LG - you speak well for your point of view. However, there are differing points of view and some people with the money to back up their point of view. Why would collecting fine Brit guns be different than collecting fine American guns? When studied carefully, Brit guns are not "monolithic;" Each purdey is not exactly like every other one. Yes, they are shooters, but not everynoe has interest in shooting. Some are much more interested in the history or the craftsmanship or the artestry of Brit fine guns. Three pigeon holes of condition rating is not sufficient due to the high prices commanded by the current market. Saying "fair" is worth $10,000 to $20,000, "good" is $20,000 to $30,000, and "excelent" is $30,000 to $40,000 just does not divide them finely enough. Most people are not satisfied to get the gun priced "to within $10,000 or so."
Newly barreled anything is not an issue for me. Establishing market price is, because we are all pretty sure the market does discount this work by some amount.
