Mike Cady — Cady Auctions, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
Achtung!
“Right now, handguns seem to be the hottest sellers, military or commercial,” Cady Auction co-owner Mike Cady said. “German stuff is very hot.”
German Lugers with the Nazi mark stamped onto them are selling for $2,400 to over $3,000 at auction, depending on condition and accessories.
Just a couple of years ago, says Cady, $1,000 was about the best you could get for one of these pistols.
Customers come to Cady’s in search of military long guns, and Garands are selling steadily in the $800 to $1,200 range.
Yet, and for reasons he doesn’t understand, vintage .30-40 Krag’s have dropped off in value considerably. Good condition .30-40s used to go for $1,500 and up.
“Today, $750 is a more realistic price,” he notes.
Vintage ammunition is bringing in some very heft bids. At a recent auction, Cady offered a 50-round box of .22LR made by Winchester Ammunition in the 1920’s.
“It was labeled ‘Indoor Precision’ on the box,” says Cady. “A collector in New York State took it for $2,100. Two grand for 50 rounds, that’s pretty amazing!”
Editor's Note: This brief originally appeared in the March 6, 2014 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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