98k prices

nulle100

March 06, 2003 13:42

Could someone please explain to me why the prices that were stable for so long are now skyrocketing out of control. 15 Years ago a nice matched 98k was $250-300, about 4-5 years ago it was $300-350. There were close to 10 million produced and there aren't THAT many collectors out there, why is it that people will attempt to sell a mis-match for 3 times what its worth? Did the inter-net start this craziness? I saw a mis-matched 98k for over $800!! I could by a G43 for a few dollars more, what is fueling this?

0

• 

  He Dog

  March 06, 2003 13:53

  People buying at those prices.

  0
• 

  p3skyking

  March 06, 2003 17:46

  A number of things. Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers come to mind. My father, a WWII BARman, died in 1995. Forever gone are his experiences and rememberances, but with a tangible item that link is maintained. Tom Brokaw's WWII vet books. The recent similarities in European genocide also brought attention to that time.
  
  The second Golden Age of surplus weapons started in 1987 with the China Broomhandles. The infrastructure for surplus weapons was in place at just the right time for the demand after SPR premiered.
  
  In the same vein, expect Japanese weapons to continue their upward trend (read demand) too.
  
  With the centennial of WWI coming up, hold on to your wallet. The price of Gewehr 98's, 1903 Springfields, 1917 US Enfields, Trench Knives, etc. will be leaving the pad shortly.
  
  Just my humble, historically accurate, opinion.
  
  <P>

  0
• 

  nulle100

  March 07, 2003 03:48

  Thanks for the thoughtful responses. So does that mean I should hold on to my WWI doughboy uniform and field gear? I was actually looking to sell it soon. As far as 98k's go, I still refuse to follow the trend of buying overpriced rifles. I bought a matched K43 for $1100 just 6 months ago, I'm not paying that much for a 98k...ever.

  0
• 

  rufe-snow

  March 07, 2003 05:13

  "EVER" is a long time! I started collecting back in the 60's, don't want to say what I'd payed for the GOOD stuff back then, dont want to see a grown man cry. Buy the GOOD, HIGH QUALITY stuff now at the best price you can, it's never going to get any cheaper, for the reasons given above. If you don't buy it now, it's just going to be that more expensive, down the road.

  0
• 

  njretcop

  March 07, 2003 08:47

  nulle, as the old saying goes: "the market sets the price." I have an original, non-import, all matching Mauser K98 that I have been offered 1100.00 to sell. (Won't part with it)
  
  
  
  Charlie
  
  "It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.