&$#@* I figured everything would go so high I didn’t even sign in to bid.
Mike

I’ve sold half a dozen Parker shotguns recently, one Marlin lever action  & some nice S&W revolvers. Some through a dealer couple at auction others in person. My state in person sales have to go through dealers now adding cost and complication.

All brought less than I paid at retail, much less when you factor fees. It’s a trend with vintage SxS guns, was surprised at revolver prices.  Most attribute it to aging enthusiasts and lack of interest by younger shooters. I would add difficulties obtaining loaded shells or loading components. Critical with shotguns were competition at events require large volume cartridge. Single shots  its powder and primers & lower round count, still difficult. 

SxS original gun market collector or user probably much larger than single shots but no doubt same factors apply. Can probably add availability of good reproductions and match rules allowing modern single shots, scopes etc. very few use reproduction SxS guns. 
 
It’s a good thing for buyers not good for sellers. Take advantage of the bargains, buy quality not quantity. I’m a quick buyer something that’s right, pass on anything else.

Boats   

Perhaps not so much the hammer falling too soon as it being no other other interested bidder. No telling how high it would have gone if there was one.
I've bought many firearms at various auctions. When at a live auction, I never bid unless the bidding stops within my price range. Some times I get a good deal, like a Remington 1 1/2 rifle bought for $250, albeit rebarreled. Then there are those times when I jump in to bid only to see the price run up through the roof, simply because there was one other serious party. Tried to win an early Smith & Wesson Terrier revolver once. Started bidding at around $350. Myself and one other bidder took it to over $1000. I didn't come home with it.  

John

Funny thing about “collectible” firearms…

They are only worth what someone is willing to pay.  Doesn’t matter what you think it’s worth.  Sometimes that value is way higher than you expected.  Sometimes it’s way lower than you expected.  One thing I know for sure is the price is always changing.

In 1950 you could buy surplus German Lugers for $25.  That’s about $325 adjusted for inflation.  Considering they are now well over $1000 for a lower quality gun, that would seem like a good investment.  You made 3-4x your original investment in 74 years.  But even at moderate returns, you’d have more money by putting that money in other investments.  And, that invested income doesn’t need to find the right buyer when you want to liquidate it.

Collect guns because you like guns.  Don’t collect guns to make money. 

Nobody had any money left after the Amoskeag and Richmond auction.

I intended to bid on a full stock German dropping block stalking rifle in the Horst Auction yesterday, the bidding opened higher than my max. Plain rifle 7x57, no engraving or carving. Sold for $3150 without premium, so some are bringing a good price.
Mike