Hi to all, One of the perks of this hobby over a long period of time, is getting to know most if not all the prominent Luger dealers and also luger collectors from all over the world. If possible, you will find a way to meet and interact with everyone you can that shares your interest and passion. Now, along the way you find yourself dealing with other collectors, friends, family, auctions sales and estates. And if you find a dealer that has exactly what you want, then dealers as well... The perception that we all seem to have is that everyone in the hobby has the same objective view and what they see thru their eyes, is the same as everyone else's eyes! In reality what you think about a collectible can be polar opposite from what the dealer thinks. At this point, we have to stop and consider / realize that dealers, good dealers, want you to be satisfied with your purchase, BUT, they are not there to hold your hand, they buy and sell for a profit, and you are, at the end of the day, left with only your knowledge, or lack of it, as it relates to a certain example? Now here is where the subjectivity comes in, you want it so bad, you see one thing, the dealer may see another. You may have one price in mind, he may have another. Either way some blue sky has to change hands and that final figure is based on, " how bad you want it, versus how bad does he want to sell it!"
So, what happens, by far and away, most transactions are made in good faith and the collector and dealer meet somewhere in the middle, all is well. Then again, once in a great while the two sides don't agree, and post sale positions are taken.. It all comes down to whose Ox gets gored and how bad is the goring. Also in play is what got the Ox's upset in the first place! If the collector feels he hasn't received satisfaction, he naturally lets the world know he was a victim and certainly has his side to tell. But even with that the final decision to purchase was yours! That is the reason most if not all of the veteran collectors and forum members say in their first post to a newbie, "buy books" and read them!
Now, things slip thru good dealers as well as bad dealers, most time unbeknown to both parties, how they handle the matter, (both sides) tells you a lot about the persons character and integrity. I have dealt with Legacy for as long as they have been in business, and the founder, Tom Whiteman is an outstanding dealer and individual. I've never had a minutes issue with him or his company and i wish him continued success.... Now, I don't have a very big Ox but in my life, he's been gored a lot!!! I still make mistakes, but I learn from them and go forward! The above is my opinion and experience... best to all, til.....lat'r....GT
