For those not familiar, Rock Island Auction Company sent out a series of emails containing some of the highlights in our May 2014 Premiere Firearms Auction.  These messages covered a number of popular genres and gave a first look at some firearms that are bound to attract the attention of some of the world's foremost collectors and investors.  This blog, and the ones to follow, are a reprint of those emails for those who do not receive that type of communication.  As an added bonus, these blogs will also include many photos that did not appear in the original emails in order to keep them at a reasonable size. We hope you enjoy these collectible firearms and their multitude of photos!

The first piece we'll see today is an engraved Johann Springer bolt action rifle made for none other than Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia. Perhaps modest compared to some of the glamorous presentation pieces given to kings, sultans, or emperors, this piece maintains a stately, handsome elegance. Most striking when viewing the photos below is the wood used in the stock. Many collectors are more accustomed to seeing wood grain that wraps around the gun, but when they traverse the length of this Mannlicher stock, it has a striking effect. Add to that the cheekpiece, fine checkering on both the grip and the forearm, and a horn forend cap and you've got a setting for the mechanics of a fine rifle.

This Johann Springer-made bolt action rifle was built and engraved for Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia.

A view of the receiver and barrel from above shows the casehardening finish and the delicate floral scrollwork.

The receiver of the rifle enjoys bright case coloring as a canvas for the extensive and delicate floral scrollwork and the deep relief carved royal monogram of the former monarch. This engraving continues down the bolt handle and finishes with a checkered bolt knob. It has a double trigger and a lightly embellished trigger guard extension, adding again to the high end feel of the gun, without crying out for attention. The rifle is rich in materials and ornate enough for a king, yet does not cross the line so as to be unusable nor gaudy.

The trigger guard also shows the floral scrollwork and some of the casehardened finish.

Engraved Walthers

The second item we'd like to share with you is a group of engraved Walther pistols that will be appearing in the May 2014 Premiere Firearms Auction. While there are nine engraved Walthers in this auction, we only have space to show you a few of them. Please enjoy these historic works of art.

A German presentation Walther PP.

This pistol bears an expertly applied oak leaf and acorn engraving, but upon closer inspection reveals a much more impressive trait. A banner has been engraved into the slide that reads, "Dem Tapferen! Vom Reichsfuhrer - SS H. Himmler." This Walther presentation pistol was created especially for Nazi Heinrich Himmler to be given to German soldiers for significant acts of valor and bravery or perhaps even to senior SS or Nazi party members. These pistols that bear the facsimile of Himmler's signature are exceedingly rare and will easily become a focal point in any German military collection. Even the trigger guard, trigger, safety lever, and even the exterior chamber area of the barrel has been engraved with a cross hatch pattern. This is an impressively decorated pistol made for those one would not want to disappoint.

This closeup shows the engraving on the slide that says "Dem Tapferen! Vom Reichfuhrer - SS H. Himmler"

The backstrap of the presentation Walther PP semiautomatic pistol has floral engraving.

The front of the grip of this presentation Walther PP semiautomatic pistol also has engraving.

The underside of the barrel of this presentation Walther PP semiautomatic pistol features oak leaf engraving.

Gifted Walther

This pre-war Walther Model 9 pistol comes in a striking package: a handsome brown russet leather presentation case, a gold-colored border trims the inside of the box, and a blue velvet lining. The gun itself is also highly decorated with gold line borders, ivory grips that bear the blue enamel inserts and a silver "SA" emblem, as well as some heavy engraving on the rear of the slide. However, it's only when we turn the gun over do we realize its most desirable trait: the identity of its former owner.

This view of the Walther Model 9 reveals it was received as a gift to Otto Hellmuth whose name is engraved on it.

This pistol was presented to Dr. Otto Hellmuth likely sometime in 1938/39. Hellmuth was wounded four times fighting for the Germans in World War I, but had to stop fighting due to being gassed. He joined the Nazi party in the 1920s and eventually was appointed as the Gauleiter of Lower Frankonia. He survived WWII, was tried at Dachau, sentenced to death, but had that sentence commuted to life imprisonment and was released in 1955. The history that a collector can hold in their hand and is available at this auction is astounding.

The top of the barrel of this Walther Model 9 shows the scrollwork engraving.

Intricate engraving on the front of the grip of this Walther Model 9 pistol.

Silver Walther

A silver and gold plated Walther PP.

This presentation grade Walther PP is silver plated and shows various gold plated parts. The engraving, already adding to the guns desirability, is a seldom seen scroll and vine pattern with a punch dot background. It is Nazi proofed and while it has no specific inscriptions or markings, it certainly has all the ear marks of a special order pistol for a person important to either the Nazi party or the Walther Company.

The backstrap displays the scrolling that covers this Walther PP.

The scrollwork engraving continues on the front of the grip on this Walther PP.

Scrollwork engraving covers this Walther PP, including the underside of the barrel.

Bonus photos

World War II Steyr-made MP-40.

This MG-42 features an anti-aircraft mount.

The German World War II MP-43 was considered the first assault rifle. Two examples of this weapon appeared in the May 2014 Premier Auction.

If you're a German military collector these pictures should have your blood pumping. These are all high condition pieces from studious collections! Add to that their historic provenance in an already desirable genre and you have a significant building block in an auction that will have collectors and investors alike buzzing with anticipation before the big day. Keep watch in the days that follow for even more jaw-dropping artistry and fascinating history to appear in Rock Island Auction Company's May 2014 Premiere Firearms Auction and thank you for taking a moment of your day to view these spectacular German arms.