Auction site and Spanish American War stuff

[Deadeye Don]

This auction site on Ebay appears to have an UNUSUALLY  large amount of Spanish American War "originals"  that are in great shape.   One has to wonder if they are legitimate.  This is an example.   I am assuming they have nothing to do with THE Rock Island.   St. George??

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/10246-Decorated-Spanish-American-War-Canteen-and-a_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ28268QQihZ020QQitemZ300255346442QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[St. George]

'Rock Island Auction' is an auction house that specializes disposing of quality collections.

For a typical firearms auction, their catalog runs about $75, and they're 'very' well-illustrated.

As to condition - SAW artifacts never drew the interest that Civil War and Indian Wars material did until recent times.

Thus, a new collector could amass some very nice pieces, without having to pay Civil War collector's prices...

Today - there are far more of those collectors than there used to be, and they're all in the same competition that the collectors of earlier militaria are in, and thanks to ebay, there aren't any bargains to be had at the farm auctions that there once were.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

They do have some quality artifacts for sure.  They also charge an approximate 20 percent fee on top of the winning auction price plus shipping and handling.   This would make for an expensive purchase.   I can see what you mean about SAW items being sought after by collectors now. 

[St. George]

In today's collector's world - auctions charge both a 'Buyer's Premium' and a 'Seller's Premium' and they auction house makes out like a bandit.

Like any equipment, clothing, weapons or insignia made for the Government's use - they never made one of anything, and there are still great finds to be located.

If buying from the 'big' auction houses, you're generally buying 'provenance' as well as 'condition' - but given the extra charges, you're paying through the nose to do so, and unless what they have on offer is 'the' item you've sought all your life, perhaps you're better off searching awhile longer...

Besides, the search is the best part, so buy some books and look at some collections, so you're ready to spot what's out there.

On the other hand - often the more common items do go for a fair price, since folks who attend these sales are usually advanced collectors and already have similar pieces - so if the additional costs added to the selling price aren't prohibitive, you can buy some good things from time to time.

I just balk at the idea that I have to pay for the privilege of spending my money - it offends my sensibilities...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

I agree with you St. George.  When I saw that "extra" fee they will tack on to the selling price plus shipping and handling I lost interest really quick.