Bought it at a bankruptcy forced auction back in 1999; as per Swiss law the auction was organized by the local police, as you need a permit for all weapons, and a special permit for full-auto weapons. I have a second magazine and the original box too (though cardboard, not worth showing). Needless to say I was ecstatic to acquire it, and still very happy to have it in my collection.
Actually I can share the story of how this Beretta 93 R came in my possession.
So back in June 1999, a good friend and shooting buddy sends me a fax (yes a TELEFAX) with the copy of a newspaper ad for a forced auction after a private bankruptcy.
I wrote to the bankruptcy office and asked for a detailed list of the guns offered for sale.
When I saw the Beretta 93 R, having already a 92 F from 1986 which I adored (and still have), I knew I should try to buy it.
I asked the LGS what price would be reasonable, in order words where do I stop bidding. He told me that the normal value was abt. 1000.- Swiss francs (abt 670.- $ back then), but that would have been if you could have bought one new from Beretta. However they sold in very limited quantities, mostly to police and/or counter terrorism forces, and only in batches (like 10 guns or so).
So finding one in the private market was extremely rare and a price of upto 3000.- Swiss francs (2000.- $) would be reasonable. I went to the bank and created a dent in my savings account, took 3 grand out.
Despite the listing number, they sold the special objects (full auto) last (the Beretta 12 MG, the 93 R and the 1928 A1 Thompson). It was the main event.
At first Tom Dick and Harry were happily bidding, increments of CHF 100.-. After a while, nearing two grand we were only two left truly interested in this gun (others were saving their pennies for the Tommy gun or spent them on the 12 MG). We kept increasing by 100.-, 2200, 2300, 2400, when the other guy showed he was running out of oxygen: he started bidding by 5.- increments, like 2405.-. So I kept increasing by 100.- to discourage him. At 2605 I decided to slow down, offered 2650.- (US$ 1770.-). He gave up, lot number 37 was mine.
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Originally Posted by yoni
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