Military Gun Collecting Hotter Than Ever
Military arms from around the world drew record-breaking interest.
U.S. arms were represented with early Civil War guns, Lot 1098, with the finest Civil War Spencer Rifle RIAC has ever cataloged. It was estimated at $20,000-$30,000 and achieved an impressive $48,875 as a determined floor bidder eventually conceded defeat and saw the item sell to a phone bidder.
Lot number 1848, which was a magnificent and early U.S. Navy Marked Colt Model 1911 estimated $18,000-$27,500 brought $51,750, while an equally rare 1903 Mark I Rifle with original Pederson device brought $69,000.
Likewise other military arms from abroad saw similar results. Lot 1463, a historically significant Swiss Model 1894 Mondragon reached $37,375, while a pair of experimental Japanese Pedersen rifle and carbine both serial number 5 each realized $31,625.
German military arms made a strong showing with a beautiful American eagle Artillery Luger that brought $51,750. A unique full crate of thirty P38 pistols brought $25,875, and a rare pair of consecutively property marked Kreigsmarine Mauser Lugers realized $37,375. For more information regarding this sale or interest in selling with Rock Island Auction Company call 800-238-8022 or visit www.rockislandauction.com.
Resources for Military Gun Collectors
The Standard Catalog of Military Firearms
The Greatest Guns of Gun Digest
Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values
Gun Digest 1944 – 2013 3-Disc Set