Southam's auction today too rich for my blood.....

[averageplinker]

Well I wasn't after the alleged Theoben prototypes, but had bid on a few things old and not so old that I would like if they sold at a realistic price (not expecting bargains but don't want to pay ott either). Anyway it looks like the closest I got to winning anything was with a MK2 airsporter with a busted stock. I took a gamble that it was just one piece of the 3 piece stock that had come unstuck but it was impossible to tell from the pictures and description. I guess somebody wanted it more than me lol.

Other stuff I was way out on with my idea of fair value. So it seems like that auction prices are still strong. Is lockdown boredom still having an impact? Am I too tight? Do I sell my rifles that are not being used/enjoyed too cheaply. The world has gone mad ��
Rich.

[45flint]

It’s COVID because of free time at home and little money spent on anything else. It’s the same in the US, bidding competition and higher prices. I’m retired and have saved a lot of money on cancelled trips and vacations. If I blow a little of that extra cash on vintage Airgun at high prices as entertainment so be it? It’s been a fun vintage year. And yes it’s the time to sell if you want to thin.

[slug-gun]

Well I wasn't after the alleged Theoben prototypes, but had bid on a few things old and not so old that I would like if they sold at a realistic price (not expecting bargains but don't want to pay ott either). Anyway it looks like the closest I got to winning anything was with a MK2 airsporter with a busted stock. I took a gamble that it was just one piece of the 3 piece stock that had come unstuck but it was impossible to tell from the pictures and description. I guess somebody wanted it more than me lol.

Other stuff I was way out on with my idea of fair value. So it seems like that auction prices are still strong. Is lockdown boredom still having an impact? Am I too tight? Do I sell my rifles that are not being used/enjoyed too cheaply. The world has gone mad ��
Rich.

No you're not too tight. Prices were high, way higher than you'd expect to pay for similar at an arms fair from a private vendor. Especially surprising were some of the prices achieved for guns still available in the shops. The savings did not represent the fact that the buyer was acquiring a gun which was not new; might be faulty and with no guarantee.

Yet prices at other auctions earlier this month were far more realistic, borderline cheap? Perhaps the fact that Bedford is central, easily accessible for viewing and collection, with parking, is a factor? Of that it 'only' charges 17.5% commission, unlike the 30% + of other auction houses? Who knows!

[dougbunney]

No you're not tight I think there must of been a few people out there with more money than sense- a lot of the guns at southams today were in very poor condition (I viewed them in person yesterday) but the photos on their website make the guns look a lot better than they actually were.
The best condition gun in the whole sale was a near mint tx200 sr which sold for £300 which when the buyer's paid the 25% buyers fee, it will of still been a good buy so there are still nice buys to be had, But to be honest almost everything else in the sale was pretty rough condition inc the theobens. The slr 88 sold for £1,500 and the condition was again pretty rough, when you think somebody has paid well over the odds plus 25% ontop of hammer price the only thing I can think is that there's some rich collectors out there with more money than sense.

[averageplinker]

Well at least I don't have to work out where I am going to put anything :-)

[micky2]

Just as bad at an antique fair today. l asked the price of an Haenel model11 in poor condition reply £200 another wanted £50 for a really bad Gat. but he would do for £40. it was a good job l was wearing a mask as it hid my smile on both.

[Lakey]

I bought a gun from Southams a good few years ago. It looked OK on the pictures, but was really rough when I got it - almost like they had deliberately failed to photograph the problem areas
Another thing is that they wont post out pre-1939 guns - even though it is perfectly legal to do so. Best thing to do is wait for Kempton Park, and handle the merchandize before you part with your readies.......

[b.b]

Imo prices were high because the auction was advertised on the forums..

[Abasmajor]

I bought a gun from Southams a good few years ago. It looked OK on the pictures, but was really rough when I got it - almost like they had deliberately failed to photograph the problem areas
Another thing is that they wont post out pre-1939 guns - even though it is perfectly legal to do so. Best thing to do is wait for Kempton Park, and handle the merchandize before you part with your readies.......

Always the best alternative if you have a choice.
Brian

[averageplinker]

Imo prices were high because the auction was advertised on the forums..

I don't buy a that argument as I believe most people on forums such as this have more sense than money, not vice versa!
Rich.

[watchsapart]

I bought a decent rifle which I felt was fair and on par price wise with the Fairs. I did note some of the other prices were rather silly. It was one way to feed my addiction with no in person Fairs to attend this month. Roll on Kempton!

[cptman]

If you go to a specialist gun auctioneer which attracts gun enthusiasts you will always pay more, better to find general household auctions that have the odd hidden gem.

[averageplinker]

If you go to a specialist gun auctioneer which attracts gun enthusiasts you will always pay more, better to find general household auctions that have the odd hidden gem.

I picked up some well priced items at a specialist auction 2 summers ago but then prices appear to have gone crazy. Yes there is still the odd fair price but it seems to be very occasional.

[Thegreg]

Did anyone watch the Peter Wilson Arms & Militaria auction yesterday?

I was logged on with my earphones in while working from home. I had pencilled in a few lots I was interested in but I didn’t bid on a single item. Each lot beat my maximum just from the opening commission bids alone, then when they hit the floor the prices went silly.

I saw a BSA Cadet sell for £317+VAT. Tidy yes, but no box or anything. That must be some sort of record.

I completely agree, there’s a lot of bored people sat at home with plenty of spare brass at them moment.

Cheers
Greg

[edbear2]

Just as bad at an antique fair today. l asked the price of an Haenel model11 in poor condition reply £200 another wanted £50 for a really bad Gat. but he would do for £40. it was a good job l was wearing a mask as it hid my smile on both.

One guy dragged a marked up and rusty Mk4 Meteor with damaged sights and the barrel set for sky shooting to Malvern for most of the season a few years back, after the 3 or 4th time I saw it I asked how much and he said ''£80....I have checked the internet and that is what they go for''

I was very polite and said I knew a little about airguns etc. and that price was for one in perfect order, and his had several problems, I then said they made millions of the things, so his was probably best for spares and was worth half or less than he was asking (being charitable!).

He then got quite grumpy and started ranting about everybody wants something for nothing etc. etc.

To this I replied as politely as possible '' I don't want to buy it, I was only trying to help as it must have cost you £40 in fuel this year to keep bringing it here''

He started going a funny colour so I vacated the area!

ATB, ED