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.

2015 Standard Catalog of Firearms, 25th Edition

The 2015 Standard Catalog of Firearms is the preferred desk reference guide to the realm of antique, vintage, and modern firearms from around the world, and is now in its Silver Anniversary, 25th edition with more than 26,000 listings of collectible and modern firearms. This industry-leading reference on firearms valuation and pricing has everything you need, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or collect firearms.