Thankfully, nothing I desire in this one.
Dave
Smell my cheese
With a buyers premium of 25% + 20% vat that must be a relief.
i know people are quite critical of Holts and the commission charges but at the end of the day as a well known collector/dealer said to me a few years ago "no one is making you buy it at that price" I have bought a bit from them over the years and their stuff is normally the nicer end of the spectrum, they do not put crap in the main sales.
Just pointing out what it really costs you to buy there.
For every £500 add £150.
Not forgetting that they charge the seller fees too, making profit from both... they run a business so it's understandable and the charges are not a secret, on the other hand there are people out there who would be only too pleased to rip you off and make a profit, this I object to.
Another interesting Lot at this sale, but definitely not my cup of tea.
https://auctions.holtsauctioneers.co...8393&saletype=
Brian
The early Webley mk3 has the wrong loading tap (second model two screw side plate) so in my mind it's a bitzer. Approach with a great deal of caution ⚠
After looking at the cased Service again, I have little doubt it will exceed £2k. I will be watching the BSA Centenary with interest as I have a .177(rifle and scope only), that I intend to sell.
The first pattern tap was poorly designed. It had very small locating surfaces in the lever and quickly swaged itself loose, resulting in clipped pellets and shotgun patterns. If returned to the factory, they would probably have retro fitted the second type. I have seen several very early mk3s like this. The stock may be an original birch alternative that has been lightly refinished. Difficult to determine from the photo.
Purists would want it all correct, and i share that view too. I have no idea about this rifle example.
A lovely boxed presented air rifle of this type, in fabulous authentic little used condition, has great appeal. As just a piece of gun engineering in the right setting, right gun room, then these kinds of objects are always going to fetch good money. Presentation case Luger or whatever, have a certain class and just lovely to own.
There are guns you use, and guns to admire. For any collection its nice to mix it up a bit, and presentation grade always look great. Price is how wealthy you are and to some two to three £K is normal for something they fancy. When there are those losing £40k on their Range Rover every three years, then what price gun that they like really is not an issue. Same for those who pay for a full season pheasant shooting. You earn it you buy the toys you fancy. Don't moan, get a better paid job, or buy a lottery ticket and live in hope. For those who can afford such luxuries, honestly earned, good luck to them.
There was a fantasic Webley Service Revolver the other year. I would loved to have owned it. Sadly I couldn't have afforded it at the time, plus wouldn't have been allowed to own it. No Sig 226, but it was just so pleasing to the eye and I loved it. Not allowing to be able to have it at all in this Country annoyed me most.