Huvius,

I recently acquired a vintage H&H Royal 500/465. Like you, I had
quite a few firearms (mostly SxS shotguns) that I hadn't used in a
few years. I worked with George @ Champlin's, ended up trading
7 shotguns (newer Beretta, 2 Parkers, 2 Winchesters, 1 Purdey ,
1 H&H boxlock) & a 9.3 x 74R double for the Holland.
I still have plenty of shotguns to bird hunt with, so I really don't
miss them. The Holland & Holland is a beautiful piece of art to
me. I've already worked up a good load & plan on taking it to
Tanzania this Sept to go after elephant, buff & hippo.
Sometimes I wonder if it would be smarter to just buy a good working
double (Sabatti, Searcy, Heym,...) & put the extra cash on more trips!
But I guess I am a romantic, I love old rifles (recently picked up a
great 400/350 Rigby falling block single shot made in 1903), old
shotguns & old cars. Even my wife is 2 years older than I am!
I do believe the old classics (whether it is a car, firearm or wife) hold
their values reasonably well. At least that has been my experience.

Good Hunting, Jim