There will always be individuals and "dealers" selling a vintage gun with a "name" who have no clue as to what they are selling, and those buying with no clue as to what they are buying. As said, as the greatest generation passes, leaving guns to those without interest therein or knowledge thereof, there will be more and more guns appearing for sale with prices disconnected from reality...and some at a bargain. Thanks to internet auction sites and collector's forums such as this one, there is no justification for not having a somewhat educated price range targeted for the gun one is seeking.
Relevant story: a buddy was at a small auction and bidding on a damascus barrel Parker hammer 16g against an older lady. She outbid him and bought the gun and he approached her politely afterward and asked why she wanted the gun - for her grandson for turkey hunting! He tried to explain, again politely, that plan might not be wise, which she didn't believe.
Hopefully we can get a report from the upcoming Las Vegas show. I thought the last one I attended was a sad reflection of the aging, and passing, of the "gun guy" generation.
OTOH as that generation passes, their accumulated wealth will go to their heirs, some of whom may share the interest in high grade, high value, collector and using grade guns.
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