Increased Prices of Replica Percussion Revolvers

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bprevolver

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I have been conducting some research into the price increases that we have all seen in the past couple of years. A lot of this is due to the economic fiasco of out illustrious Obama’s total lack of how free economics work. As he prints money without any form of backing the value of the dollar on the world market depreciates, thus more dollars are required to attain the same revolver than it did two years ago. This could be temporary depending on how the government reshapes itself in the next couple of years. I have communicated with many people in both the collecting and shooting fraternities and many are putting off acquiring new revolvers thinking the prices will go back down. However, in talking with the importers of Pietta and Uberti percussion revolvers this is definitely not going to happen. If you check out the Web Sites of the major importers you will find the disclosure, “Prices may change without notice”. All have informed me that they have already been notified by the manufacturers that there will be a definite increase in prices of these revolvers in 2011. Also, more and more the manufacturers are requiring CASH from the importers rather than credit. This means they can only order in small quantities for resale. Many have discontinued offering percussion revolvers because of this. Uberti was absorbed by Beretta and as a result the delivery of percussion revolvers has become totally unreliable. I have been told that an order placed now may not even be filled until October of 2011, with a possible increase in quoted prices. This is also true of Pietta. Cabela’s is probably the largest retailer of Pietta revolvers and many are on back order. One reason for the low Sale prices that you see Cabela’s offer is an attempt to turn the inventory fast in order to maintain a high volume of new orders from Pietta and maintain a contracted price.

Another very important point is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Manufacturers and importers both sense that this also may cause a resurgence of interest in reenacting thus an increase in the sales of replica percussion revolvers.

The collector value of replica black powder revolvers is most definitely causing prices to increase. One of the most outstanding examples of this is the in depth research done by Wolf Niederastroth into the Centennial 1860 Army manufactured in Belgium by Centaure. This was the first mass produced replica 1860 Army that came into existence with the efforts of William B. Edwards. The prices of these revolvers were pretty much the same as their Italian counterparts through the years. With the information uncovered by Wolf the collectability of these revolvers dramatically increased as did their prices.

In short it is suggested that the prices of new replica black powder revolvers is not ever going to drop to the levels of two years ago. Indeed, right now the prices of rare markings on older revolvers are probably as low as they will ever be. As the number of collectors increase, so will the prices. As more information is uncovered the number of collectors increase.

Do you think the price of gasoline will ever be $1.25 a gallon the same as when a replica black powder percussion revolver was $69?
 
I remember the '80s when the dollar was weak against the German Mark. The HK-91s were going up about $20 every couple of weeks. All nations are weakening their currency so if it is concurrent and at the same rate, the rate of exchange should not change.
 
One reason for the low Sale prices that you see Cabela’s offer is an attempt to turn the inventory fast in order to maintain a high volume of new orders from Pietta and maintain a contracted price.

Excuse my business ignorance but what exactly does that mean?
 
It could mean several things.

1) Cabelas' contract with Pietta may have price breaks: points where higher sales volumes earn lower per unit prices. Example: $29.95 for one widget, $142.50 for 5 widgets, $278.95 for 10 widgets.

2) Cabelas may be the highest selling retailer that Pietta has, thus allowing Cabelas some leverage in negotiating future contract prices. By keeping that position, Cabelas continues to enjoy favorable contract terms.

Or both. There are other possibilities, but those are the main ones.
 
I don't understand the buying-on-credit part of your argument. Most times when transactions are done between currencies, the exchange rate at the time of the transaction is locked in, not subject to change a month later, when the product actually ships. When Cabelas, or any other firm, places an order the price is set at that point. Even if they only pony up the loot when the order ships. This should not effect the supply flow, but as prices increase demand will decrease, which in turn might lower the price.
 
Desidog,

You answered your own question with the words, "most of the time". International transactions are always risky and there is very little that can be done if either side breaks a contract. From what I have been told is that it is part of every contract now, that prices can change. Manufacturers usually require some form of deposit so this is lost if prices increase and a contract is broken.

Take the posting as a whole and not word by word. The whole point is that if you are waiting for prices to come down it is not going to happen. Now is a great time to purchase replica revolvers of the collectable catagory because a lot of people are having to sell because of the economic times.
 
what would be considered collectible?
I have the 1858 New Army Remington .44 (target)..1858 New Army Remington Police Model .36... the 1860 Colt Army .44 ...and 1862 Spiller & Burr .36 (all Pietta's).
 
Nice Collection

Nice collection there Loosenock. You've got some interesting stuff there, with some distinct variety.

The prices on reproductions (except Cabelas) just seem to be getting a bit much. I finally just broke down and started on buying some originals.
 
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