I like Holts. I particularly like being close to the place they use for London sales and getting to check out stuff I could never afford, like Purdey pairs and Rigby Mausers and stuff.

I once briefly worked for an auctioneers in the mid 80s. I got a lot of insight into the business.

My point is it is a business. They are a lot like estate agents, car dealers, or RFDs. They take as much as they can. The complex fee/VAT structure disguises the final costs, whether buying or selling. They can be charming individuals, but that is their job. You have to temper your expectations, and really carefully read and understand the small print.

If this sounds preachy, it's not meant to be. I know a fair amount about the trade, and am pretty cynical about the accuracy of catalogue descriptions and price estimates across the auction trade, but sometimes I still end up getting in a position where, as a buyer, I have, by my standards, over-paid.