Can Anyone Explain This?

[Bug]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3641590825&category=7308&rd=1

 The above link is to a Marlin Reloading tool, complete with a bullet mold, for a .40-63. Appears somewhat similar to a Lyman tong tool, but that may be stretching it a bit. It looks like the winning bid was $1,250.00! Is there really that much of an interest in collecting something like this? Or, is this one of those really rare things?.........................Bug.

[John Traveler]

A few gun shows ago, I chatted with a reloading tool collector with a sizeable display of Marlin, Winchester, and Ideal/Lyman tools.

YES, there is a considerable interest in reloading tools for owners of the classic late 1800's rifles.  The Cowboy Action shooting game done it.  The Marlins in particular are much sought-after because they were made in much smaller quantities than the other two.  I've examined such tools, and have a few of my own.  The workmanship, attention to detail, and finish are fabulous!  Please remember they were made in an era when machine operators and craftsmen were paid pennies an hour to run manual mills, lathes, polishers, etc.

While it may seem shocking to see a $1250 price tag on something like this, please remember that collectors are NUTS.  Imagine paying several hundreds of dollars for an original, factory-new Winchester M1886 barrel.  Yet, people will do just that  because of the rareity of such items.


HTH
John