Collecting Bayonets and Accessories.
 

I was amazed to see the prices at the gun show yesterday for stocks, bayonets, slings, cleaning kits, ammo pouches, etc.

Back in the early 1960s, one could get a British M1907 bayonet for the MkIII Enfield for $1.00+ shipping of 25 cents. I know, because I bought 3 or 4. At the gun show, the prices for bayonets without scabbards was $80.00 and with scabbards $95.00+. Military rifle stocks began at $65.00 and went up.

We serious collectors need to "bite the bullet" and pay the price in order to complete certain arms in need of parts or a sling. I finally realized how valuable my collection really is in today's market.

Someday my brother and I should put on a gun show for the novice collectors out there. We were fortunate to begin collecting way back in the "Good Old Days."

Adam

Good post Adam.....and one needs to be aware that there are a lot of fakes out there (esp. in the realm of Nazi memorabilia) and to be careful that if they are doling out their hard earned cash that they are getting the real deal!

Adam and Mr.16 gauge
 

Excellent points about gun shows, merchandise and costs. The worst fakes I encountered was a few years ago were 1903-A3 Springfield rifles that some Bubba had drilled and tapped and put on Redfield or Leupold one-piece blued bases. They were being offered as original 1903-A4 sniper rifles at staggering prices. The surprising thing is they were being bought while I was standing there. I have an original 1903-A4 and the inscription on the receiver is on the left side. Ironically, it is also marked 1903-A3 on the right side of the receiver. All the best...
Gil.