As far as the WW1 era goes;
GEW 98 for me as well
Luger - 12.6,
Lebel "Fusil Mle 1886 M93",
I have seen plenty for sale, but the older I get, I want a nice ones.
As odd as it may be, more than 3/4 of those listed above, I have owned at one time or another.
Tastes change, then you go full circle for a second round of pleasure.
Only problem, second time around, prices have doubled, tripled and in some cases, full retard.
I was at a gun show here in St. Petersburg, Florida last year and guess what I had in my grubby hands?
Both of those, in really nice vg++ condition.
They where both vet bring backs and where being sold off as they did not fit the present owners collection.
He was heavy duty into M1 Garands.
They where part of a large collection of Japanese arms on the table.
Everyone just walked on by and oogeled up the AR-15's.
There is always lots of Japanese war trophies in Florida for some reason or another.
I was itching, but!!!!!
YOU NEED TO SCRATCH THAT ITCH FOR THOSE JAPANESE RIFLES!!!!
You lucky SOB.
We don't have the demand or the serous buyers for Japanese rifles like they do in the states. I am a rare bird having read a ton on the pacific war, lived in Japan, and love anything 6.5mm.
I can also relate to having sold stuff in the past, and now craving it. I had a mint MAS 36, M44 but sold them years ago. Now on the hunt for them again. Also had a 91 (not a 38) Carcano cavalry rifle that I actually sold for parts back in 90s during the dark Alan Rock years when it was a buyers market for anything. If only I could got back in time and sort out my younger self.