The Nation's Leading Auction House for Firearms, Edged Weapons, & Military Artifacts

Rock Island, IL. It appears that Rock Island Auction Company has saved the best for last. The quality assembled at RIAC’s December 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2,700 lot auction is truly stunning from start to finish. 

They are proud to present one of the rarest and most sought after Colt firearms this December, the finest ‘B’ Company marked U.S. Walker Model 1847 Colt Revolver known. This truly stunning example is one of the headliners of this auction and reflects its’ quality with a pre-auction estimate of $300,000-600,000. The Colt Walker was the foundation for a relationship between U.S. Military and Colt Firearms, a relationship which still exists today. Nearly all of the Colt Walkers saw heavy use in the Mexican War and of the 1100 produced only approximately 240 survive today many of which are in relic state, making the condition of this piece a true historic treasure. This is far from the only noteworthy Colt in this auction. An extraordinary Ainsworth Inspected, Company K, 4th Cavalry Marked, Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver, is expected to bring $100,000-250,000. From the collection of noted Colt collector C.D. Terry comes the only three known factory engraved documented Colt 1871-72 Open Top Revolvers from the 1876 Centennial celebration in New York City, the finest of which carries an estimate of $150,000-250,000.

Quality does not miss a beat moving to Curio & Relic Colts. Extraordinary and Historic, Impeccably Documented Factory Presentation, to standing President Theodore Roosevelt's Colt 1902 ideal stocked semi-automatic pistol will also be a centerpiece of this auction. The pistol features gold inlaid 'T.R.' initials and is complete with factory documentation and direct personal correspondents from President Roosevelt referencing this pistol and is expected to bring $150,000-225,000. The finest and most diverse assortment of Colt Woodsmans from the William “Bill” Neal Collection highlighted by an exceptional Gough factory engraved Colt First Series Pre-Woodsman pistol with original box and documentation ($25,000-45,000).  An outstanding factory engraved London agency cased pair of Colt Third Model (Thuer) Deringers with Ivory Grips ($55,000-85,000) leads the over 70 Colt Derringers. Carbine Williams 1911A1 “Floating Chamber Prototype” is expected to bring $30,000-50,000. Over 650 Colts will cross the auction block, all of which are expected to be in high demand. 

The complete evolution of Winchester from Volcanics to Model 70’s are sure to draw collectors of every level. Thirteen Volcanics including a large frame Smith & Wesson lever action magazine pistol ($35,000-60,000), as well as three New Haven Arms lever action carbines are featured. With ten Henry Rifles including an extremely rare documented iron frame Henry ($85,000-160,000).  Over 125  lever actions rifles including Prototypes, factory engraved, and presentation rifles from Model ‘86’s to Model ‘95’s will all be featured. A documented Paris Exposition Universelle, Grand-Prix Champion engraved gold and nickel Winchester Model 1873 Carbine signed by John Ulrich is expected to bring $35,000-75,000. Model 21’s as well as over 30 Model 70’s round out the impressive offering of quality Winchesters.

In September the Putnam Green Collection set four world records. This December will be the final chapter of this historic collection of rare, high condition, and historical U.S. and German Military. The only completely original prototype Walther Model KPK semi-automatic pistol ($50,000-$90,000) spearheads this installment. Other notable firearms from this collection include a 1902 DWM Luger Carbine Rig with matching shoulder stock, ammunition, and "VL&A" Chicago marked leather case ($25,000-40,000), and an extraordinarily rare Walther, prototype "Armee-Pistole" with original walnut shoulder stock/holster ($40,000-70,000). Along with the incredible firearms are many extremely scarce, original owners’ manuals and advertisements that were normally discarded by the original owners. Much of the ephemera items in this sale from the Putnam Green Collection are rarer than the guns themselves.

Civil War arms from both the North and South make up a large section of this auction with over 80 carbines and examples of high conditioned Confederate long arms. Not only quantity, but quality will also be showcased with an incredible variety of manufactures and rare variations which are rarely seen together in one auction. 

Modern sporting arms in this condition and quantity are rarely seen especially at auction. Over 300 new-in-the-box sporting arms from Browning, Merkel, Mannlicher/Steyr, Ruger and Weatherby make this a must participate for any sportsman. High grade sporting arms also include a Cased engraved custom made Ivo Fabbri Over/Under side lock shotgun ($40,000-50,000) and an engraved gold inlaid presentation AYA Model 10-89 magnum 10 gauge double barrel shotgun ($20,000-35,000).

This auction has something for every level of collecting whether your collection needs a world-class centerpiece or a new-in-the-box sporting arm, or anything in-between. Over 2700 quality lots will be offered December 2, 3 & 4 by Rock Island Auction Company with a full day preview December 1. To order your two-volume full-color catalog call 800-238-8022 or view the full catalog online at www.rockislandauction.com.