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May 14, 2025
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Well I thought I had seen high prices before but today took the cake. I won a nice 1897 Trench gun in auction (https://www.auctionzip.com/auction-lot/scarce!-u.s.-martial-territory-of-hawaii-winchest_32A2DDC51D)and received a notice through shipping saint like I have a hundred times before and fell out of my chair. The shipper wants to charge me $423 for the trench gun, bayonet and a paper weight that is 1lb and 3 inches by 2 inch’s. Both the bayonet and paper weight could easily fit in the box with the Trench gun. Typically I pay $50 to $75 to get a firearm shipped but have paid as much as $150 with some shops but $423. Fellas, Am I losing my mind or is that just an unreasonable fee? AZ to NC in case anyone is wondering.
October 29, 2011
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Greedy Bastards………………………
March 31, 2009
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426crown said
Greedy Bastards………………………
I agree.
November 9, 2008
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Wow! That is a RIP off, should be in the $75 range, it’s a 3rd party shipper, if charging for box tape, ECT… Ok $125 I wouldn’t complain
January 8, 2025
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Are they charging 10% for insurance?
I think LSB is 1%
April 15, 2005
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Yes, very greedy or more likely they decided to jack up the shipping cost to increase the profit margin on that gun.
Speaking of that gun, it is not an authentic WW I Trench Gun. Per the serialization records, it was manufactured in mid September 1920… almost a full year after WW I ended. Further, the heat shield on it is suspect. It should be marked as shown in the attached picture. The “PAT APL FOR” marking is only found on the very early WW I production Trench Guns. Well before WW I production ended, the heat shields were all marked “PAT.JAN.15 & MAR.19.1918“.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 14, 2025
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Bert H. said
Yes, very greedy or more likely they decided to jack up the shipping cost to increase the profit margin on that gun.
Speaking of that gun, it is not an authentic WW I Trench Gun. Per the serialization records, it was manufactured in mid September 1920… almost a full year after WW I ended. Further, the heat shield on it is suspect. It should be marked as shown in the attached picture. The “PAT APL FOR” marking is only found on the very early WW I production Trench Guns. Well before WW I production ended, the heat shields were all marked “PAT.JAN.15 & MAR.19.1918”.
Bert
Thanks Bert, they covered themselves by saying it was in the ordnance “pipeline” when the war ended. A little auction house artistry no doubt. It is for my daughter as she asked me for one awhile back. I kept losing out at auction with everyone I bid on going for over 6k until this one. I was pleased to get it for the $3,450 but I guess we now know why. Hopefully still not a bad price and the added benefit of it will be protecting her home! Once it comes in I will look at the heat shield and report back. Fingers crossed. Appreciate the feedback!
April 30, 2023
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Sounds like a fun road trip to go get it is in order and skip the carriers!
May 14, 2025
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Well the plot thickens. They lowered their rate to $380. Still crazy high so I called in and was speaking to the young lady who answered the phone and questioned the rate. The owner comes on the line and went off on me. He said his Fed Ex rate alone was $120. Possible I suppose but when I told him there are better rates he said it is impossible because he is direct through FedEx. I don’t know if he is stupid, lazy or a liar but I then asked why he was adding over $250 on top of the shipping rate and he said he deserved to make money. Heck, I’m a capitalist and I agree but when I told him that is a ridiculous mark up he told me he would take it back to the auction house and hung up on me. Breaks my heart! In 15 minutes I had googled the closest FFL to the auction house, called them and they agreed to ship it to me for 1/3rd what this clown was trying to charge me. Interestingly the auction house or at least the person I spoke with there didn’t seem to care he is taking advantage of their clients. Makes me wonder if he is kicking back to them and that is part of the reason for the outrageous prices? Happy ending for me though!
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