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Not All Art
THE HIDDEN VALUE OF ARMS COLLECTING
In a period of economic uncertainty, alternative assets can provide diversification, stability, and handsome returns for the savvy investor. Consider Goldman Sachs’s May 2023 Family Office Investment Insights Report, where 38% of the family offices surveyed revealed that they’d allocated capital to collectibles as part of their investment strategy. Across all respondents, 71% reported that “passion” was their primary driver in acquiring collectible assets, while 39% indicated their purchase was due to the potential to generate returns that are “uncorrelated to the rest of their portfolio” In short, collectibles are fun and offer an investment platform that’s untethered from conventional market trends.
In recent years, high-value collectibles like fine art, classic cars, and vintage timepieces have been outperforming traditional investments and show no sign of losing momentum. Rare firearms have experienced similar uptrends, and that’s no surprise given how the most desirable firearm classes share many of the same traits as other investment-grade collectibles. Scarcity, tangibility, artistry, historic significance, popular appeal, and strong market demand have all contributed to substantial appreciation across the fine arms genre.
Every corner of fine arms collecting has enjoyed substantial gains, including 20th century military arms. Vintage pistols, rifles, and combat shotguns from the two world wars have all seen their values rise dramatically despite being manufactured in high volume. Consider the M1911A1 pistol, a model that saw 1.9 million units produced during the World War II era. The prominent pistol has become a proven high riser at every level, from comparatively common pieces experiencing double-digit annual growth in recent years to the most exclusive examples of the genre becoming some of the most pursued items in arms collecting.
Compared to other investment-grade blue-chip collectibles, the fine arms market presents a comparatively low barrier to entry. And while certain alternative asset classes such as rare postage stamps have suffered a decline in popularity, classic firearms have enjoyed a constant stream of new collectors in every genre and price point of the venture. The market’s broad appeal and rampant growth creates a lucrative environment for the judicious investor,
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LOT 1274
Extraordinary 19th Century Exhibition Quality Panel Scene Engraved and Incised Carved Stock Reservoir Takedown Air Gun by J.D. Baucheron of Paris, France, with Case, Air Pump and Accessories
LOT 1449
Outstanding, Master Ken Hunt Signed, Factory African Dangerous Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid J. Rigby & Co. Sidelock Double Rifle in the Massive .577 Nitro Express