Bushveld,
Not sure what your agenda is but you seem to be willing the CH venture to fail and are putting a negative spin on all the observations you make. Of course, that is up to you.
However, in point of fact, I was invited to come to S.C this year but I am not an employee of CH and unfortunately this year I was otherwise engaged. Not sure why you feel unable to take this simple point at face value.
Also, though i have been used as a consultant and have valued and catalogued some English guns for CH, I have never been paid to attend the viewing days or deliver lectures. I have done it for expenses alone. I has enabled me to meet some interesting people and do some interesting things.
Regarding what sells for how much at auction, every buyer speds his cash because he has a use for what he buys at the price he pays. I remember a sleeved H&H 'Royal' with an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000 making upwards of £18,000 at Holt's last year. "Disgraceful"?
Hardly - the buyer knew he was buying it and maybe he knew something the rest of us did not. Good luck to him and good luck to whoever bought George's Manton.
There are a number of gun auctions in the UK selling guns from £5 upwards. They all fulfill a need and Holts are included in this -see their sealed bids sale for lower priced fare. BTW - close to 50% went unsold at Holt's last time if I recall.
I think we are all better off if there are a number of 'players' rather than the auction market being dominated by one or two big firms. I'm pleased to see Bonham's and Gavin Gardiner shoring up their ends over here and I hope to see CH do well in the sale they are building for next year. I think you may surprised what they turn up! time.
