Of course, one individual sale of one specific firearm doesn't define the market, but this morning at a local auction I was able to purchase a very nice cartridge conversion New Model 1863 Sharps .50/70 carbine with a 6 groove barrel for under $2,000. Wood unrefinished and looks nearly pristine, cartouche and other markings sharp, a fair amount of case colouring left, bluing strong, no pitting in barrel.
Makes sense though, none of the younger kids want any of this ANTIQUE stuff. Ten years ago, I purchased a cartridge conversion like this one, with the 3 groove insert, in much weaker condition, for $2400 and that was a good price then.
Sad that this high quality stuff that was around during the Civil War is now being largely ignored.
Of course, these are not all that uncommon. When you walk around the local antique arms show, you see a fair number for sale at any given time. Few, if any, have the condition this one has, none have a price tag this low.
Makes sense though, none of the younger kids want any of this ANTIQUE stuff. Ten years ago, I purchased a cartridge conversion like this one, with the 3 groove insert, in much weaker condition, for $2400 and that was a good price then.
Sad that this high quality stuff that was around during the Civil War is now being largely ignored.
Of course, these are not all that uncommon. When you walk around the local antique arms show, you see a fair number for sale at any given time. Few, if any, have the condition this one has, none have a price tag this low.