First Model .22 Hand Ejector Lady Smiths in Recent James Julia Auction

[mrcvs]

There were two for sale in this auction: (1) Lot #1594, serial number 458. It was described, as follows: "CONDITION: Extremely fine with most all finish remaining with very little loss at high points of cyl, backstrap and trigger guard. Bbl markings are very light and believed to be over polished at manufacture or possibly a very early factory re-finish. Bore is exceptional, mechanics are fine. Matching SN’s are found on frame, cyl and bbl. Grips fit excellently, but not numbered to gun." Estimated to go for $1,750 to $2500, and it brought $575. (2) Lot #1595, serial number 1722, described, as follows: "CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with most all blue finish remaining. Finish loss on backstrap, trigger guard, high points of cyl and muzzle are very minimal. Spectacular bore an mechanics. Virtually all case color remains on trigger guard and hammer. Matching numbers found on bbl, cyl, frame and grips. An exceptionally scarce gun in blue finish, in amazingly fine condition." Expected to bring $1250 to $1750, and it brought $1667.50.

What am I missing? I simply cannot tell from the photographs if the first one was refinished, or not, but it certainly would not have been refinished at the factory, because it would have had the star and the date in month and year format indicating a return to the factory. Did those handling this firearm determine that there was indeed a non-factory refinish, and, hence, the low price? Or was there something drastically more severely wrong with this firearm, like a cracked forcing cone, not described, from someone firing a .22 LR round in this firearm. From the photographs, provided the first one was not a refinish, it clearly appears better than the second one, but brought well below the pre-auction estimate.

 

[DWalt]

Those who knew their Ladysmiths enough to bid on one were obviously aware of some problem with the first one.

 

[mrcvs]

Those who knew their Ladysmiths enough to bid on one were obviously aware of some problem with the first one.

Yes, obviously I suspected that. But what was it?

This is an excellent example of why I am extremely reluctant to bid on firearms in national auctions like these that I am unable to attend (which would be virtually all of them!). I imagine most out there also have the same mindset because, based on the photographs and description alone, it appears to have sold at a VERY good price! Now, maybe this was truly a bargain, but I suspect something was left out, intentional or otherwise.

Not to be overly critical, but two photographs just cannot tell the full story. One can get more information about a particular firearm, at least from photographs, in photographs provided by an amateur on the classifieds section of the forum than in those provided by a national auction house...intentional or otherwise?

Caveat emptor!

 

[glowe]

Sometimes you take your chances and hope for the best outcome. This is a fine auction house that has benefited from many years of excellent reputation, so if an unannounced problem shows up with the gun in hand, I am sure they will take care of the issue.

Besides, how many LGSs have 22 Ladysmiths laying around?? There are many models that can only be found in auction houses, partly because they are often selling large collections. I can actually say that I have not been disappointed with a single gun bought online through one of these auction houses.

 

[mrcvs]

Sometimes you take your chances and hope for the best outcome. This is a fine auction house that has benefited from many years of excellent reputation, so if an unannounced problem shows up with the gun in hand, I am sure they will take care of the issue.

Besides, how many LGSs have 22 Ladysmiths laying around?? There are many models that can only be found in auction houses, partly because they are often selling large collections. I can actually say that I have not been disappointed with a single gun bought online through one of these auction houses.

Thank you for this response. My understanding with regards to auctions, is that you win the bid, it is yours, or, at least this is the case relative to local auctions I have attended. Are you for certain that you bid on something, and it is not as described, that James Julia "will take care of the issue"? What exactly does that mean? I am not the type to complain if I purchased a firearm that was described as 85%, and, when it arrived, it appeared to be 80%, but if there is a serious issue such as a reblue when not as described as such (not the case here), or a cracked forcing cone--well, such concerns have kept me from pulling the trigger when it comes to a potential purchase. And, yes, how much really good stuff do you find locally anymore? Not too much...

Being unwilling to purchase some of this stuff sight unseen, has left some gaps in my collection. I would like to be able to actually get up to Maine when there is an auction, but this is unlikely.

I actually did score a good First Model Lady Smith locally. I don't think anyone else there knew what it was. That would not happen at a national auction house, but can happen at a local auction house, as was the case.

By the way, I do think James Julia does have a good reputation, or at least that is what I have heard.

 

[glowe]

You should read through all terms and conditions of a sale for each and every company before committing large amounts of money on a long distance auction, but here are the terms for Julia Auctions. I am just copying the section that pertains to their guarantee and there is a lot more reading available.

GUARANTEE:
We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. Imperfections, slight damages, handling marks, natural imperfections that are inherent with the manufacturing of the objects are the types of things that we absolutely do not guarantee against.

 

[bruce5781]

I bought what was listed as a run of the mill 32 HE at the last Amoskeag Auction. I bid accordingly. Photo clearly showed a 1905 Target. I hoped it was 32-20. It was, I did not complain.

Regards,
Bruce