Quote Originally Posted by Binners View Post
It is a little unfair to compare trade and private prices. We have all found under-priced olduns, but you have to put that down to luck. I have bought guns from J C, Tim and another big trader, all of which I may have found a bit cheaper eventually.

The thing is these people spend a lot of time and money, going around the country saucing stock, advertising and attending Fairs. The legal paperwork and website stuff must take for ever.

On one occasion, I attended Brum and payed double the going rate for a Webley that a Northern Militaria trader had, it hurt at the time and I had to be pushed into buying by my fellow travelling collector buddy. Sooo pleased he did, as it would have been lost forever.

How lucky we are to have these people finding and displaying some lovely things and giving us the choice and opportunity to buy.
I concur. Just think of the number of wasted trips dealers make to view that item in 'mint' condition that turns out to be a piece of cr*p. In effect, you're paying a 'finder's fee' at a fair from one of these dealers, which saves you time and effort in tracking old airguns down. Using Tim Dyson as an example, it is possible to attend a fair and come away with a near complete Webley collection or maybe with that one pistol you were previously missing. It may not be cheap or bargain basement but the opportunity is there and a prospective buyer can make their own mind up when viewing. Personally I think our hobby benefits from the presence of specialist dealers.

John