Right place at the right time.

[paladin1919]

Just picked these up today at a flea market as a package deal.

I think the best piece the SMLE 1903. I have never seen one before and I am curious how rare they are and what a fair market value is? This one is in fair to good condition I would say.

I also like the Turkish 1890 shortened bayonet... I don't know if you can make it out in the pic but it has some Arabic markings on the ricasso. Kind of exotic.

Also seen in the pic are a good condition Australian model 1907, a rough mosin nagant 1891 bayo, a Austrian model 1895 and a half dozen No4 mkII bayonets. The guy also threw in an Australian bandolier marked 1918 and 1946.

I got the lot for $80 which I think was steal. How'd I do?

Pal

[AMTG]

Nice ones...the bandoliers are nice items, each time it's used, it's stamped, then on using it agin, the old date is crossed out and a new stamp! I have a few WW2 and Vietnam dated

[Bruno]

Jeh, good bayos - congrats!
I´d like especially that M1903 - if I remember well, those were done for export to Afghanistan.

Did you get the scabbards as well?

[Bruno]

...and that is mine M1903

[paladin1919]

Your m1903 is very nice Bruno. I think mine will clean up a little but your is better. No I am afraid no scabbards were there. But now I have something else to look for Will be very difficult to find a m1903 scabbard I suppose but that's part of the fun and you never know. I would not have guessed I would find that bayo at a local flea market either. You see all of my collection is locally acquired. It just seems too easy to order items on ebay or militaria sites. Not that I am judging other collectors but it kind of feels like cheating to me. Also I am very wary of paying for something that I can't examine first. I get all of my items either on local craigslist, antique stores, gun shows , flea markets and estate or garage sales. And of course I visit every antique store when I travel.

I collect mainly edged weapons and so will likely try to trade or sell the bandolier. Anyone have an idea of what is a fair price? I would be happy with $10 but I don't want to go giving it away. Ones on ebay that are newer and range from $15 to $45.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Pal