Good point. Economic times have found their way into other realms of my collecting interests, to include antiques, pottery and fine art.
The collecting world is usually informed by a simple premise that "quality sells", even in a down market. The reason is not difficult to understand; witness gold which is a hedge against the failing dollar.
As I understand it, (and I believe multiple references have been made on this string), a double rifle is one of the most expensive firearms on the market.
While you can get one cheap, between $25,000 and $50,000, from Beretta or Merkel, if you go for the big time British double rifle (Purdey, Griffen & Howe) you can easily spend $100,000.