I've got a friend who regularly imports guns he's purchased at differing British auction houses. He does this mainly over the internet, but does take a trip over once or twice a year.Once here, he sends some of them my way for what should be minor repair, barrel blacking, etc. in order to re-sell.
Here's my problem[s];
Lately I've gotten several guns,[doubles], that have been hot tanked,loose ribbed due to this, out of proof,and off face. The other day I picked up a Coggie with the damascus pattern tanked over.[May the good Lord forgive the man responsible for that one, because I won't].
I'm writing this for a couple of reasons. One is that I think everyone here needs to be aware of this propensity. The other is that I think pressure should somehow be put upon the auctioner's to stop these appalling practices. If a gun is a bit off face, has been hot tanked, has loose ribs, or is out of proof, this should be noted. I believe once this starts happening, the people responsible will be forced to perform more on the "up and up", so to speak.
As I think many here may be, myself and another friend who was born, raised, and worked in the trade in London, both find this somewhat of a surprise. This type of thing coming from a place where traditionally were done properly, or not done. He's been here for thirty-odd years, but when I point out evidence of hot tanking, he assures me that things aren't normally done in that fashion where he comes from.
Are we both a bit naive on this subject? Have things gotten a bit lax because of the number of over seas internet buyers? It seems it would be quite easy to flog this type of crap off on someone who only has a couple of pictures to go by.
Any ideas, thoughts, advice? Particularly from some of our friends from across the pond. Perhaps some who have a bit of influence in the shooting world over there?
Quite Sincerely,
Jim
