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

by Judy E. Voss, Vice President, RIAC

In early 2011 a phone call was patched through to me….“there’s a production company on the phone, can you take it?” It wasn’t the first time we had been approached, others had brought up possibilities and knocked around some ideas, however this time what I was hearing was different. The Cineflix representative truly peaked my interest. I expressed several concerns regarding the intent of pursuing a show about Rock Island Auction; there was much to take into consideration. We had several discussions over the phone before I finally approached the owner of Rock Island Auction, Pat Hogan with the production company’s proposal. I knew if we were to pursue a television show we had to be taken seriously. It was important that they focus on what is unique about collecting firearms – the history, the craftsmanship and the artistry of the guns. They would have to be sure to portray collectors and sellers for who they are – warm, intelligent and passionate about their hobby. I also impressed upon them the fact that in a few months Pat’s son Kevin would be graduating from college and would be working for RIAC full-time. Kevin had worked at the auction house since he was a young boy and had even bought his first gun when he was six years old. He was anxious to graduate and come on board full time. He and his Dad have a great relationship and I thought it would be a good idea to see it reflected in the show. It’s wonderful when you have a father/son team with similar interests. This particular relationship encompasses a similar passion for history, firearms and auctioneering! With that said, Cineflix and I were on the same page, now I needed to talk to Pat.

When I first brought up the fact that I had been talking with Cineflix Pat’s immediate reaction was “no”. He didn’t want to jeopardize all the hard work we had put into the business and turn it into a circus. I explained the discussions I had had with Cineflix and made clear that they were out to represent RIAC and the firearms collecting community from a very human and intelligent angle. He eventually, although reluctantly agreed to speak with them. After further discussions, Cineflix flew out to our facility to meet Pat, Kevin and the RIAC staff in person. Once Pat was comfortable with Cineflix and their intentions of the show, filming began.

In total we filmed for approximately 20 days in four different states over a 9 to 10 month period. We shot with many interesting and remarkable people, some new to Rock Island Auction and others old friends. There is really no telling how many hours of film were shot or how many interviews taken but in the end the story got boiled down to about 45 minutes.

I think we all found it intriguing to see our business through the film crew’s eyes. Their excitement regarding the firearms, the people and the auction process was palatable. They were here so often that we eventually gave them their own room; and I have to say they accomplished a lot in there. They had cameras and this neat contraption that securely held a gun in mid-air and rotated it – it was pretty amazing, you see this in the show, when a gun that is being featured spins by itself. I think they had fun filming it and it was fun for us to watch. 

For most all of us it was the first time we had ever been in front of a camera. I recall Kevin telling me about the day they filmed outside during the summer. It was a 105 degree day, unbelievably humid, mosquitoes in full force, and the only advice the camera crew of six (which included two assistant producers) could give him was “just be yourself”. Really? 

It truly is/was an experience of a lifetime. I am proud to watch the show. I know that Kevin, at 23 can look back and say “look at what Dad and I did”, and Pat can do the same about his son. As for me I am glad we took the chance and pursued the unknown. The first time I watched the show I was intrigued by the “people” stories, I was especially smitten by the couple who drove 8 hours to bid on a Remington Shotgun. The passion of his story and his wife’s support was endearing. It truly reflected a side of collecting that is shared among many collectors. However later viewings I couldn’t help but focus in on the facility and the inner-workings of our auction company. I am so proud of what we have accomplished and what we are able to offer buyers and sellers alike. My eye goes to our production floor and notices the massive amount of guns neatly stored, I note the two photography stations, I enjoy seeing the auction in progress with our telephone bidders and attendees bidding from the auction floor. I love seeing the huge preview floor and how the guns are laid out so nicely for preview. It’s great to see the auctioneers selling and getting the crowd involved. Yet there is so much more… This show, Ready Aim Sold, has been an unforgettable experience. Who knows what lies ahead? We’ll be sure to keep you informed.

What the show didn’t cover is all the work we do on the road. The next few days we have trucks on the road picking up inventory for upcoming auctions across the map. You can catch up with us in person at the Antique Arms Show in Las Vegas. On display will be Colt Single Action that “Bill” handed over to Pat on the show, a Colt Model 1883 Gatling Gun with Carriage, as well as the First Colt Navy Cartridge Conversion Revolver, it is Exhibition Engraved and Cased Presented by Colt to a Colt Employee, Serial Number 1! Our Acquisitions Team will be there in force along with Pat and Kevin. We are also pleased to announce that we will have a 30’ x 40’ booth at the NRA Convention in St. Louis April 13-15 this year, hope to see you there continuing to support the firearms industry.