I agree that it could be a brand thing. Stamp "Westley Richards" on the same rifle and it might sell in half the time for an extra $5000. Also, I think it could be the oval bore issue which is unfortunate.....or lucky perhaps for the person who might end up buying this rifle. I'd give my right arm to know if the wood is solid, if it's on face, how the bores look, and if it shoots worth a damn. If any of the above are buggered, the price is probably way out of whack (Does it become a $12,000 rifle if it needs restocking or even less?) but if all is well, I'm not so sure that $18K is a nutty price to begin negotiations. All this is in theory of course as I am currently as poor as the proverbial church mouse.

Is it possible that potential purchasers are passing over this rifle because of the slightly longer than normal LOP? Would a buyer say, "no, it doesn't fit me and I don't want to cut a vintage rifle like this?" ??????

Best,

John