LugerForum Discussion Forums - Some Major Gun Auction Advice Please

LugerForum Discussion Forums (https://forum.lugerforum.com/index.php)

- General Discussions (https://forum.lugerforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=128)

- - Some Major Gun Auction Advice Please (https://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=22977)

Jasta2

11-30-2009 12:18 PM

Some Major Gun Auction Advice Please

In my search for Lugers I've had to rely mostly on the online auctions like 'Gunbroker' and 'Auction Arms'. The online Luger dealers like 'Simpsons' and 'Phoenixinvestments' look to be quite on the high dollar side.Nothing found at the local gun dealers. My question is, are the major gun auctions like 'Rock Island Armory' which is having a large gun auction starting Dec.5th I believe, and has 107 Lugers listed among 100s of others. All have a min/max sale est. like ( $1400-$2000 or $4000-$5500) as a sample. I take the final sale price could be both below and above these est prices.(plus 15% comm.) Are these large auctions a good place to drop a bid or two? Or should I wait untill I can attend local gun auctions and shows where I can handle the Luger?:order: Sold-Sold-Sold, Sorry, watiching to many Barrett-Jackson car auctions on TV
Thanks,Bill

Ron Smith

11-30-2009 01:42 PM

RIA auctions aren't the best from what I have heard. They charge a premium (read commission) on top of the final selling price. Their descriptions aren't what could be called accurate either.

I have had my best luck on GB and AA. You can often negotiate with seller's, if you hold your tongue just right. Check Point Charlie is good to deal with, and his prices aren't bad.

Ron

abukafura

11-30-2009 07:52 PM

I second everything that Ron said. My experiences years ago with RIA were not good and their descriptions definitely are not valid. I think you will find a mixed bag of comments about Phoenix as well. Charley is a great guy and stands behind his stuff 100%.

Curly1

11-30-2009 08:19 PM

+2 on Charlie, bought several pieces over the years and holsters, he doesnt have more than 1 pic each on his site but will send more upon request. Nice guy to talk to too. Yeah one of the pieces was a luger.

spartacus38

11-30-2009 08:28 PM

Auctions are like walking through a minefield.

If you visibly check the items and know what you are doing

you can find some nice guns.Pictures are not good enough.

AA and GB are both good as long as you have an inspection

period.

It is a tough market out there unless you know what you are

doing.

Bob

Carl	11-30-2009 09:48 PM

Try local gun shows, sometimes dealers pick up a Luger that they underprice because of lack of knowledge. In the meantime buy as many books as you can afford. Remember knowledge is power. Here in PA, where I live, there is a gun show every weekend. Ask every person who has one to examine it including take it down if they will let you. The more you handle the more you will learn.

Carl

MikeP

12-01-2009 01:26 AM

Auctions are especially tough due to description variences and outright monkey business.
Buying something as much in demand as a Luger today can be problematic for anybody.
No simple answer.

Hands on knowledgeable inspection is best, and there are problems there.
Don't 'spose that helps much.

Tough days to start on Lugers.

lew1	12-01-2009 07:31 AM

All of the above. Charlie stands behind his offerings. I have had good experiences with Amoskeag, bad experiences with RIA and Devine.

Best is to be able to physically hold it in hand.

I have always wondered though, considering how the auction houses go after the absentee bidders, why they do not offer more pictures, etc to them. Including standing behind what they orally say and an inspection period.

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:06 PM.