That's right. My two "tuition" guns all came from auctioneers. To return something back to auctioneers was as hard as going to the moon. All sales are final, that's the biggest risk.
But I still monitor auctions. And, I gradually start understanding why many collectors, including many well known collections were sent to auction houses. Not because they are selling fakes (although they could misrepresent certain items occasionally). Auction houses marketing is strong, and they do carry many good items.
One evidence -- RIAC could sell mint M1930 without stock to $6000-$7000. There definitely is a trust factor inside. Not all bidders could spend tons of time on studying guns, but they have money. Which individual collector seller could push it to that level. Probably none.
And, gun like standard C96, although being common, while in high condition, it could go crazy too. People bid one mint example from Sturgess collection to $9k-$10k range last year (with Simpson's stamp on its butt!!).. If it were not sold via Julia, I seriously doubt it could go 50% of that.
Last edited by alvin; 02-02-2015 at 04:20 PM.
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