We talked to Scottish Game Fair exhibitor John Tamlin of Lonsdale Auctioneers and asked him all about buying and selling a gun at auction. Here’s what he said:

 

Stensby

T. STENSBY & CO.
A 28-BORE BOXLOCK NON-EJECTOR, Ser No. 1479 £2250

How has online bidding changed auctions?

It’s been an incredible change. The rapid establishment of auction platforms online was the biggest enabler,  with auction houses signing up to access their clients and the ability to target clients by specific interest.

Can you give five tips for buying a gun at auction

  1. Come and have a good mooch over the racks!
  2. Establish a relationship with the auctioneer – trust their opinion on condition
  3. Give them a call and ask questions
  4. Learn what constitutes wear and what is fair wear and tear with standard use. I had a rifle in that had some serious dents but the rifling was near perfect and the action as new – it was clear it had been dropped out and about. A real bargain.
  5. Read up about conditions. Most auction houses have a wealth of information available as reference.

Why is an auction a good place to look for/buy a gun?

One can buy at trade price and some real bargains can be had if a gun has some damage that can easily be rectified. Similarly, as guns go out of fashion and the trade have surplus on their racks eg .243 rifles, Boxlock non-ejectors. Why the obsession with having an ejector?

Which antique and modern guns are particularly popular?

Modern – mid-range over-and-unders up to £1000 which have been traded in are consistently available and good value. There are many older side-by-sides (especially sidelocks) that are overlooked as they aren’t ‘smart’ enough but are real bargains.

Are the antique guns deactivated?

No. Some Sect 5 (Prohibited Weapons) will go to be deactivated as that is the only way to realise their value in the UK

What is the experience behind Lonsdales auctioneers. Are they ex-gun trade, gunsmiths? How did they learn their craft?

A lifelong interest in guns and over 20 years in the Army! Great entertainment was had examining guns bought by colleagues from the bazaars on Chicken St in Kabul and assessing whether any or any part of them were genuine! John has been an RFD for 10 years specialising in rifles and spent many an hour sitting in auction houses around the country. He is helped by numerous highly regarded subject matter experts in English and European shotguns, ammunition, handguns and older pieces.

Purdey

J PURDEY & SONS
A FINE 12-BORE SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR Ser No 13933 £5760

What is the most expensive gun you’ve ever sold, the highest price reached. What was the gun? When was that?

A Purdey which was made for the Duke of Norfolk in 1932 and sold for £13,400. A particularly beautiful piece which I was told was over-estimated at £6 – 9000.

Interested?

Consigning at the show is free of RFD transfer fees and shipping.
Lonsdale’s next sale is September so there is a short lead time (valued are realised quickly – other auctions are currently taking over a year to get consignments into auction)

 

You can get in touch with Lonsdales Auctioneers here.