm or two within. And, since he is on site with his auctions, NO sales tax as well.

A friend of mine, who is in the antique furniture business, says the antique market is soft across the board and has been for years. His attitude, since he is a collector of Tiffany glass, is that means it is the time to buy and advises me to take the same attitude to classic and antique Smith and Wesson's.

I think the S&W Market as a whole is soft right now or at least it is in these parts. No one is buying anything, especially revolvers. I'm wondering if the Revolver Lover Crowd is gradually dying out. I was in the golf club business for some years and I watched the "collectable" golf club market die completely. The vintage club lovers gave way to the young guys who only bought what Tiger Woods and the other great players were playing. Clubs that used to sell for $500 are now in $5 bins in Pawn Shows bought mostly for wall hangers in man caves and sports bars. I silently wonder if that is the way the Vintage Revolver world will wind up.

This Antique “Revolver” Frontier 44 cal Smith & Wesson with less than 50% nickel finish, replaced grips, poorly replaced barrel pivot screw and loose lock up “just now” Sold for $1600 on Gunbroker!!

Fact!!!

Murph

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It is not just old S&W's or antique guns in general, but I think young people today are less interested in collecting across the board. I think interest is down for old furniture, old stamps, old coins, old toys, old art, old records, etc. Some prices remain high temporarily because of middle aged and older affluent buyers, but they will soon be gone and might not be replaced.

I don’t think it is a matter of non-interest as much as a matter of income. I have always been interested in old gun, and S&W in particular, but until I was almost 60 all of the disposable had to go to other things, taking care of the house, kid’s extracurricular activity, their college. Now that they are on their own we have more available income to follow our own interests. 90% of the guns I bought in my life were purchased after age 60. I am sure there are lots of kids (less than 50) in the same boat.

I understand where these guys are coming from. Antique road show posts what an item is worth now and what it was worth 10 years ago? Often you will see much lower prices now!
But if you have an open mind and try not to focus on doom and gloom you will realize that the Market is dynamic and is always fluctuating.
I for one never saw any value in Beenie Babies but that didn’t stop folks from hoarding them. I think also that stamps were always a poor investment. Especially now that they are easily faked! Coins have actually come up since silver is doing much better.
There is an old saying. Guns and Gold! There is a reason that they are mentioned together. Value ! I’ve never heard the term “ Toys and gold” or Beenie Babies and Gold. LOL.
Anyway, Im not worried about Antiques. Way too many other issues to worry about in the World today that will go South before the Antiques do.

Murph

I think the entire old gun market is down across the board. I picked up this .50 cal percussion rifle for $90 at an auction Friday. Don't know the maker but it looks to be good workmanship.

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Daniel
SWHF 616

People have more disposable income in the last few years than at practically any time in the past. Economy is strong and monetary investments return very well (except for bank interest). I don't believe that is a reason why a particular collection of antique S&Ws is selling flat.

Whenever an auction house puts a ton of anything out there for a single auction, it is a given that prices will be lower. The level of demand is only so much, there is a pretty much set amount of money in the crowd, and there are only so many people bidding on a single auction. I feel that when you flood the auction with so many antique S&Ws, you dilute the value of every one.

I remember when a very large collection of 320 RRs went to auction, and RIA did it right. Realizing that there was only so much money for these guns in the audience, they spread them out for at least a year and sold a couple per auction.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Glowe,

I think you might be correct. A glut of virtually anything can depress prices. Conversely, you get a large crowd an an estate auction with only a few average guns, and watch the hammer prices go through the roof!

Many of the lots were less than stellar, but I agree that there were too many offered to realize optimum results.
There were some pretty good deals IMO

Yesterday was the last of S&WCA deceased member Larry Gaertner's fabulous S&W collection sold at auction in Calif. Prices were very good overall ( Lots of T-Locks, Reg. Mags, 2 inch Victories, etc .) even with a 17 1/2 % buyers premium plus 8% sales tax, which seems to go against the current slump in collectable guns. Rare items still seem to bring strong prices in well advertised auctions. Bargains are at the small, poorly advertised auctions, especially if the auction house is not gun savvy. Overseas auction can deliver real steals due to currency exchanges, especially Australian auctions when their dollar is worth 1/2 the US dollar, but a gun that would sell here for $1,000 sells in Australia for a thousand of their dollars, so you get it for the equivalent of $500 US. Ed.

opoefc,

Do you have a link to the last Larry Gaertner auction results in California?

It was Carol Watson's Orange Coast Auctions. You can check her prior auction in 2019-19 for prices on other of Larry's gun, especially T-Lock as he had over 100 of them. I think I posted the info a week or so ago here on the SCWA Forum, prior to this last auction. All Larry's gun were lettered, which helped. One 2 inch Victory, sent to the OSS, went for over $6K, on Sat., with the premium. Ed.

First, I will say that as much as I like the antique Smith & Wesson revolvers, Triple Locks may prove to be a better investment over time and Registered Magnums certainly will.

With regards to the Carol Watson's Orange Coast Auctions I did a search for " Smith Wesson" and for "Triple Lock" and negative on both counts. I did not search further. Upon review of the closed auction results, Smith & Wessons are listed as "S&W" and they refer to a Triple Lock as a "Triplelock".

Lesson learned.

I have friends in the antique business and business is down, like anything "brown is down". Antique furniture is way down, but take it into the back room, paint it pastel yellow and watch it fly out the door. Some people may be in the market to buy the items that are on their way down, sad for the rest of us whose interest is in things that are currently holding their value....I keep waiting for the prices on 1929 Packard Roadsters to go in the toilet. I think that is going to be awhile, might as well settle on a RM which after all is quite portable.

I don't know that anyone would argue that the prices of antiques are generally down right now -- except for the extreme high end (where the prices never really fall), and for certain collecting niches that are currently in vogue.

But -- I would argue that the "drop" in prices (at least, for a lot of antique guns) was, in many cases, a market correction for some pricing bubbles.

And, as others have mentioned, this makes it a great buyer's market.

Mike

Definetely a soft market, but as mentioned, good for those who are looking to add nice pieces to their collections.

As you know these prices will not stay low.....just a matter of time and they will go back up.

I noticed the prices being low with the old Winchesters and Marlins as well.....unless you have some pristine example with paperwork you can expect to buy for much less than just a few years ago.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

I sure hope this is the case, but I'm not convinced that is the case anymore. Market forces may be different now. It may actually be that prices may not stay low...because they could head even lower.

I have hesitated to add my opinion as I collect the Antique S&Ws for the pleasure of owning things made more than 100 years before I was born. I'm more interested in the aesthetics of a finely made, early, cartridge revolver than what it is worth as an investment piece. I get my pleasure from holding a small work of ingenious art in my hands, looking at the precision of the early craftsmanship and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen that had the wherewithal for the attention to detail to create these masterpieces. I flat don't care where the 'market' goes.

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Mike Maher #283

Mike #283,

Occasionally, I believe the same, and "pull the trigger" and buy something for the enjoyment of it all, in the hope the trend is not ominous.

My goodness, what an interesting thread.

I am of the mindset that antique anything will probably not recover. From firearms, to vehicles to the advertising memorabilia that is bringing such high prices at present. As these 'antique' items get further removed from the people that actually used and remember them, that leaves a younger generation that has little interest in them.

I own a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Sedan, that my dad bought in the 80's, because that's what his family drove while he was in high school. I love the '55-'57 Chevy's, and would love to own a '57 Bel Air 2-door hardtop. While 20 years ago, that seemed impossible, the interest in the older vehicles is dying off, same as the generation who remembers owning and using them, and prices have dropped. Today, the collectors want the 1960's and 70's muscle cars, because those are the ones they remember owning and driving.

While the advertising memorabilia prices are at an all time high right now, I believe most people buying them are the ones that remember them hanging in the local businesses. As these people pass on, will the value stay up? That remains to be seen yet, as a lot of these people who remember the old signs are only in their 50's and 60's. I bought a big porcelain Coke sign for big money. Why? Because it's the same as the one that hung on my parents grocery store in our small town. They operated it in the 60's and early 70's, when it closed, but the sign is from 1934 and hung on the business from the 1930's, when it was a drug store, until closing. My wife says to enjoy it, because you'll never get your money back because the younger generation could care less about this stuff. Maybe she's right, I don't know.

With firearms, obviously there aren't any people left who used a Smith and Wesson Schofield, but maybe their interest in antique firearms comes from the memories of the cowboys using them at the Saturday matinees and the TV Westerns when they were kids. Look at what military weapons have done in the last 10 years. They are extremely collectible at present time. Maybe because the kids and grand kids of those who served in World War II have become interested in the history of what their relatives lived through. Like previously stated, today's generation seems to be more interested in the "black" weapons. Obviously my opinion would not include everyone, as I'm sure people have many different reasons in collecting what they choose, but I think in large, that is the direction we are heading.

All this being said, the nice, original items seem to still have a good market with plenty of buyers and items bringing good prices.

Meanwhile, those with the disposable income can find some pretty good deals!!!

I also want to say that the ridiculous buyer's premiums are the reason I don't buy from the online auction houses. I'd like to know the person who came up with that scam. "Hey, let's charge people a buyer's premium for the extreme privilege of buying an item from us"!!!

Below is a picture of the expensive sign. I paid up for it because of condition and memories!!! 4 1/2' X 8' of awesomeness, at least in my book!!!

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1891SingleShot

I don't think prices have changed much at all. On the other hand, the value of the token they are priced in (the US dollar) has been all over the map.

I believe prices are way down on antique S&W. Just look at the current Rock Island Auction. The hammer price on two Schofields sold together had a price estimate of $14,000 to $22,500 and they sold for $7,500. The estimate was obviously too high but still this is a price that is significantly less than 5 years ago. It is not just these Schofields that sold for much less than expected, it is for almost all the guns that have sold so far in this auction. Many selling for less than the "low price" that RIA put on them and there are some amazing S&W in this auction.

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Petter
S&WCA 1759

When it comes to antique Smith & Wesson revolvers, it's starting to feel like the party's over.

Since I don’t buy old Smith & Wesson guns for investments, but rather for the enjoyment of having a living, working piece of history in my hands, the news that examples that I dreamed about years ago may come into my range does not make me sad. All markets are cyclical and I will take advantage of this downturn.

Me, too--a great time to take advantage of the downturn. I did not mention that side of the equation!

However, the question this time is, is it really a downturn, which means that, someday, there will be an upturn, OR is it just an attempt to catch a falling knife?

I can't see enough individuals in younger generations having enough interest in this stuff.

ALSO, without being polarizing, what I see is a lot of the upcoming generations are rather entitled, and they don't want to work, or if they do work, they expect a lot of pay for very little work (basically, what I see, is they want about 200K a year to play on their phones all day long). It takes hard work to earn money to spend on antique Smith & Wesson revolvers, or other hobby items. Conversely, these upcoming generations have experienced nothing but stagnant wages and do not have the wealth available at the same age as Baby Boomers did: Millennials vs. boomers: the US generational wealth gap - Business Insider

Just something to think about.

Dr. Hall's guns recently sold at auction were far from the best of those in his collection. Dr. Hall had a magnificent collection of a wide variety of S&Ws but mostly antiques and of those Model 3s, but, not unlike most of us it was just difficult to pass one up that was not in "primo" condition as long as it met basic personal criteria.

I have either a .32-44 of .38-44 converted to .22 LR that's another sweetheart. I let my sons and grandson try the .22 for a 100 or so shot before I let them fire a .32-44 then to the .44 R, both loads that were load ed"in-house" to make sure the guns fire safely. No damage to guns and no lost or damaged body parts. Also, only after completely, mechanically checked over and serviced, personally.

I admired Dave Chicoine's work immensely, however, when it came to the mechanical. While Dave was an impeccable gunsmith / mechanic and restoration expert, I much preferred to mechanically service my S&W antiques myself.

Of those I purchased from his son Normal Hall, approximately 25 years ago were some magnificent quality and scarce Model 3s and even a Model 52 and 52-1 ANIB (i still have both and never fired either).

My soft spot has always been the target versions of any S&W model., especially the New Model 3s. Was never hot for the 32-44 and 38-44 but went bonkers for the .44 Russian Target model, according to Ray Brazille (RIP) were not part of the standard production of New Model 3s.

Odd calibers and barrel lengths a "plus" some barrel lengths and calibers a super-plus like the .38 Winchester, and even more so ... those New Model 3 Target model chambered in .45 S&W Schofield while many more quantity produced were .450 mostly all .450s shipped to England.

Of those New Model 3 Target models in .45 S&W Schofield, I know of only 2. One was Robert Neals and shown in Neal & Jinks. No on knows where that one went. I tried to find it for over 20 years.

The second New Model 3 Target in .45 S&W Schofield was owned by member Emil Baronak (RIP) who teased me for approximately 15 years that he had a gorgeous one and would sell it to me when he worked his way through all the prior models to the New Model 3s.

I remember waking up Roy Jinks on a Saturday morning about 9AM to verify the serial number as .45 Caliber and for other means of original verification. Roy was not very happy with me that morning but I had offered to pay him a consult fee whether I purchased it or not which Roy immediately refused the consult fee.

A few hours later Roy calls back with details and verification that it is a true .45 S&W Schofield Target when it left the factory.

As he would not accept a consult fee, I sent him a bottle of Dom Perignon for Christmas a month later as a very small but sincere "thank you".

At that time had I risked purchasing it to later find out it was a converted .44R or .450 (British) to .45 S&W I would have been at an instant loss of in excess of $10,000 or more.

Old Emil was a heck of a salesman with a fine, fine collection that he invested as his retirement savings (OR ONE of his investments / savings) but he NEVER lied. He "embellished" at times but never lied. At worst he'd touch up a thinning rub mark a the barrel crown or sharp edge.

The deal I had with Emil is that any old S&W I bought from him had to pass my "flitz" test that I would do at his table in front of him.

I believe he only did these inimical touch ups to protect the guns which was common maintenance back then as would be sending back to S&W for a refinish if starting to wear thin.

After my Flitz test and purchase ... that is how it would stay, perhaps just waxed afterward or wrapped for long term storage in HD plastic wrap, with stocks removed and wrapped DRY separately, then after covering all metal (in and out) with R.I.G. ( a tip I got from Gary Garbrcht but only for long term storage).

The RIG works wonderfully on blued guns but on any nickel / plated gun with a light nick or a tiny peel / vein any oily substance would "walk" under the partially lifted / raised spot and SPIDER it out larger over the years ... so all nickel or plated guns were always stored dry (after good cleaning / drying and wax).

But, that's just me talking from my experiences of years ago ... which I feel that if something has always worked flawlessly for you .... why screw with perfection ?

And that's just my opinions and methods. I'm sure other serious mechanics and gunsmiths have method that would be as good.

I was also the first (and as far as i know ... the ONLY) collector that ever bantered with Norm Flayderman who stated in his books that the mechanics and bore of an antique American Firearm is not a consideration when determining value. I vehemently objected to that.

I'd rather have a mechanically perfect antique S&W with a little blue rubbing off that a perfect finish and "shaky" mechanics.

All the best and Happy New Year 2020, thanking God for those of us that are still here to participate in our mutual love and hobby, hoping we will be here again next year, celebrating and sharing just as hard.

There are so many to thank that i don't have enough room but Ed Cornett, Col. Charles Pate (U.S. Army Ret), Roy Jinks, Jim Supica, Rich Nahas, Bill Cross, Richard McMillan, Ray Brazille (RIP), Harrison Carroll (RIP /no relation to Dave Carroll) and also Dave Carroll for a good "heated discussion" of thoughts and opinion at times but always friendly and helpful.

and .... MANY, MANY OTHERS ..... thank you all ! Happy New Year.,

Petter, Yes to most but I would not purchase unless I was there to examine the guns in person.

About 20 years ago I came across a slew of Schofields with pitted barrels, and / or cyliinders, changed parts ... none of which were much better looking that what had likely been removed. FILED hammer / sear engagement.

Remember there were several thousand Schofiled's produced with the major production ending up being wholesaled out of U.S. Govt service.
Several thousand is quite a number of Schofields produced.

Some of the slightest issues on the model 3s turn me off completely. e.g. a loose barrel lock up / jiggle. changed parts, mismatched numbers, parts of guns of major parts of guns faked with interchaned parts from other model, mechanical issues, and defect or damage that seem to be explained away as a minor issue or a sales pitch that blows sunshine from the bottom up to make a clunker sound like a peach, false statements and stories, etc.

Some of those usually just salvaged parts guns slapped together to appear as though it will function.

You own extremely nice Model 3s and others so you KNOW exactly ...similar to our past discussions.

Happy New year.

Sal Raimondi

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Sold & paid for are two different things, a while back a "two tone" single shot that had obvious issues sold for a good price, only to be relisted a week later, it then had a higher starting price, was on a long time with zero bids & finally pulled. I have seen complaints by members of various forums & groups by sellers complaining about non-paying bidders.

Shill bidding and bidders are exploding in epidemic proportions. Never use a high auction bid, especially when way out of context, as a comparison on any item.

While shill bidding is illegal it should be more aggressively complained and reported. While certain licensed auction houses allow owners to bid on their own merchandise ... that TOO is deceptive and deceitful to us honest bidders.

This is what helps start the BOOM on prices of certain guns that have to eventually, one day, hit saturation point and level off the prices.

Those that bid on lesser quality guns should bid lesser quality prices. Forget the Aunt Mary stories and replaced box labels, re-done tid bits, etc.

Pay a fair price and then STOP bidding. There are literally thousands and thousands of whatever mass produced gun you're looking for, e.g. 39-2, 28, 27s, 29s with only some of those being the scarcer, highly sought after models.

There are a few very obvious "tells" on shill bidders and others could be quite creative with trade-offs on one seller letting another use his / her bid name to run the bids up.

Use your own common sense. Know the seller, check past buyers and purchasers but that only works for 30 days now, I think.

It's disgusting ! Any time I feel mostly certain a seller is using shill bidders I NEVER bid on any of his / her merchandise again.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

I have nothing but respect for Norm and the tremendous work that he did in compiling his seminal text, which I refer to on almost a daily basis.

That said, mechanics and caliber did matter. If they didn't, then there should be no price difference between the six/seven variants of the Model 1, 1st Issue. Or, as you just mentioned, the New Model 3 Targets. I'm fairly certain that collectors of Colt Single Actions would say the same thing. I'm no expert there, but I understand that some of the calibers are extraordinarily rare.

In fairness to Norm: his book intended to be a generalization of American firearms -- a topic that is almost infinite in its scope. I can understand that, for the purposes of a catalog like that, that he wouldn't want to delve into the intricacies of each caliber of each model. That's probably a topic best left to the authors of books with a much narrower focus.

Mike

I bought 2 lemon-squeezers from this collector in an auction 5 or 6 years ago. I don't collect them, but as I was watching the auction, the prices were so low, I couldn't let them go by. I got a nickel 1st Model and 2nd Model in gorgeous condition for $60 and $55 respectively.

I ended up offering them to a guy here on the forum that collects them for the same price I paid. They needed to go to a good home to someone that would respect them.

I have been attending these auctions for years, and sometimes the prices are high, and sometimes low.

The thing about prices of most anything is a deal is like beauty it is in the eye of the beholder. If you think you got a good deal or a pretty girl you did and what I think shouldn’t really matter . I had a very nice gun and a very good looking woman . She threw me out and I ended up selling the gun cheap to keep from losing my retirement. Lose lose to me , but , win win for th3 guy that sold me that rifle and the guy that bought it from me . Oh yea lose to the guy that married my ex lol.