Edward,
Quite interesting.........Here are a few observations & point of view of mine.
On the ``young generation``: I am in the early 40s ( oups !! ) and let me tell you that I'm part of the scarce group of ``young `` Collectors here in Quebec & more so in Canada. Sadly, on some occasions ``old timers`` dont seem to take this seriously.........well until they see, for example, a small display of mine at a local show & after guntalk is started.........A failure to recognize which is quite similar to your experience.......
I am involved in different firearms things, mainly German pistols collecting, pistol shooting ( modern ), small & big game hunting, big bore rifle shooting,...and young people involved in those are mostly early 30s....I am curious as to the ``follow up`` in 15-20 years........Most ( if not all ) Moose hunters I see in the last years are grey haired.........Where this will lead us ?? I dont know !! But I do enjoy it & will continue to do so........
Areas of interests........Young shooters I see prefer modern ``black guns``.......We prefer ``Classics`` & I am quite traditional in my firearms........WWI & WWII were not so far back for some of us, others were introduced to firearms at a young age ( my case ). There could be many reasons for our specific interests, I wont get into that. But perhaps the ``young Collectors`` of the future will be collecting Vietnam & recent conflicts stuff........Who knows ??
Values.....Well, we are willing to pay top dollars for a desired piece....I have no problem with that !! And if the prices go down, what can I do.........This problem will be left for those in my ``last will `` to sell the whole collection at a loss cause I'm gonna be gone.........
Lastly, dont let that bad experience get to you........Most Gunshow guys ( myself included ) can usually be talked down a bit on price...........
Leaving first hour tomorrow morning for a Deer hunt with that trusty 375 Winchester........
MARK <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />