Tom, I would still want the gun back, it is yours and I think everyone understands not wanting to get their son's friend in trouble. I would want back on principle. It's unlikely the gun would sell for the current asking price.
It's crazy to think they have $150 in it! If you would pay $4005 to have it back that's what I would walk in with in cash and mention the previous auction. Once you have it back you can worry about the possibility of getting some of the money back from your son's friend(which may or may not be important to you). I am sorry you are going through this...
On a side note, I forgot to mention earlier that I really like how the "1878" patent date was engraved on the forend. That was the first time I saw anything like that.
One would hope this has a happy ending even if it is a bit expensive.
|