Rock Island Auction Company's February Regional Firearms Auction contained a vast assortment of collectables and antiques, from engraved Henry rifles, World War II firearms, and militaria, to modern gems such as new in the box shotguns, rifles, and pistols.
2014 started with a bang for Rock Island Auction Company with a record number of sealed bids — totaling around 17,000 — with many items exceeding their already high estimates.
The February 2014 Regional Firearms Auction exceeded expectations by posting $4.4 million dollars in sales. It boasted a 99% sell through rate for the three day auction, which contained nearly 6,500 firearms and 2,736 lots.
The auction featured a vast assortment of collectables and antiques — from engraved Henry rifles, World War II firearms, and militaria, to modern gems such as new in the box shotguns, rifles, and pistols.
A lot of interest was shown in the Tom Knapp “Shooting Star” Collection when two lots sold for $8,050 and $8,625 respectively. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history from the man recognized as the greatest exhibition shooter of modern times.
The Charles Best Collection of Iver Johnson firearms was also quite a hit with collectors. These often unfairly maligned firearms saw a lot of bid activity and also some very attractive prices. An Engraved Iver Johnson Model 1879 Swing Cylinder Revolver sold for $4,312, while a Collector's Lot of Three Iver Johnson Air Pistols sold for a surprising $3,737.
Four Harrington & Richardson Revolvers from the Jim Hauff collection commanded $2,300. All three collections performed tremendously on the auction block.
Winchester and Henry firearms are always a staple in any RIAC auction and nearly 400 were auctioned off including a New Haven Arms Henry lever action rifle that brought a sale price of $25,875.
A desirable Winchester Model 1866 lever action saddle ring carbine also found a new owner, selling for $6,900.
A Winchester Model 12 slide action trench shotgun with U.S. Marked Receiver, sold for $3,737.50, yet another indicator of the hot trench shotgun market.
There is a sleeper in every auction, and this Regional Auction’s was a Collector's Lot of U.S. bayonets and knives. It was an intense back and forth battle, achieving a sale price of $6,900.
Military arms were well represented with a U.S. Springfield Model 1903 bolt action sniper rifle with Winchester A5 Scope that commanded $4,600. Not to be outdone, four Enfield bolt action rifles left our doors for $4,025.
The ever-popular creations of Samuel Colt played a big role with an engraved gold and silver plated Colt Model 1860 Army percussion revolver featuring ornate cast grip that brought in an astounding $11,500.
A Colt Model 1862 Police percussion revolver with holster and inscription on the back strap exceeded the estimate by selling for $8,625.
Eyebrows — and bidder cards — shot skyward as 39 individual bidders vied for the chance to own an extensively engraved, antique, First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolver with factory letter. It went for $4,600. A Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle crossed the block for $4,312.
Other notable highlights included a scarce Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle with Stock and Case that sold for $11,500, exceeding the estimate. And a Tower Flintlock Carbine that went for $5,642. Two U.S. Bolt Action Rifles sold for $4,887.
Rock Island Auction Company holds five live auctions per year, two of which are Regional Auctions and are geared towards beginner collectables as well as modern sporting pistols, rifles and shotguns. The remaining three are Premiere Auctions and are built around important, rare, high condition, historic firearms and militaria. RIAC Premiere Firearms Auctions are considered by many around the world to be the crown jewel of collector firearms auctions. Its next auction is a Premiere Firearms Auction scheduled for May 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2014.
For more information regarding this sale or interest in selling with RIAC, please visit www.rockislandauction.com or call 1-800-238-8022.
Learn More About Buying and Selling Guns:
Blue Book of Gun Values 35th Edition
In the 35th Anniversary Edition Blue Book of Gun Values you’ll find:
– 180,000+ gun prices
– 1,500+ gun manufacturers
– Nearly 30,000 gun model descriptions
