You're making me sick here. lol
I bought an M96 for $119 a few years ago, pristine. A few months later I bought a gorgeous M38 for $145.
I had a friend who was going through some hard times, and he needed a decent deer rifle. I gave him the M38. I figured if I ever wanted another they were cheep enough and good friends are hard to come by.
So then fast forward a year later, another really good friend had a hardon for my M96. He is a huge Mauser fan, and he need a Gustav in his collection. He had just done a bunch of machine work for me for my motorcycle, and he wanted the M69, so it seemed like a good move at the time, I gave it to him in trade.
Again, I figured they'd never be worth much and I could get another one.
Look around on Gunbroker or Auction Arms, at the crap they are trying to sell for $450! I want to cry. lol