Interesting thread here and most helpful in respect to what some people think of sellers versus buyers, relative rarity considering supply and demand...It also is readily apparent that some folks are a bit on the touchy side...As a newcomer to this particular board I would like to stay in everyone's good graces since I have been a longtime dealer as well as a collector...I hope to continue to do so as long as good firearms are available to sell and trade.
The Navy stock and holster set was being seriously researched on this, and other, gun boards prior to setting any price...I felt it prudent to obtain as much information as possible to verify the artifact as correct first and then try to establish some sort of accurate market value range...I was aided in my initial research by several members of this august forum and, to all who advised me, my sincere thanks...I appreciate the knowledge that you shared with me on the few Lugers that I had posted for reference...[COLOR=darkred][COLOR=darkred]...I subsequently received emails from several fellow collectors/dealers who inquired about what I would be selling and what prices I would ask-very fair questions I think you will agree.
The Navy stock in particular seemed to be a magnet for helpful and useful information as well as some rather unkind comments about others collecting habits...I received an unsolicited offer well above $3,000 the day I posted images...Frankly, that seemed very fair to me and I would likely have taken the offer had the collector gotten back to me in a timely manner...However, I received several calls and emails from other collectors who wished to either trade or purchase the rig outright...Having had what seemed a very serious offer I felt obligated to give that person first shot... I gave him a week and heard no more from him...I had another offer that I would have to say was severely short of the initial
offer as well as an offer to break up the set and buy only part of it.
Having received so much good information initially and having done a good deal of independent research regarding its value I decided to place the Navy rig on auction with a reserve lower than a couple sets that had sold recently...My intent was not to ruffle anyone's feathers here and my sincere apologies if anyone takes offence at me for actually using a reserve on an item that I own...Reserves I place at auction are normally at about the level of what I take to be current retail and, when an item does not sell, I usually negotiate the final price...I am not in the wholesale business so I can not automatically discount a firearm to new customers...Besides, unlike most women and similar beautiful things, a good gun is hard to find!
Feel free to contact me directly if you have suggestions (other than where I can stick an object please) or questions...Ed Hicks 910-425-7000 Email:
edhicks82@aol.com [COLOR=darkred][I][U][COLOR=darkred]