Huge Demand Increase for Antique Firearms at Holt’s Auctions

   02.05.21

Huge Demand Increase for Antique Firearms at Holt’s Auctions

The Second-hand firearm market is surging in the United Kingdom according to Holt’s Auctioneers which say they have seen a sharp increase in online bidders for second-hand and antique firearms. Founded in 1993, Holt’s Auctioneers have become one of the leading Auction Houses for fine Modern and Antique guns worldwide. Based in rural North Norfolk near Sandringham, HOLTS is housed in a converted barn complex with gunrooms, offices, and a dedicated shipping facility.

Huge Demand Increase for Antique Firearms at Holt's Auctions

Huge Demand Increase for Antique Firearms at Holt’s Auctions

While Covid-19 shut down the shooting season prematurely the demand for online auctions and recreational shooting is stronger than ever.

– Sharp increase in the number of bidders at online gun auctions

– Market for second hand antique guns more popular than ever

– Online auctions increasing in popularity as people become comfortable with the process

– Record breaking bids placed online – upwards of £30,000

– Gun sales toped £1.2m in 2 days at the last auction in December

Huge Demand Increase for Antique Firearms at Holt's Auctions

Press Release:

Gunsmiths can expect a surge in business thanks to a spike in demand for antique guns, according to auction house Holts. The specialist antique and fine gun auctioneers has seen demand rise dramatically and large numbers of new buyers come to the market in search of second hand guns.

The success of these auctions demonstrates the continuing support for field sports (68 per cent of bidders in the last auction were new to Holts) and will have a beneficial impact across the industry at a time when it is essential for business.

“Most guns bought through an auction do require a little bit of fettling of one sort or another” commented Andrew Orr of Holts Auctioneers. “…and this provides extremely welcome business to gunsmiths up and down the country. We are seeing a spike in demand for second hand antique guns and its welcome at a difficult time for the industry.”

From its Sandringham base Holts saw 797 lots make a total hammer price of close to £1.2m across just two days in early December. Notable sales include an online bid for a pair of 16-bore Holland Royals at £30,000 and a Holland Royal engraved by Phillipe Grifnee fetching £52,000.

Huge Demand Increase for Antique Firearms at Holt's Auctions

It seems that the United States isn’t the only place on the globe where everyone is trying to get their hands on guns. Perhaps this is a global trend now that is taking the world by storm. What are your thoughts on this sudden increase of people looking for second-hand guns in Great Britain?

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Luke Cuenco is currently a writer for AllOutdoor who has chosen not to write a short bio at this time.

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