Rare antique presentation pistols will be up for auction. Of the over 750 antiques, a documented magnificent pair of exhibition quality engraved, gold-inlaid and silver-mounted J.H. Krider Percussion Pocket Pistols ($65,000-$95,000), magnificent Sultan of Turkey presentation exhibition grade Mannlicher semi-automatic pistol with deluxe hand tooled leather bound, French fitted display case ($50,000-$100,000), and magnificent royal presentation cased engraved gold inlaid Mangeot percussion pistol with elaborately carved stock and accessories ($30,000-$50,000) are a few of the top lots to be offered. Other antique firearms include: a very fine collection of 175 antique pinfires, the largest such collection we have ever offered, 90 antique derringers, and over 20 Kentucky Rifles.
Over 450 sporting arms spanning the highest quality presentation to the high condition and rare modern day arms are represented in this auction. An extraordinary exhibition quality, engraved, massive “Owen-Rewa” 4-Bore elephant double rifle ($85,000-$140,000) is one of the most beautiful and most powerful sporting arms to ever be offered by RIAC. Owen made only six of these enormous double rifles and spent approximately “1000 hours” modeling each gun after the only known 4-bore rifle made by Holland & Holland for the Maharajah of Rewa, India in the early 20th century. Other incredible double rifles to be offered include a factory engraved Merkel Model 140 “Three Gun Set” safari series ($35,000-$55,000), an engraved gold inlaid Johann Fanzoj Ferlach side lock over / under with scope and case ($25,000-$40,000), and an engraved John Rigby & Co. (Paso Robles CA.) marked third quality double express rifle ($8,000-$14,000).
Exceptional sporting arms are not limited to double rifles. This auction will feature Remington shotguns from the pristine collection of James Tipton. Over 40 of the rarest and most beautiful factory engraved Remington shotguns ever to come to auction. The highlight of this collection is an exceptional consecutively numbered four-gun set of Remington custom shop R.P. Runge master engraved Model 1100SF skeet Premier Grade semi-automatic shotguns ($25,000-$50,000). An outstanding grouping of Winchester Model 21s (16 total), Model 70s (24 total), and over 90 Browning rifles and shotguns, and for the modern day sportsman there are over 50 “black” rifles that will be offered this September. If that is still not enough, there will be over 35 Class III arms from WWII to modern day including a desirable Ramo Manufacture full automatic M2 50 Cal BMG Rig with Tripod, T&E and Pintle ($15,000-$25,000).
Perennial powerhouses Colt and Winchester are well represented each with quality and quantity. An exceptional and rare Colt Model 1855 revolving carbine ($40,000-$60,000) and a unique lot of Colt percussion revolvers of the specific type used by Commodore Perry in his expedition to Japan of 1852-1853 ($25,000-$75,000) lead the way for the over 500 Colts this September. The over 250 Winchesters are lead by an exceptional special order deluxe Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle with Cody letter ($30,000-$40,000).
For the first time ever Rock Island Auction has acquired a special collection of over 300 pieces of American stoneware. Of the 300+ pieces over 75 are from the historic Anna Pottery which is the most Anna Pottery ever offered at auction (previous record being only 16). True American Folk Art made from 1859-1893 by the Kirkpatrick brothers, Cornwall and Wallace, were well known for vocalizing their opinions on politics, social issues, and the temperance movement during the last half of the nineteenth century. The highlight of this unique collection is a Fair Jug from Southern Illinois Fair in 1884 which is estimated to bring $75,000-$150,000. Fair Jugs commemorated the local social events of the year by documenting the winners of various categories, who organized the event as well as who were the distinguished members of society. Only three fair jugs are known to exist in private hands, and two of these will be offered at this auction. Also two snake jugs and over 25 Anna Pottery railroad and river guide presentation pig flasks to be offered. These are fantastic examples of political presentations, liquor advertising and railroad presentations.
This auction truly has something for every level of collecting whether it is your first firearm or looking to add an incredible centerpiece to your collection. In its entirety, over 2700 quality lots will be offered September 9, 10, & 11 by Rock Island Auction Company. Call 800-238-8022 now to order your two-volume full-color catalog with the supplemental pottery catalog or view it online at www.rockislandauction.com.
Recommended books for gun collectors:
2011 Standard Catalog of Firearms, 21st Edition.
