The One That Got Away Before You Knew What You Were Doing

I just discussed this on a different thread.

A Walther Model 1 that I sold to a collector in Arkansas quite a few years ago for $250 because I thought it was broken.

Years later I decided that it wasn't. Oh, well!!!

Walther Model 1

Copyright 2010-2021 by Ed Buffaloe.
 
I traded a model 65 with the 3" barrel for a Kimber Solo.
I didn't really "like" the model 65 because it had Austin Fire Department stamped on it.

The Solo was uh, problematic....to be charitable.
When I tried to trade it off later I couldn't wait until I found someone as dumb as me.
I had to put some cash with it on a deal that netted me a North American mini revolver in .22 Magnum.
 
When young teen I got a fancy German combination gun. I had literally nothing in it. Had no interest in it. Traded to gunsmith for K22, Ruger 357 BG, skinning knife, holsters and ammo. I got another gun but can't recall what it was right now. Thought I was master trader. Found out later that I got skinned proper. After that I always made it a point to find out what I had.
I've had S&W Russian, Lugers, Colts and dozens of GI 1911s and all kinds of stuff that is big dollar today. I've owned thousands off guns. Couldn't have done that if I hadn't wheeled and dealed. Hind sight is 20/20.
 
Passed on what I later found out was one of the original 15 factory nickeled Model 17's (could have had it for $450). I think this was the one that found it's way into BDGREEN's hands. Oh well......
ANother time I bought a nickel 6" python from a guy who needed the money-paid him $200. Sent it to the Houston Gunshow with someone who later came back and said he sold it for $300. Was happy with the $100 but later on I figured out that he sold it for a tad more than $300 :D
 
Many years ago in my callow youth, I bought an interesting Belgian High Power with the military adjustable rear sight in a pawn shop. It had a strange insignia on the top of the slide.

I wrote to the NRA, and they identified it as a Lithuanian High Power. The mark on top was their ownership insignia. Even the magazine had this mark on it. It seems that Lithuania bought these guns prior to WWII, but only a few were delivered before the war. The NRA wondered how this one ever migrated to our country. It was in virtually untouched condition.

Like an absolute fool, I sold it for not much more than I paid for it. I later found out he sold it to a noted High Power collector for a huge sum. I've never seen another one.

Live and learn. Here is a picture of the marking. These are selling in the multi-thousand $ range when found on the internet.

John
 
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At one gun show about ten years ago i had the chance to buy a performance center nickel schofield for $900...and an hour later passed on a beretta 20 ga sxs for the same amount...both would have been great buys.

Robert
SWCA #2906
 
I keep thinking of others. This one was a real case of didn't know what I had. A Browning BDA 380, with the nickel finish, and walnut (?) grips. Wood anyway. Made for Browning by Beretta, it was basically a Beretta Model 84 with an enclosed slide. Beautiful gun. I got rid of it because I was all eat up with "more power" and 9mm ammo was a lot less expensive.

I've got a Beretta 84 now to replace it, along with a Tisas clone, but they don't come close to the way the Browning looked.
 
Side by side Colt double rifle chambered in 4570 for $1,000, and it didn't so much get away as I was trying to be good and save up a damn payment for a house so I passed on it. I knew it was cool but it was only later that I realized how rare and expensive it was and that I would never have another chance at such a gun.
 
PALADIN85020 said:
Many years ago in my callow youth, I bought an interesting Belgian High Power with the military adjustable rear sight in a pawn shop. It had a strange insignia on the top of the slide.

I wrote to the NRA, and they identified it as a Lithuanian High Power. The mark on top was their ownership insignia. Even the magazine had this mark on it. It seems that Lithuania bought these guns prior to WWII, but only a few were delivered before the war. The NRA wondered how this one ever migrated to our country. It was in virtually untouched condition.

Like an absolute fool, I sold it for not much more than I paid for it. I later found out he sold it to a noted High Power collector for a huge sum. I've never seen another one.

Live and learn. Here is a picture of the marking. These are selling in the multi-thousand $ range when found on the internet.

John
Click to expand...

Wow, that's up there with hen's teeth. I've only seen that symbol in Mauser books describing the Model 24 L made for Lithuania.
 
Passed on a pre-model 64 with a bull barrel for $250.00 about 5 years ago. It was a former prison guard's and when they went to auto's he was allowed to buy it. It looked brand new. I'm still kicking myself for that one.
 
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When stationed in England I bought a 30 cal Mauser Broomhandle, with the wooden holster/stock from a Sgt who had just shipped in. Of course it was smuggled in and the British had very strict gun control and the base had pretty strict rules (any guns must be approved, and stored at the base. The British licensed all guns, and limited your purchasing of ammo. I paid $55 for it.

After a few months and getting very nervous during an inspection, I sold it off to someone going back to the U S for $65 and could put it in their shipped baggage.

I found out later I could have boxed pt up and shipped it book rate home as they didn't pay any attention back in 1960.

After returning home several years later I was at a gun show and saw one could have been a brother to the one I sold, and it was listed for $1400 then.
 
Let me count the ways...

At the counter at the old Ashland Shooting supplies and they had just received their special order stainless K-22's. Same configuration of an old K-22 but satin stainless. Thought about replacing the blue K-22's for myself and my sons (4) but thought it would be too much trouble. One of the Holy Grails I look for today.

Another was an Ithaca 1911A1 found in the rafters of an old veterans house. He had been a POW and was issued the gun on his release & refit but came right home. Gun was still in the cosmoline and wrap with the only tear in the paper where they had to see the serial number. Thought it was too nice for me so sold it.

Colt Python, serial 559

Colt 1911 Ace with a 3 digit serial

There are so many more that have passed through my hands...
 
Not my sole stupid sale, but back in my college days I sold a high condition Volcanic pistol for a pittance as I needed the money. I had little idea what that gun would sell for today.
 
Early 2000's: pawn shop had a Model 1917 .45 ACP revolver for $275. They didn't know what they had and unfortunately, neither did I!!!
 
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