There is no secret society. All a person has to do is let it be known that he is looking for a particular gun, is serious, not a tire kicker and will step up and the opportunities will come.
We have had new collectors come in, make clear their committment to acquire at the upper levels and quickly reach that level. Those who demonstrate that they are always looking for a bargain, who back out of deals, or who otherwise demonstrate lack of seriousness, find it hard to get opportunities. Bidding at a James Julia auction or making a trip to Duluth hardly requires membership in any kind of a secret society.
For the others, maybe they are content with something else, or not able or willing to get the top end guns and that is fine. Everybody finds their level of committment. There is nothing about having a passion for Parkers that requires a person to prefer high condition guns. Some great friends of mine do not have anything more than a couple worn V's yet love the guns and enjoy their history.
There are serious buyers across the whole range of social and economic strata. Those with less resources just pick their acquisitions very carefully and fewer.
|