I recall my late father-in-law winning bids on guns that he never so much as blinked for. He was within at least the first circle. Lowell's suspicions are correct IMO. I don't mean to say the auctions are rigged, just that some houses know what a collector needs and will essentially bid for them. Still, a person could compete against it, but it may cost more than market to acquire the piece if this is going on. The auctioneer has the advantage in most cases, of knowing more about market value than most buyers.