Buyers step into the breech
Hobart Mercury, Page: 9. Monday, 20 April, 2009
Gun enthusiasts turned out in droves yesterday to admire and buy pistols, rifles and accessories at the 25th Hobart Arms Militaria and Collectibles Fair.
Launceston firearms dealer Jeff Blackmore, who has been collecting and trading for 30 years, said there was a strong market for guns and other militaria in Tasmania.
“It’s the workmanship and engineering I admire,” Mr Blackmore said.
“Many people look at them as killing machines but many of the firearms are beautifully manufactured and you get to appreciate the workmanship.” His display of rifles, knives, sights and a Japanese sword at the Royal Hobart Showground included an 1853 Snider-Enfield rifle, a muzzleloader converted to breech loading and worth $2000.
A silver plate on the rifle indicates it was Captain’s Prize, or first prize, in a shooting match to Private Robert Thomson in 1862.
Trader John Wise said the antique guns appealed to collectors of colonial and shooting competition firearms.
Tough gun laws had not deterred buyers, and firearms were not the only drawcard.
Militaria collector John Presser, who bought a book on Australian Army patches and identities of Tasmanian units, said: “I’m interested in learning our military history.”
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