I'm glad you got it, it looks nice. Here's how I handle collecting (any antique) and buying. I don't ask anyone for a price opinion. I do my own research and take my own chances. I research comparable items that have actually sold, on several sites and live auction histories. I don't mention the particulars on any forum. It's not difficult for someone to research where you live, check a few gun shops, and buy it before you return. But I collect more rare items (Pre Civil War antique photographic equipment) and you have to be VERY cautious or another collector will be tipped off, and buy it out from under you. For example with guns, if you say, "how much is a 4 digit Python worth?" the next question is "where is it? (rationalized by the idea prices are different in different areas). The second question is "do you have pictures" (which also identify the serial number - making searches easier). The last question is "what did you pay?" which really isn't anyone's business if you think you'll sell it in the future. For determining my price, I acknowledge that selling online the world is your market, so prices are higher. In a shop, I deduct for that fact. If Pythons like you found sell for $1900-$3000, the shop will probably be asking $3000. If they are asking the low end, it's getting interesting. If they are asking well below the range, I probably will consider getting it, depending on how low. To me, there is no reason to ask someone a value on something commonly sold - you risk tipping an unscrupulous person off to look for it. After you buy, then you can show it off, and know one has to know where you got it. Never reveal your sources.
