Sometimes you go to an event and you’re taken by surprise.

Which is what happened to Lonsdales Ltd when we attended World Gunmakers’ Evening at the Savoy Hotel, London on 29th May.

We’d taken a table to meet our customers, both old and new and to show off a few interesting pieces which we’d brought along. We also received some interesting new lots which we will be selling in our forthcoming August sale. (Full details and images to be announced shortly.)

One of the highlights of the evening, we thought, was a pair of Purdeys. But it was the quirky stuff that brought people over to visit us.

Yes, the Purdeys were admired but what really caught the attention of participants was a Watson Brothers side by side with a Hill & Smith 1908 trigger plate skeletal action. Only 20 of these guns were made and the shotgun certainly caught the attention of Watson Bros, who were were also in attendance at World Gunmakers’ Evening.

Another gun that caught the eyes of many was an EJ Churchill – a fine, unadorned .410 Boxlock ejector.

We’d also brought along an Adams & Deane, fine cased 1851 patent Dragoon Revolver in 54-bore, shown here.

Thanks to everybody who came along to World Gunmakers’ Evening and came over to talk to us.

Over the evening we received some interesting lots for our August Sale, which we will be announcing shortly, along with images.

Our next auction is over two days and takes place on 28 and 29th June, offering ammunition and accessories.

View the catalogues here.

Both auctions are automatic sales with a run rate of approx 100 lots per hour, the bidding extended by 15 secs after the final bid is placed.

As auctioneers specialising in antique and modern firearms, we are delighted to announce that Lonsdales will be attending a range of country events throughout 2025. Whether you’re an avid collector, a first-time buyer, or someone looking to sell a firearm, we are here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.

With years of experience in the field, we offer free, no-obligation valuations for those looking to sell their guns at auction. Whether you have a single piece or an entire collection, we can assess market value and advise you on the best way to achieve the highest price.

For buyers, we provide insight into historical and modern firearms, helping you make informed decisions before placing a bid. If you are searching for something specific, we can also keep an eye out for pieces that may interest you at upcoming sales.

If you need assistance with legalities or logistics, Lonsdales Auctioneers Ltd can help with firearms licensing advice and arrange secure shipping, both within the UK and internationally, ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Attending country fairs, game shows, and shooting events across the UK, we look forward to meeting fellow enthusiasts and helping them navigate the world of firearm auctions. If you are interested in buying or selling, or simply wish to discuss the market, come and say hello— we’d be happy to help!

For upcoming event dates and auction listings click here.

Lonsales Auctioneers Ltd will be at the following events in 2025

• World Gunmakers’ Evening 29 May 2025
• Wensleydale Agricultural Show 23 August 2025
• Lancashire Game Festival 6-7 September 2025
• GWCT Scottish Game Fair

Our forthcoming Ammunition and Accessories auction on 4th January is already attracting bids. (You can view the catalogue here.) It’s of particular interest to reloading fans.

So what are people bidding for?

At the time of writing (19 Dec) the following lots are driving competition.

1. Lot 227: R.C.B.S. POWDER MEASURE (UNIFLOW) Current max bid £45 (starting bid £5).

2. Lot 235 and 236: 310 CADET, 50 NEW UNPRIMED CASES Current max bid £60 (starting bid £5)

3. Lot 241 AND 242 BLACK POWDER STORAGE CASES Current max bid £25 (starting bid £5)

4. Lot 122 BULLET CASTING PRESS Current max bid £35 (starting bid £5)

5. Lot 332 2 of RELOADING POWDER, ONE ALLIANT GREEN DOT AND ONE HERCULES RELOADER Current max bid £40 (starting bid £1)

6. Lot 502 ASSORTED PLUG GAUGES AND TOOLS FOR REMOVING DISK SET STRIKER PLUGS FOR SHOTGUNS Current max bid £50 (starting bid £5)

7. Lot 686 ONE HUNRED AND SIXTY ROUNDS OF 7.5 X 55 SWISS RIFLE CARTRIDGES. NEW IN ORIGINAL PACKAGES. BY PRVI PARTIZAN. Current max bid £80 (starting bid £5)

View the full 4 January 2025 sale catalogue here.

Whether you’re renewing or applying for a shotgun or firearms licence, the time it takes will depend on where you live.

BASC recently published a useful table with the latest figures for 2021/2, which you can see in full here.

Fast turnaround

If you live in Bedfordshire or Herfordshire then you’re probably in luck. The quoted average turnaround time is 38.5 days for Bedfordshire and 39.5 days for Hertfordshire.

But if you live in Northumbria, the quoted average turnaround time is a whopping 153 days and Cumbria is even more at 178 days. Of course, Covid caused a huge backlog.

Speeding things up

Is there anything you can do to speed up getting a renewal of your firearms licence or getting your first one?

It’s always worth being a member of a shooting organisation like BASC or the National Gamekeepers Organisation as you will get shooting insurance and support. The BASC firearms team is extremely helpful with advising on delays in grants and renewals of firearm and shotgun certificates.

If the delay is causing you anxiety and you’re worried about your legal status and being in possession of a firearm without a valid certificate in force, remember that you can contact your local firearms licensing manager and request a Section 7 temporary permit.

BASC advises applicants to: “Keep a log of all contact with the licensing authority and be persistent about your shotgun licence waiting time. If you are a BASC member and having difficulties then contact the BASC firearms team.”

Don’t delay

Key advice here would be not to wait until the last minute to renew your firearms licence – you should allow at least 12 weeks to do so and even longer if you’re a first timer. (Something to remember if you’re planning on buying a first gun at auction.)

Many a shooter has had to hang up his or her guns for a season because they neglected to renew a shotgun or firearms certificate. Don’t join them.

John Tamlin of Lonsdales Auctioneers has spotted a growing trend for gun buyers to buy up cheaper, older guns. There is increasing competition for purchasing these guns for export.

In many cases the guns are then shipped out to the USA, which was the second largest importer of cartridges and shotguns from the UK in 2023. (Source: Statista.)

What is behind the popularity of cheaper, older guns in US market?

Gun market in the USA

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) says: “The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) generally prohibits the importation of firearms, firearm frames or receivers, firearm barrels and ammunition into the United States. However, the GCA creates several narrow categories of firearms the Attorney General shall authorize for importation. In general, the GCA provides in Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 44, Section 925 that firearms or ammunition may be imported into the United States:

(1) for the purpose of scientific testing or research or for competition training under the provisions of Title 10, Chapter 401;
(2) as unserviceable firearms, other than a machine gun as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5844, (not readily restorable to firing condition) if imported as a curio or museum piece;
(3) if the firearms or ammunition are of a type generally recognised as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to “sporting purposes”.

Time to sell an old gun?

The demand for cheaper, older guns creates an opportunity for sellers to realise the value of any such firearms they may own by putting them into auction and benefitting from the capital raised.

John Tamlin says: “Lonsdales will be holding an early spring sale in 2025 focusing on this market and hopefully a clear-out of low-priced older guns will realign future values.”

Interested parties should contact john@lonsdales-auctioneers.com with details.