Regulation madness. If the goal is to make it and all parts unsuitable for firing it can be done in less than five minutes with an arc welder without altering the outward appearance. Cost less than 5 bucks. Goal is obviously something else.
The chap from the BBC was probably trying to make a political point and of course Brexit rears its ugly head (perhaps justifiably in this case as the EU rules had turned a blind eye to the ease of conversion of Slovakian blank-firers). The Vickers is not worth 'nothing' though, even if the owner has made life difficult by appearing on national television..It couldn't be illegal to sell a tripod and that alone is a rare thing now...It can still be sold outside of the EU. The owner is clearly hoping that it won't be long before that applies to the UK, but whether the legislation will be repealed is another aspect.
I think a bit of confusion has crept in. As I understand it, it will be illegal to sell a weapon deactivated under the previous rules but it will be possible to sell, transfer etc the weapon once it has been re-deactivated to meet the new EU rules. Obviously there is a cost and for many there will be problems. Tim
Surely it ought to be possible to estimate the cost to make it sellable, that can be deducted by what the gun could then be sold for, and that gives one a value.
So, tuppence. EU-spec deact legislation is trash for many, many reasons. Yes you can have it re-deactivated to EU-spec, there is a cost involved but you are liable to be trapped in a game where subsequent shift in regs come in and you have to do it all over. Furthermore if these items are ever banned, you're shafted. Also the new spec makes these weapons even less desirable owing to the method of deactivation, so they are of less interest to even the casual enthusiast. Collectors and dealers excessively over-invested in deacts and have been hit very hard. Of all militaria they represent an easy kicking ball wide open to further changes in legislation. Deacts represent risk, risk, risk compared to other investments and are - frankly - worthless currently. Especially when one considers the weakness of their various lobby groups etc. There is good reason why many collectors I know have effectively written off the cost of their items as best as possible. In response to this dealers have massively inflated prices and declare that all is well now. It isn't, but since when did any dealer really have any ethics?
can I have this please Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is an 'antique' firearm? A: The word "antique" is not defined anywhere within any of the Firearms Acts or Regulations, so how do we know what is acceptable as "antique"? Dictionary definitions include "not of our time" and "a relic of former times". Consequently it must be accepted that modern reproductions, even of very old flintlocks, etc., cannot be antique. Many people use the old maxim that over 100 years old means it is antique. To a great extent this will prove to be true, but there are always the exceptions to the rule. There are some old weapons which are still capable of firing a modern centre fire cartridge, and are therefore not classified as antique. It may be easier to understand what is acceptable as antique, if we first establish what is "modern". Modern, in relation to firearms, has now been established as: manufactured since or during the Second World War. The following tables are a guide as to what may or may not be antique. In reality every case will need to be judged on its own merit. Antiques All muzzle loading firearms, except those of "modern" manufacture. Breech loading firearms capable of discharging a rim fire cartridge exceeding .23" calibre (or its metric equivalent), but not 9mm. Breech loading firearms using ignition systems other than rim fire or centre fire. (e.g. pin-fire and needle-fire). Breech loading firearms incapable of firing a centre fire cartridge. Not Antiques Breech loading firearms capable of firing either: a centre fire cartridge, or a rim fire cartridge not exceeding .23" (or its metric equivalent), or a 9mm rim fire cartridge. All firearms of "Modern" manufacture. All ammunition
