Holts Auction - Norfolk Today (25-3-2024)

[harvey_s]

It's what you've always said, Chris. Top quality rare guns retain their value, the rest go up and down. Although who would have thought the gallery guns market would tank like this?

Kind of predictable as they become less relevant to the younger collectors and the older collectors look to off load their collections rather than buy more...

[silva]

That military pattern was a beauty, one of the nicest condition ones sold for a while. I think the vendor would only have got about £1850 after commissions were paid. Not sure auctions are always the way to go for selling or buying expensive items.

[ogilkes]

Sterling HR83 £600 .... I did give it a try but fell far short. How many HR 8s did they make I wonder?

[45flint]

Sterling HR83 £600 .... I did give it a try but fell far short. How many HR 8s did they make I wonder?

I heard less than 100 English

[Garvin]

Kind of predictable as they become less relevant to the younger collectors and the older collectors look to off load their collections rather than buy more...

Sad but true.

[Arminius]

I'm a youngish collector, in my 40's. I don't know anyone my age who collects vintage air pistols or air rifles. Although I know we do exist. The truth is, most chaps my age are neutered, and could never hope to convince a wife or girlfriend to tolerate a large collection of guns in the home. Add to that, most people don't have a decent garden, and those that do are scared of the woke neighbours calling the police if they catch sight of what could look to the untrained eye as a firearm.

My grandfather gave me a Wesley air rifle when I was 10, and my father bought me a G10 for Christmas when I was 12. I think I collect not just out of love for the beautiful craftsmanship, but also the nostalgia for my youth. Many young boys have been denied that privilege of handling a solid metal mechanical air gun at a formative age. It's like Star Wars figures of the 1980's. Right now they are at a premium, because boys growing up in the 70's-80's are now at their peak in earning potential, and want to relive their childhood. But the market will collapse eventually, as children of the 90's were not interested in Star Wars. The philatelic collecting market is falling for the same reason.

As a newbie I feel I was ripped off occasionally by old collectors who seemed to think that their well cared for air gun was worth a fortune. In fact, we have to be realistic and accept that the demand for these beautiful pieces is falling rapidly. I was one of the lucky ones to pick up a bargain at Holts this week, and only wish I'd been able to stay on the auction longer for a Westley Richards. But I would not pay now over what those sold for. I understand a business charging a premium, but private sellers need to be realistic if they don't want to be buried with their collections.