Netiquette 101: To get involved or not get involved

Zamo · 10-17-2008, 11:29 AM

I was searching a certain online firearms auction site this morning and came across the posting linked below. My interest went from disappointment to outright shock and then on into hilarity. I was initially inspired to write the seller a brief note, and tell him his estimation of the value of this Luger was "a bit" off, but then began to wonder if it was my place to do so.
At what point does pointing out such gross error transcend courtousy and become just plain rude? Oh, sure it's all in the wording, but I was afraid I would be unable to properly communicate in this instance without appearing rude.
I eventually decided to refrain from telling the fellow anything, and rather, post the link over here for all of you to enjoy.
I know prices are always going up, but this is getting a bit out of hand:

Link to amazingly valued Luger

Vlim · 10-17-2008, 01:01 PM

Lol, if this makes the reserve I'm off to the chrome shop with mine

alanint · 10-17-2008, 01:41 PM

I've found that the majority of sellers do not take advice of this kind kindly.
The best indication they are overpriced will come from the deathly silence in responce to their offer.
The best course of action is to stay out of it unless you know the person trying to sell.

zinfull · 10-17-2008, 02:08 PM

I was raised in that town, all there is to hear is deadly silence.

Jerry

abukafura · 10-17-2008, 02:47 PM

Makes me almost ashamed to be from the Dairy State.

Brent B. · 10-17-2008, 03:27 PM

I wouldn't contact him as there's a good chance he greatly overpaid for it.

John Sabato · 10-17-2008, 03:33 PM

I can hear the silence already!

Poor guy has no concept of abused collectible firearms value... or may he hopes that someone who REALLY doesn't ...will see this and buy it!

Vlim · 10-17-2008, 04:47 PM

I heard the rumor that chrome plated lugers were used by the crews of chrome plated tiger tanks.... :P

TooTech · 10-17-2008, 09:48 PM

This Colt New Service has been for sale for well over two years. It was actually bid to $1500 once and did not make the reserve.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=113554531

GerColctor · 10-17-2008, 10:11 PM

He bought it after "buying" into some BS story about who had the Luger chromed; it was done by a army general, high ranking SS officer, fighter pilot, U-boat captain, tank commander or it was a presentation pistol from Hitler to somebody "important". All of the supporting "evidence" came from the vet who captured the chromed pistol after killing the original owner.

Some sucker will buy into this theory about chromed Lugers or P-38s and match his auction bid and then the cycle of BS about chromed pistols will start again, hoping to find another fool.
Joe

alvin · 10-17-2008, 10:13 PM

If the item were described as "pre-1899 no FFL req'ed antique", it would be nice to remind the seller. If it's just high asking price, well, it's not really a 'technical' problem, IMO. Why bother.

GerColctor · 10-17-2008, 10:18 PM

Too Tech

You will notice in the description of the auction of this Colt New Service revolver, he states he paid a lot for this pistol. Fooled into buiying a chromed gun by a Highway Patrolman. At least he is not claiming it came from somebody "important".

Joe

MikeP · 10-19-2008, 12:39 AM

Talking to folks about the value they place on things is like getting a hog to look at a wristwatch.
It wastes your time and annoys the hog.
Same-same gunshows.

That am one ugly New Service.

Rod WMG · 10-19-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GerColctor
Too Tech

You will notice in the description of the auction of this Colt New Service revolver, he states he paid a lot for this pistol. Fooled into buiying a chromed gun by a Highway Patrolman. At least he is not claiming it came from somebody "important".

Joe

Uh, Joe, Ed McGivern was pretty important and influential in the gun world.

ratdog · 10-19-2008, 10:54 AM

I just wrote to him after seeing the chrome plated P38 he now has for sale. See what his response is...................B

GerColctor · 10-20-2008, 09:08 PM

Rod

If you read his discription posted in the auction, he "was told" that this pistol was redone by Ed McGivern. Told by who? Documention of the custom work by what? It is just an open statement.

The somebody "important" was in reference to the Highway Patrolman he bought it from. At least he is not claiming he purchased it from a person who is/was well known in law enforcement or some other profession.

As of the time of this posting, still no bids on the revolver.
Joe

Rod WMG · 10-20-2008, 11:11 PM

Joe, no, the patrolman was no one important apparently, but I was reacting to his assertion that he was told, and infers he believes, this gun has a connection to Ed McGivern. My post was in jest.

This guy must think guns being shiny makes them valuable.

GerColctor · 10-21-2008, 07:00 PM

Rod

Thank you for your nice reply.

Some people put a lot of special "value" in chromed or nickel plated guns. They don't do anything for me, just too flashy.

The stories are what really get me going. All of these flashy guns seem to have a "history".

Joe

Rod WMG · 10-21-2008, 09:02 PM

Well, Joe, I have to confess to owning a nickled Erfurt. I like it, but I'm not hot to have any more. My other Lugers are "normal."

I also am partial to factory nickled S&W revolvers, though I only own one and that is an aftermarket item which, along with a calibrer conversion, ruined the collectibility of a WWI Triple Lock, regretably. The Erfurt looks pretty good under the plating, I think. It's a shame, but folks way back when didn't know we were going to pay such big bucks for them these days. I'm sure they were convinced it was a good thing and enhanced their value.

GerColctor · 10-22-2008, 08:06 PM

Rod

I went over to an "old timer's" house a few years ago to look at a Springfield '03. During our conversation he told me he had a nice P-38 and offered to show it to me. He produced a very nice 480 code Walther P-38, but it had been chromed. He told me bought it from a vet years ago, who claimed he took it off an SS man (usual capture of chromed pistol story).

Such an unusual pistol was basicly ruined by the process. Much of the slide's markings were partially filled in.

Unfortunatly I am somewhat of a "purest" when it comes to old things, gun, cars, etc. Don't like them if they have been changed from original. Factory chrome. nickel or stainless is fine, but if it has gone thru a "process" sometime later, then there is no attraction on my part.

I have an old S&W .32, top break pistol that came from the factory chromed that was given to me 25 years ago. It is all original, so to me it is OK. Terrible burden being a "purest".

I understand the original poster of this thread wanting to tell the seller. Often feel that the seller or buyer should know when an offered gun is not described correctly concerning a material fact. I don't often do it, but I appreciate the feeling of wanting to correct the description.
Joe

10-17-2008, 11:29 AM	#1
Zamo User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 142 Thanks: 4 Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts	Netiquette 101: To get involved or not get involved I was searching a certain online firearms auction site this morning and came across the posting linked below. My interest went from disappointment to outright shock and then on into hilarity. I was initially inspired to write the seller a brief note, and tell him his estimation of the value of this Luger was "a bit" off, but then began to wonder if it was my place to do so. At what point does pointing out such gross error transcend courtousy and become just plain rude? Oh, sure it's all in the wording, but I was afraid I would be unable to properly communicate in this instance without appearing rude. I eventually decided to refrain from telling the fellow anything, and rather, post the link over here for all of you to enjoy. I know prices are always going up, but this is getting a bit out of hand: Link to amazingly valued Luger __________________ <INSERT WITTY SAYING HERE> My collection: http://home.comcast.net/~gunspotz/guns.htm

10-17-2008, 03:33 PM	#7
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	I can hear the silence already! Poor guy has no concept of abused collectible firearms value... or may he hopes that someone who REALLY doesn't ...will see this and buy it! __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

10-17-2008, 10:11 PM	#10
GerColctor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: CT & FL Posts: 308 Thanks: 2 Thanked 40 Times in 27 Posts	He bought it after "buying" into some BS story about who had the Luger chromed; it was done by a army general, high ranking SS officer, fighter pilot, U-boat captain, tank commander or it was a presentation pistol from Hitler to somebody "important". All of the supporting "evidence" came from the vet who captured the chromed pistol after killing the original owner. Some sucker will buy into this theory about chromed Lugers or P-38s and match his auction bid and then the cycle of BS about chromed pistols will start again, hoping to find another fool. Joe __________________ It is better to have lived a day as a tiger, then a thousand years as a lamb.

10-17-2008, 10:18 PM	#12
GerColctor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: CT & FL Posts: 308 Thanks: 2 Thanked 40 Times in 27 Posts	Too Tech You will notice in the description of the auction of this Colt New Service revolver, he states he paid a lot for this pistol. Fooled into buiying a chromed gun by a Highway Patrolman. At least he is not claiming it came from somebody "important". Joe __________________ It is better to have lived a day as a tiger, then a thousand years as a lamb.

10-20-2008, 09:08 PM	#16
GerColctor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: CT & FL Posts: 308 Thanks: 2 Thanked 40 Times in 27 Posts	Rod If you read his discription posted in the auction, he "was told" that this pistol was redone by Ed McGivern. Told by who? Documention of the custom work by what? It is just an open statement. The somebody "important" was in reference to the Highway Patrolman he bought it from. At least he is not claiming he purchased it from a person who is/was well known in law enforcement or some other profession. As of the time of this posting, still no bids on the revolver. Joe __________________ It is better to have lived a day as a tiger, then a thousand years as a lamb.

10-17-2008, 01:01 PM	#2
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,045 Thanks: 1,034 Thanked 3,943 Times in 1,196 Posts	Lol, if this makes the reserve I'm off to the chrome shop with mine

10-17-2008, 01:41 PM	#3
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	I've found that the majority of sellers do not take advice of this kind kindly. The best indication they are overpriced will come from the deathly silence in responce to their offer. The best course of action is to stay out of it unless you know the person trying to sell.

10-17-2008, 02:08 PM	#4
zinfull Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sonoma County CA Posts: 240 Thanks: 4 Thanked 32 Times in 15 Posts	I was raised in that town, all there is to hear is deadly silence. Jerry

10-17-2008, 02:47 PM	#5
abukafura Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Northeast Wisconsin, near Greeen Bay Posts: 327 Thanks: 1,314 Thanked 89 Times in 57 Posts	Makes me almost ashamed to be from the Dairy State.

10-17-2008, 03:27 PM	#6
Brent B. User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 176 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I wouldn't contact him as there's a good chance he greatly overpaid for it.

10-17-2008, 04:47 PM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,045 Thanks: 1,034 Thanked 3,943 Times in 1,196 Posts	I heard the rumor that chrome plated lugers were used by the crews of chrome plated tiger tanks.... :P

10-17-2008, 09:48 PM	#9
TooTech User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 23 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This Colt New Service has been for sale for well over two years. It was actually bid to $1500 once and did not make the reserve. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=113554531

10-17-2008, 10:13 PM	#11
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	If the item were described as "pre-1899 no FFL req'ed antique", it would be nice to remind the seller. If it's just high asking price, well, it's not really a 'technical' problem, IMO. Why bother.

10-19-2008, 12:39 AM	#13
MikeP User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ILL Posts: 686 Thanks: 36 Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts	Talking to folks about the value they place on things is like getting a hog to look at a wristwatch. It wastes your time and annoys the hog. Same-same gunshows. That am one ugly New Service.

10-19-2008, 10:54 AM	#15
ratdog User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I just wrote to him after seeing the chrome plated P38 he now has for sale. See what his response is...................B

10-20-2008, 11:11 PM	#17
Rod WMG User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Edge of Texas Posts: 514 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Joe, no, the patrolman was no one important apparently, but I was reacting to his assertion that he was told, and infers he believes, this gun has a connection to Ed McGivern. My post was in jest. This guy must think guns being shiny makes them valuable.

10-21-2008, 07:00 PM	#18
GerColctor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: CT & FL Posts: 308 Thanks: 2 Thanked 40 Times in 27 Posts	Rod Thank you for your nice reply. Some people put a lot of special "value" in chromed or nickel plated guns. They don't do anything for me, just too flashy. The stories are what really get me going. All of these flashy guns seem to have a "history". Joe __________________ It is better to have lived a day as a tiger, then a thousand years as a lamb.

10-21-2008, 09:02 PM	#19
Rod WMG User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Edge of Texas Posts: 514 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well, Joe, I have to confess to owning a nickled Erfurt. I like it, but I'm not hot to have any more. My other Lugers are "normal." I also am partial to factory nickled S&W revolvers, though I only own one and that is an aftermarket item which, along with a calibrer conversion, ruined the collectibility of a WWI Triple Lock, regretably. The Erfurt looks pretty good under the plating, I think. It's a shame, but folks way back when didn't know we were going to pay such big bucks for them these days. I'm sure they were convinced it was a good thing and enhanced their value.

10-22-2008, 08:06 PM	#20
GerColctor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: CT & FL Posts: 308 Thanks: 2 Thanked 40 Times in 27 Posts	Rod I went over to an "old timer's" house a few years ago to look at a Springfield '03. During our conversation he told me he had a nice P-38 and offered to show it to me. He produced a very nice 480 code Walther P-38, but it had been chromed. He told me bought it from a vet years ago, who claimed he took it off an SS man (usual capture of chromed pistol story). Such an unusual pistol was basicly ruined by the process. Much of the slide's markings were partially filled in. Unfortunatly I am somewhat of a "purest" when it comes to old things, gun, cars, etc. Don't like them if they have been changed from original. Factory chrome. nickel or stainless is fine, but if it has gone thru a "process" sometime later, then there is no attraction on my part. I have an old S&W .32, top break pistol that came from the factory chromed that was given to me 25 years ago. It is all original, so to me it is OK. Terrible burden being a "purest". I understand the original poster of this thread wanting to tell the seller. Often feel that the seller or buyer should know when an offered gun is not described correctly concerning a material fact. I don't often do it, but I appreciate the feeling of wanting to correct the description. Joe __________________ It is better to have lived a day as a tiger, then a thousand years as a lamb.