Third Party Press

Depot/field repaired rifle value?

I think what drives the value of matching correct rifles now to these levels is the certainty of what is “correct”, and the breadth of that knowledge among a large group of collectors with mike and Bruce’s fine work. Bid with confidence! I too would have said that these would go for a little less than the above, but I think I’m dating myself with that perspective. But any uncertainty as to originality would shrink the market for these I suspect. I would never have the nerve to buy one of these without solid advice. I have to admit I miss the day where knowledge was limited and a real advantage in buying - that could lead to some great finds and a lot of fun. I suspect most viewers of the green “bnz 44” I got quite a while back just assumed it was ‘44 production even if it was in the “S” block, and didn’t notice the oddly laminated KM stock. Those were the days. But on balance knowledge is power, and we’ve all been empowered.
 
yellowkid said:
I think what drives the value of matching correct rifles now to these levels is the certainty of what is “correct”, and the breadth of that knowledge among a large group of collectors with mike and Bruce’s fine work. Bid with confidence! I too would have said that these would go for a little less than the above, but I think I’m dating myself with that perspective. But any uncertainty as to originality would shrink the market for these I suspect. I would never have the nerve to buy one of these without solid advice. I have to admit I miss the day where knowledge was limited and a real advantage in buying - that could lead to some great finds and a lot of fun. I suspect most viewers of the green “bnz 44” I got quite a while back just assumed it was ‘44 production even if it was in the “S” block, and didn’t notice the oddly laminated KM stock. Those were the days. But on balance knowledge is power, and we’ve all been empowered.
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Screaming good deals are still possible but it typically involves someone getting screwed over. Good example is at a Arkansas gun show a buddy of mine seen a guy walk in with a pretty nice K98K and a dealer bought it. Turns out it was a 1938 S/243 code rifle and was matching....for $700. That seller got taken for a ride and a really rough one at that. Another guy who is around in this community (I'll call'em Y) scored in the parking lot at wanenmacher several years ago a matching DOU 42 K98K for $700 that was a fresh attic find and the old man said "I just want it gone" when Y was trying to be positive that old man really wanted to sell if for $700 because Y told him he could get way more inside, at least double but the old man insisted and left that Wanenmacher $700 richer. How Y did that deal is how it should be done when it comes to screaming deals. Then there's the stuff neither seller nor buyer knows what it is which has happened to me in the past and turned out to not only be a screaming deal but a super rare example to.
 
Jdt said:
Screaming good deals are still possible but it typically involves someone getting screwed over. Good example is at a Arkansas gun show a buddy of mine seen a guy walk in with a pretty nice K98K and a dealer bought it. Turns out it was a 1938 S/243 code rifle and was matching....for $700. That seller got taken for a ride and a really rough one at that. Another guy who is around in this community (I'll call'em Y) scored in the parking lot at wanenmacher several years ago a matching DOU 42 K98K for $700 that was a fresh attic find and the old man said "I just want it gone" when Y was trying to be positive that old man really wanted to sell if for $700 because Y told him he could get way more inside, at least double but the old man insisted and left that Wanenmacher $700 richer. How Y did that deal is how it should be done when it comes to screaming deals. Then there's the stuff neither seller nor buyer knows what it is which has happened to me in the past and turned out to not only be a screaming deal but a super rare example to.
Click to expand...

Nothing new here. Knowledge is power. Yet, there's a cost associated with knowledge... time & travel. Good deals are harder 'cause more folks have better knowledge while general demand has increased and supply has dwindled. In addition, some good deals are situational such as "I just want it gone". The flip side is when a seller has a bum steer (eg., Mitchell's M) and thinks it's the best ever.
 
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