Good Gun Deals This Week

[Major Bonkers]

This auction in France is worth a look, in particular for European members. It looks to be an estate sale of some desirable rifles and African trophies.

https://www.interencheres.com/art-d...e-bronzes-armes-et-animaux-naturalises-647415

Thoughts: there's a plain Westley Richards in .458 (best check which variety); a double barrelled 'Barella' (whoever they are) in .500/ .465, estimated at a very reasonable €600 - 800 (Kynoch will sell you the ammunition); a Hartmann & Weiss (in .338 Winchester); both a Holland and a Dumoulin (in .375); and a quite hideously over-decorated Mauser 66 in .270.

All would probably benefit from a robust attitude to cleaning. NB: buying rifles in France is a pain now, as you have to go through a dealer. There are good dealers (Armurerie du Forestier) and bad ones (Experts Armuriers), but in any case it represents an additional cost. British buyers should beware the hassle of explaining to our Police overlords that the .338 Winchester is not the same as the .338 Lapua, which is flagged up as a military sniping round.

The low estimates on the trophies are also noteworthy. We spend a fortune flying out, shooting these animals, having them stuffed, shipped, and taxed on import, and they go for peanuts on resale. The only trophies which maintain some value seems be zebra skins.

 

[VertigoBE]

This auction in France is worth a look, in particular for European members. It looks to be an estate sale of some desirable rifles and African trophies.

https://www.interencheres.com/art-d...e-bronzes-armes-et-animaux-naturalises-647415

Thoughts: there's a plain Westley Richards in .458 (best check which variety); a double barrelled 'Barella' (whoever they are) in .500/ .465, estimated at a very reasonable €600 - 800 (Kynoch will sell you the ammunition); a Hartmann & Weiss (in .338 Winchester); both a Holland and a Dumoulin (in .375); and a quite hideously over-decorated Mauser 66 in .270.

All would probably benefit from a robust attitude to cleaning. NB: buying rifles in France is a pain now, as you have to go through a dealer. There are good dealers (Armurerie du Forestier) and bad ones (Experts Armuriers), but in any case it represents an additional cost. British buyers should beware the hassle of explaining to our Police overlords that the .338 Winchester is not the same as the .338 Lapua, which is flagged up as a military sniping round.

The low estimates on the trophies are also noteworthy. We spend a fortune flying out, shooting these animals, having them stuffed, shipped, and taxed on import, and they go for peanuts on resale. The only trophies which maintain some value seems be zebra skins.

I had seen these as well, I do find it strange that no pictures were provided of the engraved name of the more known makers. It would not be the first time that I have seen “westley richards” or other big name in the ad, while it was meant to be “rifle in the style of…”

The zebra skins are over estimated though, new they are sold at right around 1000€, so secondhand ones should definitely be lower estimated.

The estate this came from must have had a very productive hunter judging from the number of Lord Derby eland skull mounts.

 

[KJE81]

I thought the same, weird that the pictures of most of the rifles of the more famous makers are without any pictures of the actual name engraved on the rifle or even better a proof of authenticity from the maker. But if I had not allready decided to never have a double rifle again I might have been tempted to place a bid on that .500/.465

Regardless It is nice to see an auction of African hunting paraphernalia within the EU, so thanks to Major Bonkers for the heads up.

 

[Major Bonkers]

Thank you, Mr. KJE81. One can (and should), of course, always ask the auctioneer for more photographs and, most importantly, a condition report.

The Holland & Holland .375, with an estimate of €2,000 - 2,500, is interesting. Some 10 years ago I was quoted £6,000 (plus 20% VAT) for a new set of H&H quick release rings. The rifle looks like a bargain on that basis!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Thank you, Mr. KJE81. One can (and should), of course, always ask the auctioneer for more photographs and, most importantly, a condition report.

The Holland & Holland .375, with an estimate of €2,000 - 2,500, is interesting. Some 10 years ago I was quoted £6,000 (plus 20% VAT) for a new set of H&H quick release rings. The rifle looks like a bargain on that basis!

It was likely made between the 60's and 70's, so not the most desirable period

 

[wyattcm95]

It was likely made between the 60's and 70's, so not the most desirable period

Why is that? Just don’t know and would like to learn

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Why is that? Just don’t know and would like to learn

Lots of the European Shops have moved locations, sometimes many times over the years. Production windows can be estimated based on these addresses, and confirmed with a full serial number search.

The address on that gun corresponds to a move in the early 60’s, after the last of the Holland Family involved passed away and his relatives sold majority ownership before they once again moved in the early 80’s and were subsequently acquired by Chanel.

Certain periods and windows of time are subjectively regarded as better for certain guns. Examples Pre-64 Winchesters, New Haven built Winchesters, Belgium Browning’s, West German Sigs, Pre Freedom Group 700’s, JM Marlins, etc. Then there are windows when production lacked or had issues and guns from that era might need a deeper inspection, or don’t carry the same value. Example would be California Rigby’s.