Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Breech loading 1450-1550

Matchlock · 5th December 2013, 09:34 PM

Thanks a lot, Marcus, for that superb compliment!

Reality though is as sad as it is true: sales people do not want mercilessly honest, dedicated and competent 'cranks' like me. What they want, and pay for, are their own spectacular descriptions that hopefully (in their view) just do one thing: sell ...

For more than 30 years I have commented on pieces from my range of competence to all the big international auction houses as soon as their latest catalogs have been out. The only ones to ever thank me and include my comments in discussions with possible buyers during visiting hours are - the three London houses Bonhams, Christie's and Tom De Mar (in alphabetical order). So they, in my personal private view, are the most honest ones. They at least try ...

Best,
Michael

5th December 2013, 09:34 PM	#131
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Thanks a lot, Marcus, for that superb compliment! Reality though is as sad as it is true: sales people do not want mercilessly honest, dedicated and competent 'cranks' like me. What they want, and pay for, are their own spectacular descriptions that hopefully (in their view) just do one thing: sell ... For more than 30 years I have commented on pieces from my range of competence to all the big international auction houses as soon as their latest catalogs have been out. The only ones to ever thank me and include my comments in discussions with possible buyers during visiting hours are - the three London houses Bonhams, Christie's and Tom De Mar (in alphabetical order). So they, in my personal private view, are the most honest ones. They at least try ... Best, Michael