Since moving home, I happen to find myself living not 5 minutes walk from a local auction establishment that, from time to time, sells firearms including sub 12 ft/lb air rifles. I had only experienced a live auction once before, but that was enough to teach me that you must do your research. If you go in blind, view the offerings, and bid you may find yourself paying more than the item is actually worth.
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| Webley Tracker, HW77, Air Arms s410 TDR PCP, HW80, Diana's, Lincoln Jefferies, Mk1 Airsporter, HW77k..... |
It can also take a good bit of discipline not to bid on other curiosities, especially when the auctioneer starts appealing for pocket change on very interesting little peices!
Prior to the bidding, I viewed the catalogue online at home, noted items of interest, then researched a market value. Then, factoring in the buyers premium charged by the establishment, I was left with a maximum bid.
It was fascinating to see how entirely unpredictable the sale price could be. Some items far exceeding the values I attributed to them (and the auctioneers estimate) and others falling very much short.
Amongst the guns, I spotted a very fine looking full length HW77 in .22, I'd researched him and knew my maximum bid;
Of course, I got all caught up in the adrenaline and excitement and failed to stick to my maximum!
In all, there were certainly some bargains to be had, though not in the guns and firearms section as it appears I was not the only one interested in airguns that day. Thankfully, the HW77 I purchased turned out to shoot smoothly and straight, you cannot fire these guns prior to bidding so it really is a bit of luck as to what you walk away with.
If you know what you're looking for, then I urge you to get down to you're local auction house, it's fun!
