I'm not a collector, more of an accumulator of irons that make big noise while throwing lead.
At the beginning of 2010 I started collecting data on the model 8s, 81s, 14s, and 141 on the auction sites. After several months, I abandoned the idea when it became obvious that (as several have observed) there was no rhyme nor reason relative to prices, grade, condition, age, etc.As to the buying experience, I have a very varied interest in shooters. I came into firearms with virtually no knowledge four years ago, very late in life. Since then I have been on a feeding frenzy regarding gaining knowledge and purchasing what I could - in both long and short guns. My worse purchase was a hands on Model 8 that I had been observing for several months at gun shows! It turned out to be even worse then it looked!!
Approximately half of the many that I now own came from the internet both direct sales and via the auctions. Although there have been issues: one was sent back as it was un-fire-able, another dealer was just ignorant regarding what he was selling, one seller was selling it for a friend so he didn't know it's condition, and there was a seller that tried to rip me off but he ended up the loser.
That said, I have been lucky and learned a few things. First, if it doesn't feel right I get out of the deal regardless of the price. Second, how do I know if it feels right? I email and ask questions, creating a communicate line with the seller. Third, I use the sellers information to research like-guns on the web and read forums. Last, sometimes I can draw on my own or friend's experience with particular guns, and/or I can see one locally - but usually I'm buying from virtual research and pictures no touchy-feelie.
Couple more auction observations (more casual vs. totally confirmed): The selling season (prices the highest) appears to be between mid-January and April 15. Second, GB sellers get a bit more on their sales then AA and at both sites the sellers get the most when they do NOT block CA sales.
Truth be told I have less buying resistance with it in my hand then when I'm looking at a picture. Plus my complete/careful research during the auction allows me to make a studied and deliberate decision.
On the whole, my buying experience on the web has been very favorable, much better then my face-to-face purchases; thus, I plan to continue
- until my banker or big brother shuts me down. 
- way down on the list.
). These observations kind of cross over into what to do to make a good sale. But buying and selling is a trust relationship that must work hand in hand. The buyer must first feel like the seller cares about his product (via the presentation). Then that caring for his product must transfer to the buyer, "he will also care that I get a fair deal", after that the buyer can get involved: invest his capital and his trust, believing that the seller "will care" to provide what he has promised.
and wanted a gun like this one. I'm thinking at it's current price, (the "starting bid" - so far, no bids and no reserve) I could fix it. Mine was the only bid. 
When the gun arrived it was in it's original box! The forearm picture was so poor that "the crack" actually was a shadow where very nice factory checkering started! The gun appears to have been a safe queen, only issue, all the oil had turned to grease! It is one of my finest guns and I "stole it" 
