Rock Island's April Sale to Offer Condition and Rarity to Firearms Collectors Moline, IL April 30, May 1 & 2, 2010. Collecting is a hobby for many, a habit for some and a way of life for others. Rock Island Auction strives to meet each individual collector’s desire with every a
A firearms auction would not be complete without Winchesters. Over 400 Winchesters comprised of outstanding lever actions plus excellent Model 21’s and sporting rifles including Model 70’s will be brought to the auction block. Three Henry rifles, a magnificent factory cased and engraved Volcanic lever action Navy pistol estimated at $70,000 – 125,000 and a spectacular, Winchester model 1886 fancy sporting rifle with factory Montgomery Ward inscription in 38-56 WCF which holds a pre-auction estimate of $30,000 - 60,000 are only a few of the impressive firearms being offered at this sale.
Rock Island Auction never disappoints the military collector. RIAC is the auction house for buying and selling all military genres. Beginning with the Civil War, two fine historically significant examples are an exceptional Gustave Young deluxe engraved, factory cased and Civil War officer inscribed Colt model 1851 navy revolver engraved "Lieut Jas B. Smith/Co D National Guards 2nd Regt Philada" ($50,000 – 90,000) and an inscribed and identified Civil War New Haven Arms Co., Henry lever action rifle belonging to "Peter Church / Co.C. 23rd Ill Vols" ($60,000 - 75,000). A rare Miller & Co., presentation cavalry officer's saber with Collins & Co., blade is one of nearly 100 swords in this auction including several Union & Confederate. The upper scabbard mount has an integral, oval, plate inscribed: "COL. NELSON WALL. / - From Officers of - / the 4th R.I.M." ($8,500 - 16,000). Over 100 Civil war lots with high condition carbines, rifles and revolvers from Starr Arms, Richmond Armory, Burnside, Remington and many others.
This auction will also offer impressive U.S. military arms from early trapdoors through WWI & WWII sniper rifles, edged weapons and semi-automatic pistols. An outstanding U.S. Springfield model 1873 trapdoor carbine is within the serial number range of carbines documented as being used by the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn and carries a presale estimate of $20,000 – 30,000. A highlight of the military items is a rare WWII Singer contract U.S. M1911A1 semi-automatic pistol with Parkerized finish ($20,000 - 40,000), one of two Singers in this auction. There are over 100 1911’s and early autos in this auction, an extremely rare U.S. army first contract Colt model 1900 automatic pistol serial number 93 with holster is estimated at $25,000 - 37,500.
The WWII items in this auction are in abundance: nearly 250 German, European and Japanese military arms to include 100 Lugers, and nearly 20 Broomhandles. There is an impressive collection of presentation swords featuring an extremely rare presentation Nazi diplomatic official's sword with damascus blade and gold-etched inscription to Gen. Konsul Dr. Pfeifer. Another Third Reich item is a rare and unique Nazi eagle belt buckle multi-shot pistol estimated to sell for $15,000 – 30,000. This grouping also features a very interesting Luftwaffe Ace Horst Petzschler's tunic and personal effects ($7,500 – 15,000). This lot makes for some interesting reading, the missions he flew, fights he was involved in, including times he was
