Seeking Artillery

[DavidJayUden]

Regarding your second question, certain models are rare, such as the 1914 Erfurt artilleries, etc, while other guns are deemed rare by just a marking or number. While I don't run away from Lugers with a rare marking, or a matching mag, etc, I never pay a premium for it either. The rationale being that those are the most likely boosted guns out there, and quite honestly I doubt that I could tell a boosted one from an original. But if I don't throw stupid money at it for that marking, who cares? Case in point the deaths' head markings. Interesting, but sssssoooooo controversial.
Overall experience will help you ID deficiencies. The number of years of experience directly correlates with the % of red flags detected, however we've probably all been disappointed at one time or another.
And internet or long distance sales have a higher incidence of disappointment than close-up, hands-on examination. At the very least demand a 3 day non-firing exam period, and share your concerns here.
dju