That was my biggest flaw with the GCA the Garand Collectors Association I thought it was a great Association but they encourage correcting rifles. I have one original wartime M1 rifle in my collection that was made in late 1944. The entire rifle matches the finishing color and wear pattern seen on all the parts but there's a catch the bolt that is it was made in early of 1945. I had so many Garand collectors tell me I should swap that bolt out even though the bolt wear matches the overall rifle. And it would make sense even though this is a late production 1944 made rifle it may have been completed early in 1945.
But that right there shows this gun is all original but still someone thinks I should swap a part out.
Thus why I don't collect American. I don't know enough to tell the difference between original and swapped and not sure many truly can tell the difference. I would rather collect rifles that have many serialized parts the more the better. Part of the reason I don't care much for the late war K98k. Much rather have 1939-40.
Another note on pricing admittedly I was being a wise a$$ I messaged seller on GunBroker who has a WWII Lithgow listed with poor pics and poor description. Can see in pics bolt and receiver match. Nothing in description. Starting bid $600.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/844776985
So my message was rifle must surely have all matching parts for that price.
He responded no just bolt and receiver. If it was all matching it would be a lot more. This isn't 2003 Milsurps have gone up.
My response was oh would it sell for a lot more? Then I sent link of completed auction of a much nicer all matching WWII Lithgow (that I dropped out of) which sold for $540.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/845097185
and replied it isn't 2017, prices have come down since then.
I don't think He was very happy with me.
Moral is old timers who are trying to sell now missed the boat. Just because grey blanket got $700 doesn't mean theirs is worth $900 because it is nicer. They don't have magic grey blankets.
Also what happened to GunBroker charging for excessive relistings?
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