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
