I was hoping to get a nice early Lancaster rifle today at auction, but again I sadly fell
short of the mark. A signed P Gonter rifle in the black, incise carved and converted to
percussion with a missing patchbox lid went for $3900. I was scared off by the missing
patchbox lid. I'd be interested in others thoughts on how to determine how much a rifle
is devalued by this. Yes, it could be restored, but at what cost, would it be right and
how important is it. Seems to me the patchbox lid is one of the focal points of a rifle.
Passed on a rifle earlier this year that had been cut down 6 inches. It also could have
been restored, but the same questions arise. I've been kicking myself about that one
because it was local and very well executed with many nice inlays. Maybe I will regret
the Gonter also.
Taking this thought process further, that Stoudenour Jim sold a month or so ago on ALR was
one that I thought I shouldn't have passed on.
Seems the nonbuyers remorse is worse than the buyers remorse.