Here I was ready to reply with my scant knowledge of these sets when Mr. arcticap and Mr. Kibbey show up with more than I could ever add. I would try to find out if they have sequential serial numbers. I think $250 for the English-fitted case (two revolvers, shoulder stock, and accoutrements) is a lowball number; it should be more like $400+. No signs of loose dividers or rough use.
My only concern is that the seller (Auburn WA) seems intent upon doing the sale through an FFL holder. I live in SW WA State in the boontoolies, about 100 miles away from the seller in "Pugetropolis". That area is not very gun "friendly" and unless you live within driving distance of the seller, the FFL fees and shipping will drive up the actual price commensurately. Even so, some dealers here will insist on a background check of the buyer just for their CYA.
If I had my Biden $1400 stimulus check in the bank I would grab it. To me, those are safe queens and would not/should not be shot. Given that these are pandemic times with no documented restart times for the Italian factories to resume production (and catch up on back-orders), and revolvers being scarce-to-non-existent, I would not put it past shooters with money in their pockets to "load-em-up", not know the value. In my mind, this is what the market has come to with no inexpensive, run-of-the-mill revolvers available. Classic case of supply and demand.
I will confess that I bid on and won a Navy Arms/Pietta Spiller & Burr .36 BL/1998 that has been sitting NIB for 22 years. My bid was $355 plus $20 shipping, and a year ago I could have picked one up from DGW for about $250 plus $20 shipped.
I am still trying to find my crystal ball and wondering where my 20/20 hindsight went.
Regards,
Jim
