Hatfield Uplander Woodcock Grade V two barrel set double barrel Shotgun intended for President George H. W. Bush selling at $28,750.
The antiques in this auction represented some of the earliest known firearms including a matched pair of relief engraved, silver-mounted, 18th century Italian flintlock pistols realized $16,100 and an elaborate late 16th century Wheellock "Petronel" style weapon sold for $13,800. The antique selection of this sale also brought many edged weapons, a large Pesh-Kabz Dagger with Gold Inlay and Sheath went well above estimate for $10,950. A bid of $8,625 won a gold and silver damascened 17th century English swept hilt Rapier, as documented in Blair's "European & American Arms" book.
Top lots for the Colts were a rare factory engraved silver and gold plated Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with checkered ivory grips brought $25,875 and a Cole Agee signed cattle brand engraved gold and silver plated Colt single action army revolver fetched $12,650.
A remarkable collection of high grade custom knives were sold on Sunday. Standouts include an extremely rare Randall miniature model 12 Bowie knife with whale tooth handle which sold for $6,325, a W.F. "Bill" Moran Bowie knife with sheath brought $4,600 and an engraved Jimmy Lile folding knife with scrimshaw ivory inlays also reached $4,600.
The excitement leading up to the September auction carried through. Promoted as being the premiere firearms auction of the year, this auction performed up to expectations with a new record set, strong prices realized and several lots achieving unexpected results. An impressive 96% plus sell through rate brought sales to $9.4 million. With very few items reserved market value was obtained by bidders bidding not against auction house reserves but against fellow collectors satisfying both buyers and sellers, a goal for any auction house.
With a strong September sale and a great turn out of buyers in attendance Rock Island Auction feels confident in their decision to invest in the future of firearms. With a new 73,000 sq. ft. facility currently under renovation our dedication to the future of firearms has never been stronger. Commenting on the auction and RIAC, Pat Hogan, President and owner of RIAC said, “Those who know me know that I am nervous up to the last minute before an auction. However this auction felt different, for many reasons, the collections, the consignor’s confidence in us, and my staff’s hard work. Truly, I look forward to making the firearms auction experience an enjoyable one. This new facility I’m investing in shows our dedication to the future of firearms collecting.”
Join RIAC for their upcoming December Premiere Auction. This auction will feature Part II of the William Ashby Military Collection, impressive Colts led by the finest conditioned original Colt Buntline Special Single Action Army Revolver Extant, a Winchester Model 1873 1 of 1000 as Featured in R.L. Wilson's Book, impressive sporting arms and much more! Rock Island Auction Company is currently seeking consignments. Consign one piece or an entire collection and know that you are consigning
