RIAC's December Premiere Firearms Auction Recap

The 2017 December Premiere Firearms Auction finished up the year strong. When the sun set on the third day of auction, the sale had amassed an incredible $15.7+ million in sales.

Winchester First Model 1873 “One of One Thousand” Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Day 1

Not 200 lots into the sale, the staghorn-gripped, Colt Single Action Army revolver inscribed to Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson in lot 197 went for $37,375. Lot 229 housed a contemporary engraving and gold inlay courtesy of a Smith & Wesson 629 double action revolver originally created for the benefit of the 1980 Olympic shooting team. Its craftsmanship was readily recognized and sold for $48,875. Shortly thereafter, the cased, engraved, and gold inlaid Colt garniture set in lot 290 was sold for $74,750. A factory engraved Winchester Model 42 Pigeon Grade shotgun with an extra barrel in lot 352 nearly tripled its expectation and also brought $74,750.

Documented Exhibition Quality Lynton McKenzie Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Cased Garniture

Day 2

Percussion Colts: Lot 2126 with its Samuel Colt cased presentation Model 1862 Police revolver sold for an astounding $460,000.

Winchester: The well-documented Winchester Model 1873 “One of One Thousand” rifle in lot 2006 achieved $448,500!

U.S. Military: RIAC was honored to be entrusted again with the Singer M1911A1 pistol. Previous sold by RIAC in 2010 for $166,000, the finest example known outdid itself once again when it crossed the block for a remarkable $414,000.

Sporting Arms: The Philippe Grifnee engraved and inlaid pair of Royal Deluxe over and under shotguns in 28 gauge, formerly of the Robert E. Petersen Collection sold for $299,000 to a noteworthy collection.

German Military: Prototype “Baby” Lugers bear Georg Luger’s own initials on the rear toggle went for $92,000.

Cartridge Colts: Colts in lots 2438, 2444, and 2445 (among others) all saw well-deserved prices. Respectively, the Gough-engraved Officer’s Model with carved pearl grips brought $40,250; the Gough-engraved Officer’s Model Target matched that amount; but the Officer’s Model Target with its gold inlays and ties to the Singer Corporation topped them all at $57,500.

Antiques: The Boutet pistol in lot 2260 rightfully belongs in a museum, as do so many other pieces from the Parisian master. Thankfully, this one remains in private hands and will continue to be appreciated by a new collector who offered up $63,250 for the single pistol.

U.S. Singer Manufacturing Co. Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Two Extra Magazines and History

Day 3

The Colt “Baby” Paterson No. 1 (4th Model Ehlers) in lot 3068 inspired bidding that ended at $74,750. Fully-automatic arms helped end the auction on a strong note. Lot 3692 contained a cased, 1921/1928 U.S. Navy Overstamp Thompson machine gun that achieved $75,000 – far above the usual range for these iconic arms. Likewise, lot 3695 and its converted “Ma Deuce” surpassed its low estimate and sold for over $43,000. A Heckler & Koch MP5 in lot 3706 blew past its $9,500 low estimate for willing bidders who pushed the figure to $40,250.

Class III/NFA C&R Full Automatic Colt, Model 1921/1928 US Navy Over Stamp Thompson Submachine Gun with a 50 Round Drum Magazine, Stick Magazines and Case

Across the board and regardless of genre, collector firearms sold at fantastic prices. 2018 is shaping up to be an incredible year.

Contact our Acquisitions Department today at guns@rockislandauction.com or by calling us at 1-800-238-8022. There is no charge for us to provide an estimate of what your items may bring at auction. Build off our success and reap the benefits of what promises to be a very successful 2018.

John Ulrich Signed Engraved, Gold Inlaid and Relief Carved Factory Exhibition Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter: Winchester’s Factory Exhibition 1894 Rifle for Over 20 Years!