Milsurps going to auction
- Thread starter kjohn
- Start date
M&M is a serious auction house. Most (many?) of their sales are art and antique related. They do have a firearms knowledgeable person on staff, and this really helps with descriptions and photography.
There are quite a number of auction houses in Canada which specialize in firearms sales. And then take a look at the auctions the major US houses run.
There are quite a number of auction houses in Canada which specialize in firearms sales. And then take a look at the auctions the major US houses run.
They are definitely professionals and put in the time and effort to make the sale. It's not their fault. The government took everybody's money.
I got the LSA lee Enfield target sight. It was mis-labeled as a pattern 1914 sight. Only $175.00 plus taxes etc.
A super rare sight for the long lee. Last one I seen sold for $400.00 US several years ago.
https://live.millerandmillerauction...-target-sight-for-pattern-1914-enfield-rifles
A super rare sight for the long lee. Last one I seen sold for $400.00 US several years ago.
https://live.millerandmillerauction...-target-sight-for-pattern-1914-enfield-rifles
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Never heard of that auction house, I can see why the prices were so suppressed. Lots of great items listed though, a few I would have bid on had I known of it’s existence. Congrats to the winners though.
Personally I decided not to participate, partially due to the 18% "buyers premium" but even more so to their apparent attitude about shipping. If I don't sense that a company is enthusiastic about selling to me I don't give them my business. Their online format was good but I'm pretty sure several of the items would have drawn bigger bids at a more well-known auction house. The No.4 T that sold at $6,000 was one example. That's a real bargain today.
milsurpo
milsurpo
KotKotofeich
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa Valley
Not sure what you mean about 'their apparent attitude about shipping'?
Apparently there were reserve prices set. The 4T and a number of other guns didn't sell. Now those do seriously annoy me - a more popular auction wouldn't need that.
In the terms and conditions the issue of exceptional Reserve Prices is covered. Personally, as a collector who will one day have to dispose of some pretty expensive items, I find it to be something very desirable. A bargain to the buyer is a loss to the seller who, by the way, also has to pay a service fee. Without quality items for sale, auctions would be about as exciting as a local show or EE. There is a reason why most collectors trade between themselves and that the good stuff never makes it to public trading. In my opinion, auctions cannot be a "trap" where the seller might end up selling below his cost because the demand for a pricy item is low. Everyone is different and "quality" means something different to everyone, and I respect that, but myself I am not interested in cheap, I am interested in rare so any auction that brings that to me, i will support and pay what it is worth. I have zero issues with the Reserve Prices of this auction having kicked-in and protected the value of the seller's items. It is likely he is a guy like all of us who paid a lot for them and prefers to have his items back rather than a fraction of what he paid for them.
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I bid on a few items at the M&M sale, but they still went over my max bid.
The current economic and political situation was clearly reflected in the sale, as with several other actions recently. Despite that, some items did perform very well.
If the auction house is on this forum, I have some feedback. Great descriptions and photos for individual lots, and the gentleman I was in contact with was very professional, knowledgeable and sent me all additional photos and info requested. Top notch.
However, one of the two auctioneers needed to slow down, he was violently slapping that gavel like it was a whack-a-mole, and his behaviour was strange to say the least. He rushed lots, and how many times did he have to say “nice item” without elaborating on what was being sold? He could’ve done a better job.
Hopefully the collector situation with firearms turns around, but in the meantime, I can understand why overall, prices are suppressed across the board.
The current economic and political situation was clearly reflected in the sale, as with several other actions recently. Despite that, some items did perform very well.
If the auction house is on this forum, I have some feedback. Great descriptions and photos for individual lots, and the gentleman I was in contact with was very professional, knowledgeable and sent me all additional photos and info requested. Top notch.
However, one of the two auctioneers needed to slow down, he was violently slapping that gavel like it was a whack-a-mole, and his behaviour was strange to say the least. He rushed lots, and how many times did he have to say “nice item” without elaborating on what was being sold? He could’ve done a better job.
Hopefully the collector situation with firearms turns around, but in the meantime, I can understand why overall, prices are suppressed across the board.
KotKotofeich
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa Valley
Not what the issue is. Fine, have a reserve if you must but then start the bidding from the reserve. Don't waste my time starting off from 5 dollars.
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
To be 100% honest I would rather the prices go down myself. I really don’t care that much about the overall ‘value’ of what I own (some have over tripled in value since I bought), and would rather have access to more for less than hoarding less for more.
Reading their detailed terms and conditions, it sounded like they considered shipping to be doing you a great favor. With potential postal strike complications they commented that you would have to find alternate shipping arrangements yourself. The "reserve", as i understood it, was to be 1/4 of the minimum estimated sale price. By that method the $6,000 "T" did sell for a rather low value. I have sold many items at no-reserve auctions and results are always unpredictable. Some things go surprisingly high, some surprisingly low. I'm always selling to shuffle the collection, not to make big profit , so I'm always happy. However, I want to see maximum convenience for me at any auction of mundane items (as this one was). I won't even bother looking at the next one from this outfit.
milsurpo
It's best to register, but I'm sure you can see the details without registering. Click on the item and scroll down a bit. You should be able to see any details. I'm registered, so I can't really help you. I find the site a bit tricky to get to the actual auction, or maybe I don't pay attention to how I get there and have trouble the next time I go there. If you are interested in a particular rifle I could get a screen shot of what I see and send you aPM.
