"Documented" WWII JSAR NOT sold @ RIA Auction

[Jimbocious 0]

Rock Island's recent premier auction had a supposedly "documented" WWII-used JSAR listed, but apparently it was either pulled out of the auction, per the "prices realized" list. 

I Wonder what happened?  https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/408/wwii-us-johnson-1941-rifle-with-bayonet-and-manual

But 3 others sold in the $9-10k range:

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/1392/first-production-block-wwii-us-johnson-automatics-mode

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/1425/wwii-us-johnson-1941-semiautomatic-rifle-with-bayonet

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/3416/first-production-block-wwii-us-johnson-1941-rifle

[Popsmoke2 0]

I guess it is good that these rifles are fetching this kind of money, but like any hobby/pursuit, it is also an investment in time and with enough legwork you can still find a JSAR at a more reasonable price. I picked up a B-prefix at a local show a few weeks ago for a very reasonable price (especially compared to what his Garands were priced at), so a deal can still be had if you keep at it. Selling at auction and now on platforms like Gunbroker (which now generate reportable 1099s) is a turnoff for many casual sellers.

[matconcrete 0]

If casually selling a gun is reportable income then its time to expense the purchase, I’ve been wanting to categorize them as security for some time.

[JK Defense 0]

Hi,

 I was the second highest bidder for that rifle. RIAC called me shortly after the auction ended stating that the winner was in a state where the rifle is prohibited. They offered it to me at the current price but I passed. I had a sealed bid for lot 3416 — which I ended up winning. Waiting for brown Santa to deliver it today!

ETA: I thought they were going to re-list it on Sunday but I was either misinformed or something changed. I wouldn’t be surprised if the seller got cold feet after seeing the lukewarm reception. 

Edited June 3, 2023 by JK Defense
Additional information

[ArtR 0]

Hi JK Defense and welcome to the forum.

It sounds like you kept your wits about you. Keep your ears to the ground and you will locate a JSAR that you both want and can feel comfortable with. In the meantime, browse the forum, ask questions, and get to know other fellow JSAR friends.

ArtR

[ArtR 0]

On 5/24/2023 at 11:17 AM, Jimbocious said:

Rock Island's recent premier auction had a supposedly "documented" WWII-used JSAR listed, but apparently it was either pulled out of the auction, per the "prices realized" list. 

I Wonder what happened?  https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/408/wwii-us-johnson-1941-rifle-with-bayonet-and-manual

But 3 others sold in the $9-10k range:

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/1392/first-production-block-wwii-us-johnson-automatics-mode

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/1425/wwii-us-johnson-1941-semiautomatic-rifle-with-bayonet

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/88/3416/first-production-block-wwii-us-johnson-1941-rifle

The third item listed, I finally looked at both it and the 'receiver' markings.

As seen on RIA  & sold $10575 5/20/2023, the SN has a strange imprint in the prefix location which looks very much  like the top portion of a “B” prefix letter. Anyone else wondering?

[JK Defense 0]

That’s the rifle I won. 

[JK Defense 0]

Just received it. It does look like a wire brush wheel could have been used. The bottom of the first 6 is not as sharply defined as the second 6. 

[Ed Johnson 0]

It is a B. No other explanation. It certainly isn't an A. Looks like someone was playing a game. But if it shoots well; and you didn't feel you overpaid, keep it as a shooter?

[Jimbocious 0]

On 6/3/2023 at 7:06 AM, JK Defense said:

Hi,

 I was the second highest bidder for that rifle. RIAC called me shortly after the auction ended stating that the winner was in a state where the rifle is prohibited. They offered it to me at the current price but I passed. I had a sealed bid for lot 3416 — which I ended up winning. Waiting for brown Santa to deliver it today!

ETA: I thought they were going to re-list it on Sunday but I was either misinformed or something changed. I wouldn’t be surprised if the seller got cold feet after seeing the lukewarm reception. 

Maybe the 3rd highest bidder bought it for the current price?