Now that the auction has ended can some explain WTF happened?

NDM-86 with the run of the mill accessories but somewhere along the line had the finish removed from the whole rifle except the magazines. I kinda thought that would lower it’s value a bunch but instead it is a new high for a non red box? In the last 4 months or so they were in the $7-$8K range with the same accessory package. Did I miss something, or is it just some bidders who really wanted a stripped finish rifle and paid $3K+ to not have to do it themselves?

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896501574

MAC influence?

Entirely possible, someone frustrated with that debacle FOed. But why at $11K? There have been a dozen or so in the last 4 months that were $7-&8K. It’s possible this one was the first Spence then. First in 7.62x54R I should say. There is one that has been relisted and hasn’t sold in the $7K range but it is .308.

Looks like it was two guys in a bidding war trying to outdo the other.

Inflation plus people are generally flush with cash right now.  Driving prices up a bit.  High-end guns seem to be going for premiums.  Even Barrett M82's are getting $10K now.