The British Gun Auction

Published on November 18, 2022
Duration: 32:02

This video provides an in-depth tour of Holt's Auctioneers, the UK's largest gun auction house, showcasing a diverse range of firearms from modern to antique. It highlights the auction process, the variety of lots available, and features specific examples like a 150-year-old Purdy, a custom Valmet, a rare .410 Beretta B25, a high-end Boss sidelock, and an Accuracy International sniper rifle. The video also delves into antique pistols, emphasizing their historical context and unique features, and explains the differences between the main auction and the sealed bid auction.

Quick Summary

Holt's Auctioneers, the UK's largest gun auction house, offers a vast array of firearms, from modern pieces dating back 150 years to antique guns requiring no license. They hold three main auctions annually with 700-1000 lots each, plus a large sealed bid auction. Buyers can expect diverse offerings, including shotguns, rifles, and historical pistols, with global shipping available.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Holt's Auctioneers
  2. 00:42Modern Firearms Sale Room Tour
  3. 01:11Featured: 150-Year-Old Purdy Gun
  4. 01:22Featured: Valmet Custom Engraved Firearm
  5. 02:39Featured: Guilliou from Paris
  6. 03:03Organization of the Sale Room
  7. 03:44Quality Standouts in the Auction
  8. 04:01Over and Under Firearms Section
  9. 04:31Auction Purchase Advice: Condition Reports
  10. 05:01Holt's is for Everybody: All Budgets
  11. 05:12Accessories and Miscellaneous Items
  12. 05:36Auction Commission and Fees
  13. 05:53Global Shipping Capabilities
  14. 06:33Favorite Gun: .410 Beretta B25
  15. 08:34Favorite Gun: Boss Sidelock Ejector
  16. 09:21Featured: Accuracy International Sniper Rifle
  17. 10:16Auction Volume and Catalogues
  18. 11:05Founder's Story and Philosophy
  19. 11:43Antique Firearms Room Tour
  20. 12:04No License Required for Antiques
  21. 12:16Featured: James Woodward .500 Black Powder Express
  22. 13:37Antique Pistols: Dueling and Self-Defense
  23. 14:50Featured: Pinfire Revolver with Bayonet
  24. 16:05Featured: Knuckle Duster Pistol with Bayonet
  25. 17:01Featured: Lefaucheux 20-Shot Revolver
  26. 19:01Featured: Joseph Egg Self-Defense Pistol
  27. 21:18How Auction Day Works
  28. 23:06Sealed Bid Auction Explained
  29. 23:47Sealed Bid: Finding Bargains and Gems
  30. 25:17Sealed Bid: Cogswell & Harrison Sidelock Issues
  31. 26:06Sealed Bid: FN Box Lock Ejector
  32. 27:02Rifles and Military Service Rifles in Sealed Bid
  33. 27:20Featured: Blaser Combination Gun
  34. 29:10Sealed Bid: Classic Doubles Field 101
  35. 31:24What Makes Holt's Special

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of firearms are auctioned at Holt's?

Holt's Auctioneers features a wide variety of firearms, including modern firearms dating back 150-160 years, antique firearms that do not require a license, rifles, shotguns (side-by-side, over-and-under), and specialized items like sniper rifles and historical pistols.

How does the sealed bid auction at Holt's work?

In the sealed bid auction, buyers write down their maximum bid for an item. The highest bid wins, plus a 30% commission. This method efficiently handles thousands of lots, unlike a traditional auction format.

Can I purchase firearms from Holt's if I'm outside the UK?

Yes, Holt's offers shipping to most parts of the world. Their dedicated shipping team can assist international buyers with understanding and navigating the different rules and regulations for importing firearms into their respective countries.

What is the commission fee for winning a bid at Holt's?

The commission fee on top of the hammer price or commission bid at Holt's Auctioneers is 25% plus VAT. It's advisable to factor in approximately 30% on top of your bid to estimate the total cost.

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