Milestone Auctions Today - bad byf44 in walnut

[bruce98k]

Guys, I hope none of you bought that byf44 in walnut at Milestone today.
I went up for the preview yesterday and was optimistic about the rifle but on closer examination its buggered up as the English say.
Badly pitted and polished left side takedown disk, likely replaced buttplate, replaced rear sight assembly (and by wrong contractor) that was
badly installed and cold blued. The out the door price was over 3K with tax. Pictures showed some areas of concern but this one needed and in hand.
Also front sight base was badly buffed and cold blued. Also note the dark oxidation on the wood indicating interaction with rust.

 

[bruce98k]

Guys I got burned but not bad on a KKW last year so if you are not sure about any aspect of an item at an online auction, get pics!

 

[AN-94]

As someone who worked at an auction house for a few years, it's surprising how few people would ask for more pictures on valuables compared to the number of bidders who participate. For higher end houses, it's partly on the auction house to correctly identify the item and it's characteristics but most places don't have the skill, experience, or knowledge to identify every little thing for every single type of firearm, I sure as hell didn't when I was working at one. The smart bidder/collector will ask for pictures and ask questions if they're unsure, most places are more than willing to have someone snap some pics and attempt to answer some questions for you unless it's auction day. Detailed pictures are the best substitute for in person inspections.

 

[Remfan]

For $3000 I would certainly want detailed pics! Pretty steep anyway for a BYF-44

 

[heavy_mech]

Looks like they buffed out a bunch of the barrel code or am I seeing that incorrectly?

 

[Gerst]

It went for $2500 plus whatever. That’s a lot of money for a rifle that isn’t 100% matching. Given the state of our economy you’d think people would be more frugal.

maybe the guy paid for it with a Silicon Valley Bank cashier’s check.

 

[Guillaume d'Orange]

A good example of why « close examination » is necessary.
The safety really looks cold-blued (in black) compared to the bolt shroud.
The other give-away is indeed the rear sight which looks odd.

 

[Gerst]

You’d think that the guy who cold-blued various parts would have done a better job of it. If done properly it can look pretty good, but it takes a lot of work. I guess the buyers with bulging wallets don’t notice things like that.

 

[mauser99]

Solid advice.. Lots of these smaller houses are selling with NO return policies and stating we hired expurts to tell us its real and that's that or plead the 5th on do YOUR own homework then bid with confidence and often.

The buyers premiums now up to 25% then the sales tax and then packing + postage as most dont even ship their own wears any longer.. I dont even bother looking anymore and the small local houses I use to look at are a joke. Insane prices being met. I suppose if you want to sell that's the way to go.

 

[Gerst]

I sell ”militaria”on eBay, mostly high quality repros and I assemble ribbon bars using German-made ribbons and die-cast devices. Sometimes, when an item does not sell, I raise the price and more often than not, the item sells! I guess people figure the item is better when it costs more!

 

[SVW1945]

Yes I watched it to. It went fo $ 2500.00 Plus with 23% plus S+H and Taxes around $ 3300.00.