Dear Big Norm, I agree that "Mel" was no expert, but with the big bucks, he allegedly dealt with "experts". Many entertainers are, or have bought, collectible Lugers over the years (Mel Torme, Buddy Hackett, Sammy Davis Jr., Dan Dailey, James Earl Jones, etc...the list goes on). I have been told that they did not lose money. Recently, prices have just shot out of sight, much like what is happening in the housing market. As long as there are buyers out there buying limited inventory, prices have to go up. And with the stock market no great shakes over the past few years, investment money is finding its way into collectibles. How much should a rare Luger sell for? That 1904 Navy went for just over $63K on the recent Rock Island auction. Mike Krause sold that exact same Luger about 20 years ago for $20K. When one gets into the "rare" Lugers, just like the Pattersons and Dragoons, money wants to be made. Not for the feint of heart. Another way to say it: Buyer beware and know your seller!
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