Well, I didn't get the Rigby .450 3 1/4 NE at the Holts auction. Estimate was 10-15K GBP's but the first bid was $26K then all the way to 56K GBP with probably 10 people bidding through the process. 56K was $70,000 U.S. for a Rigby double Rifle cased (with accessories) Rising Bite Non-Ejector. Too rich for my blood.

However, I was successful bidder with only putting in my one bid on the Francotte .475 No. 2 (Eley). Diggory Hadoke looked it over for me at viewing and determined it was ripe for Africa. Will be here in about a month and 1/2 or so. I'm elated. Looking forward to that day.

Nice! Been eyeing that rifle for too long. Congrats.

Great grab!

congratulations!

Congrats!

And you're smart getting someone like Diggs advising. I've got a couple of his books, and had the pleasure of hunting with him a few years ago...

Good hunting,

It was a good auction, but the quality of firearms is much higher at RIA or Julia.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by Dutch44:
Well, I didn't get the Rigby .450 3 1/4 NE at the Holts auction. Estimate was 10-15K GBP's but the first bid was $26K then all the way to 56K GBP with probably 10 people bidding through the process. 56K was $70,000 U.S. for a Rigby double Rifle cased (with accessories) Rising Bite Non-Ejector. Too rich for my blood.

However, I was successful bidder with only putting in my one bid on the Francotte .475 No. 2 (Eley). Diggory Hadoke looked it over for me at viewing and determined it was ripe for Africa. Will be here in about a month and 1/2 or so. I'm elated. Looking forward to that day.

Congrats

Do you have any photoes of that Francotte ?


Morten

Lovely! Pricing can be interesting at the auctions.

The francotte was a beautiful gun. Congrats.

Thanks, one and all. I have pics that Dig took for me in an email. I'll see if I can get it on here. It has articulated front trigger, chopper-lump 26 inch barrels, tang-over-comb, ivory night-sight, 100% engraved, lower tang to grip cap with trap.

Cal, I agree for this auction. I took that Cogswell Farquharson .450 1/4 NE )(belonged to John Herbert, a Rhodesian forestry/culling officer and was custom made by Dannie Joubert for John) at the Julia auction for the same figure I bought the Francotte...$6,500 dollars for the Farq and 6,500 GBP's for the Francotte.

Dig was invaluable. I was wanting that Dickson round action 12 bore but his description was spot on and I passed. Loose rib/sling stud, sloppy action, needing stock work. It was 6K-8K on the estimate. His advice...pass on it and I did.

I see Julia will have 2 more of Jim Corbett's guns up for auction. How I would love to own one of this most respected man's gun.

Should add that I was invited to spend a weekend with John Herbert and his wife at their home in Ohio this fall. He led an amazing life and wrote many stories for African Hunter. Also spoke with Dannie Joubert in South Africa. He is not really doing any gunsmithing anymore but was a really interesting gentleman and extremely accomplished rifle builder.

I'll be compiling information on the Farq to write an article I hope to publish in Double Gun and Single Shot Journal.

I need to get a tutorial on participating in these auctions sometime Mike. I am sure it is not hard, just something I have never taken the time to try and learn. Congrats on the Francotte. Great caliber.

Mike & Dutch:
The auctions are a good way to pick up some fine items. The prices are (for the most part) low, but the buyer's premium is 25% and then there is shipping. Pre 1899 firearms are no problem but later guns and rifles incur permits, etc., on this end.

At this auction I picked up a .50-95 Winchester model 1876, a .500 bpe double rifle by Ingram and a case for it, a Colt .45 single action army revolver, and a 4-bore bullet mould (to add to my growing collection of 4-bore junk).

All I bought was with the aid of a gent in the UK who bid for me. There is no 15% VAT on exported items.

Cheers, all.
Cal

Cal, did you see the S&W Triple Lock? Went cheap. Vat sitting at 17% now. Buyers premium at Holt will be 20% with Debit Card and 23% with credit card. No way to get around it. I'm figuring on $11,500 all in with shipping and customs. Sure a lot cheaper than from buying from retailers....no offense, George

Mike, I'll give you a call and chat about the process. By all means have Dig or another examine before purchasing.

Interesting, Dutch. I received my invoice and the buyer's premium was 25%, add 3% for credit card. You must be a more important customer and I.
Cal

Really nice usable gun by the looks of it. I was watching the auction and there seemed to strong bidding on some nice pieces. A lot from the Internet or via telephone. Well done.

Because you are an overseas buyer suspect you don't have to pay or can recover the VAT which sits now at 20%. Because there is VAT payable on the hammer price that Francotte has been brought in from outside the EU to be sold - no VAT payable on hammer price for 2nd hand items - only on the auction service. Yes it's crazy and we are being taxed till it hurts over here. But at least non EU domicile buyers shouldn't have to pay it.

Of course I'm special, Cal! After all, I bought and read all your books!

Cal, you were correct on the 25%. I was mistaken. It is 25% from Holt's for the 1st 5,000 then 22.5% thereafter. And here I thought I was special!