I monitored the Rock Island Auction Company live auction over the weekend.

My check book was open, but by the time of the last hammer, I had not used it.

I paid particular attention to some double rifles that were on the block.

Prices, it seemed to me, were stratospheric.

But not so much for double rifles.

A near perfect and highly engraved Jeffery .450-.400 3" NE went for the low end of the predicted range at $35,000. The high end was $55,000.

An excellent condition Merkel 140A in .470 NE went for $6,500.

A Krieghoff Classic with extractors, also in excellent condition and in .470 NE, went for $8,500.

Plus in every case the buyer's premium, which would range from 17.5% to 22%, depending on whether one's bid was placed live and whether one paid by credit card or in cash.

Yep I picked up that cased Mahillion double in 9.3x74 for the bargain price of $5000 before premium. Quite pleased with the transaction.

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:
Yep I picked up that cased Mahillion double in 9.3x74 for the bargain price of $5000 before premium. Quite pleased with the transaction.

That one was very tempting, my friend.

Good deal!

Yes I agree the money was really flowing on just about everything especially Colts.
I was watching the Heym 88B in 375 and was interested early in the week but canceled a phone bid as I purchased a 500 N.E for less money.

RI Actions is just across the river from me. Prices on some collectables are still going up, but double rifles are going down. Younger guys (meaning age 45-65) do not know what a DR is, let alone what to do with one. If they all had black plastic stocks they would sell better.

quote:

Originally posted by FAST996:
Yes I agree the money was really flowing on just about everything especially Colts.
I was watching the Heym 88B in 375 and was interested early in the week but canceled a phone bid as I purchased a 500 N.E for less money.

Yes, that Heym was very nice. It went for a hammer price of $14,100.

A good looking Chapuis in .375 went for $8,800.

You can reload two as fast as one.

Definitely down..as is the numbers on AFrican hunters..Black plastic and stainless steel rules the roost these days and the younger generation of snipers is on the move, will they last I doubt it but who knows..

The ruling indigenous of Africa, guided by greed and stupidity needs to wake up and not bite the hand that feeds them, but thats unlikely and Im not sure they care one way or the other!!