On the question of English vs. US auctions, my general sense is that auction (and dealer retail) prices are better in England, even considering import costs and currency fluctuations. This is especially true for rare or high-condition English guns. That is a gross generalization that does not hold in all circumstances, of course. However, consider that the US auction house is primarily selling US made guns and if they offer English guns at all it is 5% of what they sell on a given auction day. Holts or Lonsdale's, for example sell 90% English guns and so the quantities and available and range of condition/configuration options are far superior.
