Today James D Juilia is running one of his collectible gun auction up in Maine. Hugh collection of collectible military stuff, including a large collection of German WW2 Sniper rifles. The Sniper rifle that had SS markings went for 20K plus buyers. WOW thats a bunch of money for a rifle you can't really prove was a real sniper or not. Prices remain hot and heavy for collectible guns in spite of a slowing economy.
Anyway what I picked up was a great AO Niedner heavy Barrel Target rifle in 30/06. These were made in the 20s and 30s by one of the best custom rifle makers in America. He is mentioned in the same breath as Pope, Zischang and, Schoyan. When accuracy counts AO Niedner rifles are mentioned at the top of the list.
In my estimation this rifle went cheap at $2587 to the door..It was estimated at 3K to 5K. I have seen his guns at the Beinfield and Sporting Arms show in the 5k+ range.
I think the reason this rifle didn't do better than it did was its placement in the auction. It was among all the US and German military rifles many of which were sniper rifles. If it had been placed with the custom rifles (English & American) the buyers might have noticed it.
