Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

Flintlocks for Sale

Rock Island Auction Company helps firearm enthusiasts find the exact antique guns they are looking for. Especially when it comes to flintlock firearms.

Flintlocks for Sale

Rock Island Auction Company helps firearm enthusiasts find the exact antique guns they are looking for. Especially when it comes to flintlock firearms.

Rock Island Auction Company helps firearm enthusiasts find the exact antique guns they are looking for, especially when it comes to flintlock firearms.

Many collectors come to us looking for flintlocks for sale. The guns have a rich history around the world since they were the firearms of choice for approximately two centuries. With many years as the peak of firearms technology, there are spectacular and rare flintlocks still in existence today. Our flintlocks for sale at auction come in a wide range of makes, models, and manufacturers.

Flintlock Mechanism Closeup

Explore Our Flintlocks for Sale

When looking to buy or collect an antique firearm, there are several factors that you need to consider in order to make an educated choice. RIAC offers a range of flintlock antique firearm in our auctions year round. Check out our catalog to see your options for buying a classic flintlock.

What is a Flintlock Mechanism?

The flintlock mechanism dates back to the 1600s. It was a vast improvement upon the earlier firing mechanisms of the matchlock and wheellock. The flintlock simplified the firing process by creating a new way to ignite the gunpowder to propel a bullet. The name flintlock comes from the fact that a jaw on the cock (or hammer) holds a piece of flint on the gun. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer slams forward and the flint strikes the steel "frizzen" which creates a shower of sparks into a small charge of gunpowder waiting in the flash pan. The flame of this small charge travels through a small hole in the breech of the gun, igniting the primary charge of gunpowder inside the barrel, and fires the flintlock.

The flintlock mechanism was a huge innovation for the firearms industry. It was simpler and cheaper to produce, quicker, more accurate, and more reliable. Since the guns were made in many different styles and countries, we tend to have varied selection of flintlocks for sale showcased in our auctions.

A Wide Variety of Flintlocks for Sale

Flintlock guns were sold to governments and also were available in the civilian market, resulting in both very austere and wonderfully lavish examples. Many guns we consider antique firearms were made in the era when flintlocks were popular, so finding the right one for your collection can be an exciting and rewarding search. One of our more recent flintlocks for sale that performed admirably at auction was a highly collectible and historic Brown Bess musket that dated back to 1743 and sold for $54,625. Collectors at every budget can collect flintlock firearms, so beginning collectors should not be intimidated by such high prices. Find your next antique gun at an upcoming auction.

Discover Our Flintlocks For Sale

Buying antique guns through a trusted seller ensures that you get what you pay for. Rock Island Auction Company has been the global authority in antique gun auctions and collector firearm since 2003. If you are looking for a flintlock for sale, make sure we are your first stop.

Year after year we break records by selling the most rare and historic firearms. Our team of experts will help you find your perfect flintlock firearm and make sure your experience with us is stress-free and smooth.

Search our website and start shopping our exclusive flintlocks for sale.

Flintlocks For Sale
Thomas Mayer Flintlock Rifle with Johannes Neyreiter BarrelLot 1274: Thomas Mayer Flintlock Rifle with Johannes Neyreiter Barrel
Griffin Flintlock Gun with Francisco Bis Spanish BarrelLot 1265: Griffin Flintlock Gun with Francisco Bis Spanish Barrel
Gary McGraw Half-Stock Percussion Rifle with Two Extra BarrelsLot 194: Gary McGraw Half-Stock Percussion Rifle with Two Extra Barrels
Join Our Mailing ListStep into the Collecting LifestyleDon’t miss the stories behind the world’s greatest guns.
Learn More
Stay InformedLatest NewsFind pieces on your favorite rare and historic models, exclusive auction highlights, collecting tips and more.
Video
The Story of Steve McQueen's Mare's Leg
Steve McQueen is the King of Cool and he got his start with a couple of guest spots on the TV show "Trackdown." On that old Western, he was armed with...
July 11, 2025
Blog
Elite Gun Collections, Exquisite Offerings
Many start humbly, making a purchase here and managing a sale there, always striving for better, until decades have passed and the collector has amassed...
July 9, 2025
Blog
Guns of Ed McGivern
While shooting history is filled with tall tales and mythmaking, Ed McGivern was the real deal. As a record-setting exhibition shooter, celebrated firearms...
July 8, 2025
Blog
Wild West Guns: Arms of the Frontier
Thanks to generations of novels, films, and television epics, the lore and legends of the American West continue to loom large in popular consciousness...
July 7, 2025