Michael,
Just because a table-holder has a table does not necessarily mean he/she is a dealer.
Lots of private collectors buy "display" tables and some of the gun shows have a lower price for a display table versus a "sales" table.
Collectors will set up to "show off" their collections at just such display tables.
It may also be a way for a collector to let folks know at the gun show what his/her area of collecting might be and they will hope for a "walk in" to bring out a nice piece out of their back-pack...
If you hold a display table, you cannot sell...but nothing prevents one from buying.
On the other hand...some folks use the "for display only" sign to sort of "weed out" the tire-kickers at gun shows.
I have actually purchased two of my Swiss Lugers from such private collectors which had displayed such a sign. If you sepnd enough time talking with such a collector and admire their collection, you may find they may really want to sell some of their pieces off...but he/she wants to determine if you are serious and know what you are looking for.
|