Art Buchanan

I think that we all look at advertised prices of Lugers and other guns and tend to think of them as values. If we happen to own an example of an over priced Luger we think "look what they are getting for one just like mine" If we don't own one of them we think "I wouldn't pay that kind of price for it". Chances are no one else would either. Luger guys will apraise something for you and it may be near advertised prices----then they will offer you 30% less to buy it. On the rare occasion that I have advertised a Luger, I try to price it at a price that I would consider a decent or better deal if I was buying. It is frustrating to us collectors and probably new guys especially when advertised prices are assumed to be the value[what I can get for it] and then discover that they own something which will require a few years to get back the original purchase price. I have followed some Lugers on major lists that were of interest that remained on the list for some years at the same price. They eventually sold after inflation caught up with the advertised price. I some times think that so called values are driven up in this manner. It is hard to buy something from someone that doesn't care or not if they sell it. Once again I say: Don't pay too much attention to the sales pitch. If you are not sure what you are buying---then maybe best to shop around for a while. Of course if the price is dirt cheap--buy!buy!buy!