No, they aren't "lies." You obviously have not been in business paying overhead and expenses, have you?
From what I have seen, and from having been a gun buyer, especially antique firearms, and as an appraiser, he offers fair pricing on what he buys.
Frankly, it is fairly normal for an antique gun dealer, or any used firearm dealer, to offer just 50% of the expected retail price he will get when a firearm eventually sells. This is a pretty much industry standard offer level.
Anyone who offers more will unlikely stay in business long. They won't be able to keep the doors open.
When I was running a gun shop, the markup on new guns purchased from a wholesaler was only 18%. You had to make your money on the used gun, ammunition, and accessory sales.
Old Colts go for Crazy money.
Specific pieces that are “traceable”
like this one,,,
10 to 12 grand,
My estimate.
Gee, you cry just like Rick.