One of the very few times I’ve ever actually yelled at my TV occurred a good number of years ago during one of the early buy-backs in DC.
Local news crew was covering the event live. They start interviewing this older lady who proceeds to tell them that she’s turning in her “Pappy’s” gun from his days as a Prohibition gangster. She then opens up the worn-looking box holding the gun to reveal ...
A vintage Thompson submachine gun. In mint condition. With three drum magazines.
Certainly worth more than the ~$100 she was going to get by turning it in. A LOT more. And by law/regulation the thing was required to be melted down.
That made me weep!
I'm surprised they didn't arrest her.
I saw a Mauser C96 broomhandle in one of those trophy heaps one time. I could have wept.
Most likely, someone in the police department added that one to his own personal collection.