[wterrell]

[quote]commented that you thought you would "pass it up". That is when I made a bid on it. <hr></blockquote>

Hugh, your memory is 'fuzzy'. That comment was made 08-07-2002 20:16, two days after I discovered that you were bidding on the pistol, 08-4-2002. You made no more bids after my "pass it up" statement.


[quote]it had been under discussion on the Forum for almost a week <hr></blockquote>

Your first bid was after I posted my intention to purchase the pistol on 08-04-2002, about an hour after the post.

[quote]but Auction Arms that keeps bidders "hidden" until the reserve is met <hr></blockquote>

I knew that, but it did not suit my argument. The men here are too sharp and I suffer for it.

[quote]honestly thought that you had given up interest in the gun <hr></blockquote>

I was sorely vexed that my statement of interest was not honored. I posted my statement of standing aside on the pistol two full days after you began your bid (3 bids in all) on the pistol. This was to give you an opportunity to approach and state your interest in the pistol, at which point I most probably would have deferred to you. Your response was to ask me what the reserve price was.

I am confident that the extra cost of the book is inconsequential to you as it would have been to me. If that is not the case, then I have indeed rendered a disservice to you, and owe you an apology. Should the cost of the book not be of consequence to you, then I have delivered to you a vexation and embarrassment, which was my intention and I shall not back down from that.

You and I are men from the same geographic area and culture, with a similar moral code. My actions are completely understood by you. I have no shame in my actions.

The thread is still on the Forum if you care to look at the times and dates: �» Early Lugers (1900-1906) �» Brazilian 7.65mm. Date is 08-04-2002

Here is the bid history (My post time at the beginning of the thread is Bermuda time. The bid time from Auction Arms is MST.)

[quote]

Bidder Bid Quantity Comments Date/Time

hclark $800.00 1 -no comment- 11:32 AM PST Wednesday, Aug 7, 2002
hclark $700.00 1 -no comment- 11:31 AM PST Wednesday, Aug 7, 2002
hclark $450.00 1 -no comment- 10:50 PM PST Sunday, Aug 4, 2002
$450.00 Starting Price 8:51 AM PST Friday, Aug 2, 2002

<hr></blockquote>

In a word, Hugh: obfuscation! Silence would have been politic.