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Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
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Antique Guns For Sale

By definition, antique guns are those made in or before 1898, or replicas thereof, that use a primitive ignition system, or ammunition that is no longer commercially available.

Antique Guns For Sale

By definition, antique guns are those made in or before 1898, or replicas thereof, that use a primitive ignition system, or ammunition that is no longer commercially available.

What are Antique Firearms?

View All Antique Firearms

By definition, antique guns are those made in or before 1898, or replicas thereof, that use a primitive ignition system, or ammunition that is no longer commercially available. Antique guns are often passed down from one generation to the next, given as gifts, sold at auctions, or consigned.

The History of Collecting Antique Guns

Gun collecting as we know it today in the United States truly arose in the 1950s, following World War II. As certain firearms from previous conflicts, such as the Revolutionary War and Civil War, became more and more rare, collectors took an interest.

Specific models of firearms and their unique features became highly sought after based on a number of factors such as rarity, finish, or simply being unusual. Additionally, some firearms enthusiasts begin collecting guns due to sentimental value. For example, if your grandfather used a particular firearm for hunting or in the military, then owning one of the same model becomes a tangible way to remember grandpa and respect his memory.

Gold Damascened Colt Revolvers

Premier Auction 71, Lots 101 and 102, September 2017. Gold Damascened Colt Revolvers

How to Find Quality Antique Guns for Sale

There are several qualities that make a firearm unique and worthy of being considered collectible. Because it can be difficult to determine whether a gun is authentic and the appropriate antique gun values, we recommend going to a trusted auction house that has on-site experts evaluating each lot. Antique guns for sale can vary in price from thousands to millions of dollars, so it's important to work with a company you trust with your investment.

If you're looking for that special gun, the one that is incredibly rare, it's imperative to either be in the right network of collectors or turn to a firearms auction house. Firearms auction houses specialize in rare and desirable collector's firearms. They also provide security, peace of mind, and the chance to inspect the goods prior to purchase.

The World Leader for Antique Firearms

Ten short years after its inception, Rock Island Auction Company became the #1 firearms auction house in the world, an undisputed position the company has held ever since. RIAC has set numerous world records for individual pieces as well as industry records for annual sales, often breaking their own records again and again for antique and collector firearms.

When you are ready to sell your guns, or you're looking for rare, antique guns, please contact us to find out how we can help you.

Such progress has pushed the company into larger accommodations two separate times, including a 2011 move into RIAC's current state of the art, 86,000 square foot facility. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, 160 miles west of Chicago, it's the finest brick and mortar auction house in North America.

2021 annual sales graph

Top Antique Guns of All Time
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Cased Remington New Model Army RevolversLot 106: Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Cased Remington New Model Army Revolvers
Napoleon Presentation Garniture of Six Arms from BoutetLot 335: Napoleon Presentation Garniture of Six Arms from Boutet
Cased Colt Model Colt Civilian Walker RevolverLot 60: Cased Colt Model Colt Civilian Walker Revolver
Antiques from Auction 4095
View all Antique Guns
Simon Bolivar's Baucheron Pirmet Flintlock Double Barrel ShotgunLot 1258: Simon Bolivar's Baucheron Pirmet Flintlock Double Barrel Shotgun
Cased Nimschke Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action RifleLot 20: Cased Nimschke Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
Cased, Banded, & Inscribed Colt Paterson Belt Model RevolverLot 1196: Cased, Banded, & Inscribed Colt Paterson Belt Model Revolver
Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion RevolverLot 1194: Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver
Documented A Company No. 74 U.S. Colt Walker Model 1847 RevolverLot 3257: Documented A Company No. 74 U.S. Colt Walker Model 1847 Revolver
Gold Inlaid Factory No. 5-3 Engraved Marlin Model 1893 RifleLot 31: Gold Inlaid Factory No. 5-3 Engraved Marlin Model 1893 Rifle
Antiques from Auction 5016
View all Antique Guns
Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action RifleLot 425: Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action RifleLot 10: Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Rifle in .45-70Lot 1: Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Rifle in .45-70
Joseph Egg Percussion Conversion of a Contriner RifleLot 69: Joseph Egg Percussion Conversion of a Contriner Rifle
Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action MusketLot 2: Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Musket
Antique Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action RifleLot 3: Antique Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle
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