“You can’t be common, the common man goes nowhere; you have to be uncommon.”

–Herb Brooks

This year has been interesting… to say the least. A global pandemic rages on unlike anything seen since the Spanish Flu of 1918, giant insects nicknamed “murder hornets” made an appearance in the northwest forest of America, and mysterious monolith structures have spontaneously appeared in various locations around the world. Uncertainty seems to be the norm; for first time since World War II, the Olympic Games had to be postponed, Warner Brothers announced they will releasing all of their 2021 scheduled theatrical movies on streaming services dealing a serious blow to the theater industry, and the Army shut out the Navy for the first time since 1969.

2020 was a stellar year for firearms sales, but we are always looking forward. Check out the dates for some of the exciting auctions coming up in 2021 at Rock Island Auction Company.

For Rock Island Auction Company, 2020 has been a roller coaster of emotions. For starters, it was another record-breaking year for the company who is closely approaching a $91.5 million in sales this year with a fraction of the auction days in an average year. Rock Island Auction Company broke its own record multiple times throughout the year holding auction after auction that only seemed to grow larger and hold even more spectacular items. The year started off strong with the largest gun auction ever during the February Sporting & Collector Auction where more than 11,000 firearms were sold over the course of only four days that followed the largest pro-gun rally in history that was held in Virginia. In total, the sale realized an amazing $10.4 MILLION. These results were certainly impressive, but Rock Island Auction Company always enjoys a challenge.

The following spring, Rock Island Auction Company astonished again by holding another record-breaking auction. Despite its postponement, the June Premier Firearms Auction was a smashing success that realized over $21 million over only 3 days. This was the single highest grossing firearms auction held to this date. Featured in this amazing sale were guns owned by Clark Gable, Al Capone, and Johnny Cash; all of which made the Preview Hall feel more like a museum than anything else. Thousands of guns were sold in a matter of hours at Rock Island Auction Company, again shattering records others presumed impossible due to the political climate as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did Rock Island Auction Company survive through this chaotic time during the spring of 2020, they thrived and blew past all expectations proving once again they are the paramount in the industry.

While others might be willing to throw in the towel and quit while ahead, Rock Island Auction Company never settles and continues upward. This is clearly evident through the September Premier Auction which exceeded $18 million during the entire weekend. Beyond the spectacular assortment of high-quality rifles and handguns that RIAC customers have come to expect from a Premier Firearms Auction, the September 2020 Premier Auction displayed some of the most beautiful and exquisite weapons known to collectors as well as those items of extreme rarity. Headlining the event was the only known engraved model 1847 Colt Walker revolver, a gorgeous set of Manrico Torcoli fantasy-themed engraved shotguns, and a cased pair of high art gold and silver percussion pistols that came from the impressive Klaz collection.

As the leaves turned red and brown during the transition from summer to autumn, Rock Island Auction held its second Sporting & Collector Auction that offered some of the most spectacular items ever presented at an auction of this kind. A Colt Walker revolver, a Singer M1911A1, and even a flamethrower were all offered during this auction. The three-day event sold over 3,000 firearms and exceed $7 million.

The last Premier Auction of 2020 had anticipation building since it was first announced. Expectations were high for the near two-dozen lots with six-figure estimates, but the results of the “Sale of the Century” were better than anyone could have hoped for. The December Premier Firearms Auction surpassed $22 million during its entire 3-day span and shattered an already staggering world record passed earlier in the year. Weapons owned by celebrities like Elvis and Tom Selleck were sold alongside historic items owned by the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Granville Stuart, and Annie Oakley. Certainly full of historical significance, this Premier Auction was also filled with stunning pieces of art from the most renounced engravers and designers the world has ever known such as Nimschke, Ulrich, and Tiffany & Co. It might be awhile before an auction of this size and scope presents itself again, but Rock Island Auction Company is confident for what 2021 holds in store.

Apart from these awe-inspiring auctions, Rock Island Auction Company also hosted an impressive 12 Online-Only Auctions throughout 2020. These auctions feature hundreds of lots that might be overshadowed by more grandiose items, had they been in a Premier or a Sporting & Collector Auction. While Rock Island Auction Company prides itself on the progressive use of state-of-the-art technology, such as RIAC Live, this year was able to surpassed all expectations through digital platforms. A record number of bids, registered accounts, and lot victories all went to the vigilant online participants. Each of these auctions holds some interesting and alluring items from sturdy, high quality firearms to memorabilia and collectibles such as authentic German steins, military barter kits, and suits of armor. Also available in these auctions are a wide assortment of uniforms, knives, and ammo.

After such a momentous year filled with so many achievements, it can be a bit overwhelming when reflecting on the sheer number of astonishing items sold during the year. So, sit back and explore the top 20 items sold by Rock Island Auction Company during 2020. Because 10 wasn’t enough to encapsulate all the amazing and beautiful items sold during the year, this list expands the criteria to fit 20. What caught your eye? What was your favorite?

20. U.S. Martially Inspected, Presentation Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolvers: $287,500 (December 2020)

Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoons revolvers were manufactured from 1850 to 1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. They are thus by far the rarest of the Colt Dragoon revolvers, and offered here is an exceptionally rare cased pair of U.S. contract Colt Dragoon revolvers. This set was most certainly made for a prominent U.S. Army officer and has remained together over the last 170 years.

The combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard clearly identify the revolver as a Second Model Dragoon. U.S. Colt Dragoon revolvers saw hard use during the Mexican–American War and Civil War; thus, higher condition examples are highly sought after and rarely encountered, let alone as a cased, high condition pair. This pair sold during the December Premier Auction for $287,500.

19. Cased Pair of Exhibition Sculpted, Chiseled, and Relief Carved Percussion Target Pistols from Louis-Julien Gastinne-Renette: $316,250 (December 2020)

This cased pair was previously on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the Dr. Gerald Klaz collection. Louis-Julien Gastinne-Renette was a master gunmaker and a talented artist who crafted these stunning pistols specifically for Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria.

This beautiful set of exhibition quality Gastinne-Renette target pistols sold for $316,250 at the December Premier Auction.

These pistols are in the general style of those popular in France and Belgium in the 1840s-1850s that seems to combine neoclassical elements such as the elaborate scroll work found on both the hammers and the handles of the pistol along with gothic-style arches that adorn the barrels. The sculpting and engraving on the metal and the relief carving of the stocks consist of beautifully detailed branches, grapes, and grape leaves.

One of the most impressive items displayed at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855, these magnificent pistols sold for $316,250 at the December Premier Firearms Auction. Beyond the exquisite adornments that encompass nearly their entire surfaces, the guns also have remarkable historical significance as well.

18. Colt Model 1911 Special Army Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 9: $316,250 (December 2020)

This Colt Model 1911 Special Army semi-automatic pistol was manufactured in 1910 for the Ordnance trials of the Colt and Savage automatic pistols conducted on March 15, 1911 at Springfield Armory. This pistol, Serial No. 9, was designated for presentation to the Secretary of War J. M. Dickinson, who signed the final approval of the pistol.

This low serial number Colt Model 1911 Special Army pistol sold for $316,250 in December at Rock Island Auction Company.

This pistol has the iconic Colt commercial blue finish on the slide and frame with stunning nitre blue rear sight, ejector, slide stop, safety lock, hammer, trigger, magazine catch lock and stock screws. Fitted with the Model 1911 short, wide spur hammer that was installed when the pistol was returned to Colt in May 1911, this exemplary gun also features walnut stocks that are checkered with small diamond escutcheons around the screws. The pistol also has a Type I, blued, lanyard loop magazine as a cherry on top.

Another amazing item found in the December Premier Auction, this Colt 1911 sold for a whopping $316,250. With such allure and historical prominence, the price for this gun at auction explains itself.

17. Factory Engraved Silver Banded Colt No. 5 Texas Paterson Revolver: $316,250 (December 2020)

Rock Island Auction Company was pleased to present this Colt No. 5 Texas Paterson Revolver. Extremely rare factory, engraved, and well-documented piece of Colt history, it was one of approximately 1,000 like it manufactured by Samuel Colt's Patent Arms Manufacturing Company. Famous for its popularity among the Texas Ranger, Paterson No. 5 revolvers are highly valued by collectors.

This rare factory engraved Colt No. 5 Texas Paterson revolver sold for $316,250 at the December Premier Auction.

After its release and surge in popularity, the revolver would go on to influence other highly acclaimed handguns such as the Walker and Dragoon revolvers. These designs were so effective that it established a relationship that Colt and the U.S. Army would share for a large portion of the late-19^th century.

All of these embellishments were done on contract, as Colt would not employ in house engravers for several more years. As a master showman and proud inventor, Colt understood the notion that presentation is important. As production of Patersons commenced, the practice of embellishing his arms happened in tandem. Its allure and beauty are self-evident and the pistol sold for $316,250 during the 2020 December “Sale of the Century.”

16. Factory Engraved Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver from the Personal Property of Bob: $345,000 (September 2020)

Bob Dalton met his fate on October 5, 1892, when he and a group of accomplices attempted to rob two different banks in the same town on the same day. Due to poor planning, bad luck, and the readiness of the well-armed citizens of Coffeyville, Kansas, Dalton and the rest of the gang never made it out of the town alive. Recovered off the still-warm body of the famed outlaw was his trusted Colt Single Action Army revolvers, adorned with attractive engraving and pearl grips, one of which made its way to Rock Island Auction Company in 2020.

The revolver is elaborately decorated with floral scroll and punch dot engraving on the barrel and frame that make the death revolver hauntingly beautiful. Over 100 years later, the revolver found itself up for auction at Rock Island Auction Company’s September Premier Event where it sold for $345,000.

15. Gastinne-Renette Exhibition Percussion Pistols from the French Industrial Exposition of 1844: $345,000 (December 2020)

This pair of Gastinne-Renette pistols is too beautiful not to share and it debuted phenomenally when sold for $345,000 during the December Premier Auction. Renette was a highly influential gunmaker of the 19^thcentury who designed weapons for significant world leaders such as Napoleon III and members of the Spanish nobility. Much like the previously mentioned Renette dueling pistols, these pistols were also displayed at an international exhibition, although these pistols were featured years prior, leading up to the World’s Fair in 1851.

These Gastinne-Renette exhibition pistols are absolutely gorgeous and sold in December for $345,000 at Rock Island Auction Company.

Translated from the original French, one period author takes note of just how remarkably beautiful these pistols are. The author states, "One of the beautiful things in the exhibition of weapons was a pair of pistols of M. Gastinne Renette. The guns of molten steel are richly chiseled; the angles formed by the sides of the barrel are rounded in small columns which support an elegant warhead; the ornaments are very tasteful; the gilding is skillfully aged and goes well with the gray color given to the steel. We no less admired the boxes of pistols sent by M. Gastinne Renette; they are made of ebony and stationed in chiseled iron. In a word, all the pieces he had exhibited justified the reputation of the former Renette house, the only one in Paris said to be where the firearm is made entirely."

More recently, the pair was on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, being displayed in the Arms & Armor Galleries. Mirroring the resurgence in popularity of the Gothic and Renaissance styles of the mid-19th century, these pistols feature the grotesque figures, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults that defined the style so famously. It is hard to find just one area on these pistols that is not covered with elaborate engravings, inlays, and details so delicate one can scarcely imagine how they were crafted in the first place.

14. Factory Engraved "One of One Thousand" Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle Inscribed to Granville Stuart (81//42//)

Known as the “the gun that won the West,” Winchester 1873s are among some of the most valuable items known to collectors with this example being exceptionally rare because of its historical significance, condition, and extremely desirable One of One Thousand configuration. Winchester only produced 132 of these “One of One Thousand” Rifles for the Model 1873 and only two that featured the “Style 3” barrel inscriptions as seen here.

Granville Stuart's "One of One Thousand" Winchester Model 1873 rifle sold at Rock Island Auction Company for $345,000 in December of 2020.

This beautiful piece of period technology remains an amazing representation of the frontier, the Montana territory, and one of the state’s founding fathers, Granville Stuart. Granville Stuart, also known as “Mr. Montana,” was an American businessman, gunsmith, author, rancher, politician, prospector, historian, and renowned self-biographer of the late 19th century. Besides successfully introducing the territory to cattle ranching, Granville Stuart also led a group of vigilantes famed for their merciless apprehension of livestock thieves, known as “Stuart Stranglers.”

A hero of the frontier, Granville Stuart was also an active firearms tinkerer and enthusiast who amassed a beautiful collection of some of the most rare and powerful weapons available during his life. A Winchester One of One Thousand is a holy grail for collectors–now combined with this fantastic Frontier Era history, it generated significant interest when it sold for $345,000 at the December Premier Auction.

13. L.D. Nimschke Exhibition Engraved 19th Century Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine: $345,000 (December 2020)

Certainly one of the finest Winchester firearms ever produced, this Model 1866 carbine has been an icon in the field of fine arms collecting for over half a century. Subject to intense photography and even more intense discussions around it, this gun is not only beautiful but also possesses a long and interesting history.

The Maximilian Winchester rifle sold for $345,000 in December of 2020 at Rock Island Auction Company.

Simply known as the Maximilian Carbine, which is believed to have been created for the Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, it comes from the arms collection of later Mexican President, Porfirio Diaz. A crown jewel of Winchester collecting, this beautiful work of art is something that most gun collectors only fantasize about owning.

A portrait of Maximilian I of Mexico (1832-1867).

Maximilian I was an Austrian archduke who reigned as the only emperor of the Second Mexican Empire from 1864 until his execution in 1867. Coupled with a growing opposition and lack of military support, his empire fell ultimately concluding in his subsequent capture on June 19, 1867. Following the empire’s collapse, the republic of Mexico was restored with Benito Juárez residing as president until his death in 1872. Eventually this carbine, originally belonging to Maximilian, found its way into the hands of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz. Diaz remains one of the most significant presidents in the history of the country. Since then, the carbine has traveled around the world being displayed at the Met and various other world fairs and expositions of the mid-20th century.

A closer inspection of the engravings designed by master engraver L.D. Nimschke that sold for $345,000 at Rock Island Auction Company.

The silver plated receiver is profusely engraved with beautiful foliate scrolls on a stippled background. Flourishes of scrollwork decorated the top of the barrel and appear behind the front barrel band, ahead and behind rear barrel band and at the breech, a most unusual expression of scrollwork on embellished 19th century Winchesters.

Further adding to the rifle's allure, beyond its historical significance and beauty, is its proximity to master engraver, L.D. Nimschke who designed the patterns along the body. Typical of his elongated sweeping scrollwork as well as including his favored border motif just ahead of where the receiver and sideplate meet, this carbine is an amazing example of history and art converging. It sold for $345,000 at the December Premier Auction.

12. The Only Known Colt Paterson Model 1839 Percussion Carbine with a Sling Bar: $345,000 (June 2020)

This magnificent carbine is the only known military pattern Colt Paterson Model 1839 percussion carbine with a sling bar known and also remains in exceptional overall condition. The option of a carbine with a sling bar would help Colt compete with other innovative cavalry arms at the time, such as the breech loading Hall carbines which featured sling rings on the early models.

This historic and exceptional military pattern Colt Paterson Model 1839 percussion carbine is the only one known with a sling bar and sold for $345,000 at Rock Island Auction Company in June of 2020.

This extraordinary carbine has a 24-inch, smoothbore, .52 caliber, part-round barrel with 10-inch bevel at the breech. The barrel has a brass pin front sight and fixed, dovetail mounted rear sight. A three-piece loading lever is attached to the right side of the barrel lug. The right side of the barrel lug has a shallow loading cut-out at the breech. The two and one-half inch, six-shot, round back cylinder has integral ratchets.

The carbine has a stunning steel scroll-shaped trigger guard along with a crescent steel buttplate. The unique five-inch long sling bar that makes the rifle so iconic is located on the left side of the stock. Including a beautiful browned barrel is browned, the gun also features a striking fire blue loading lever and wedge spring. The high quality of this weapon is clear in the color casehardened frame, hammer and buttplate along with the straight grain American walnut stock. It sold during the June Premier Firearms Auction for $345,000.

11. Near-Mint World War II Singer Manufacturing Co. Presentation Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol: $373,750 (December 2020)

This is an outstanding and scarce variation of a World War II era U.S. Model 1911A1 pistol that was manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Company. Singer Model 1911A1 pistols certainly need very little introduction, and their desirability in the 1911 and 1911A1 collectors market is unmatched.

This stunning and near-mint Singer 1911A1 pistol sold in December 2020 at Rock Island Auction Company for $373,750.

There were 500 of these extremely rare pistols produced as part of Educational Order No. W-ORD-396 awarded April 17, 1940. It is reported that almost all of the 500 that were produced were issued to the Army Air Corps early in World War II. Their high quality fit and finish makes the standard production Singer 1911A1 pistols extremely desirable to collectors. This example appears to have been assembled from parts pulled off the standard assembly line early in the process, which are lacking most of the normal government markings seen on the standard production pistols.

Not only is this item an incredibly rare piece of history, but it also boasts an unique personal history to this specific handgun itself and sold for $373,750 at the December Premier Auction.

10. Cased Pair of Gold and Silver Percussion Pistols by Brun of Paris: $373,750 (September 2020)

This breathtaking, extraordinary set of percussion pistols was displayed at the International Exhibition of 1862, also known as The Great London Exposition. One of the most impressive items on display at the event, these pistols still amaze and astonish to this day.

These pistols have survived in amazing quality for more than 150 years. After spending over a century touring around the world for others to enjoy (most recently on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a part of the Dr. Gerald Klaz collection), these guns have finally found a more permanent home after selling for $373,750.

9. Serial Numbered Trio of Manrico Torcoli Bulino Engraved Ivo Fabbri Shotguns: $402,500 (September 2020)

One of the highest grossing items of the September Premier Auction would be the triple set of remarkable Fabbri shotguns master engraved by Manrico Torcoli. Manufactured in Italy by Ivo Fabbri, these shotguns are some of the finest in the world and are made only on a custom order basis only. There is about a 6 year waiting period on these shotguns after one is ordered.

With startlingly realistic bulino engraving, these high-art sporting guns display a unique combination of fantasy imagery that blends human and animal forms in a style conceived completely by Torcoli himself. Selling for an incredible $402,000, these beautiful shotguns could be considered more art than weapon.

8. The Finest Known B Company Marked U.S. Colt Walker Model 1847 Percussion Revolver: $402,000 (December 2020)

Colt Walker revolvers are some of the most sought after firearms known to collectors. Only 1,100 Walker pistols were ever produced and only handfuls are still known to exist.

The finest known B Company Colt Walker revolver sold for $402,000 during the December Premier Auction.

Frequently used by the Texas Rangers throughout the Mexican-American War, these revolvers are extremely difficult to obtain because of their aforementioned low production number and low survivability rate courtesy of their harsh occupational use.

Walker revolvers are highly valuable also because of their historical significance as they were critical in establishing the relationship between Colt and the U.S. military that continues to this very day. The finest known B Company Walker revolver sold for an amazing $402,000.

7. Exposed Barrel U.S. Colt Model 1890 Gatling Gun: $431,250 (September 2020)

This is the finest known example of a Colt Model 1890 Gatling gun extant, mounted on an original field carriage. The Model 1890 was essentially an improved version of the Model 1883.

This stunning Colt Model 1890 Gatling gun sold for $431,250 during the September Premier Firearms Auction.

In 1889 Gatling returned to the well proved classic design of the exposed barrels as used in the Indian Wars. Some of the improvements included a device called the "Murphy Stop" (a cocking switch), a new type carriage and the hopper was interchangeable with the special Bruce feed or use of the old style gravity feed magazine. Similar to the Model 1883, the Murphy stop allowed the gunner to disengage the cocking mechanism while unloading the gun and during training exercises without ammunition.

These were the last, 45-70 Gatling guns ordered by the U.S. Government. The gun is mounted on a barracks green painted carriage with an equipment/ammunition box mounted on either side of the gun and iron banded wooden wheels. The end of each wheel hub is cast with the manufacturer Archibald Wheel Company, Lawrence, Mass. The Gatling Gun had a huge impact on the battlefield and changed the face of war forever. It sold during the September Premier Auction for an astonishing $431,250.

6. A Company No. 50 Colt Walker Percussion Revolver: $431,250 (June 2020)

While the history of Colt and the iconic Walker revolver have been the subject of many articles, videos, and daily postings, each revolver encountered at Rock Island Auction Company is different and comes with amazing and harrowing stories of frontier shootouts and lawless lands that stretched the horizon. This particular Colt Walker carries some of these stories because of its connection and relation to the Mexican-American War during the 19^thcentury.

Many Colt Walker revolvers were used extensively throughout this conflict in American history, so their survivability makes them exceedingly rare to collectors. An example in such condition as this Colt Walker that sold for $431,250 during the June Premier Firearms Auction is also exceptionally hard to find. It is the Colt Walker that is often credited with being Colt's most important and desirable revolver.

5. Gold and Platinum Inlaid Marlin Deluxe Model 1893 Lever Action Takedown Rifle Presented to Annie Oakley: $460,000 (December 2020)

Fans of Annie Oakley were delighted at the rare prospect of owning several items that personally belonged to the famed sharpshooter. Oakley is most famous for her incredible accuracy and firearms knowledge as well as for becoming an icon in an industry predominately occupied by men. Her stage acts were filmed for one of Thomas Edison’s earliest Kinetoscopes in 1894, she reportedly shot the cigarette out of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s hand, and she essentially created the modern conception of a “cowgirl.” An icon of the 20^th century and one of the most influential women to hold a gun, Oakley’s life story has gone on to inspire countless books, shows, and plays (most notably “Annie Get Your Gun”).

Annie Oakley's C.F. Ulrich Jr. engraved Marlin Model 1893 rifle sold for $460,000 at the December Premier Auction.

It is no wonder the items from Oakley’s collection performed so highly during the December Premier Auction. Originally discovered at a local pawn shop, a beautiful Smith & Wesson .22/32 Hand Ejector revolver made its way to Rock Island Auction Company and sold for $54,625. A stunningly engraved Remington Model 12-B gallery special rifle belonging to the famed markswoman sold for $161,000.

Headlining the items from Annie Oakley, of course, was her C.F. Ulrich Jr. engraved Marlin Model 1893 rifle. An absolute beauty, this item is masterfully engraved with highly detailed wildlife panel scenes on top of gorgeous scroll work. Gold inlaid and set into pristine American walnut, this rifle is a functioning work of art that sold for $460,000.

4. The Only Known Engraved Colt Model 1847 Walker Percussion Revolver: $460,000 (September 2020)

Leading the September Premier Auction was a very special collection of firearms that held significant historical importance but are also extremely rare. This Colt engraved 1847 Walker revolver that headlined the auction sold for $460,000. Believed to be the only Colt Walker extant to have engravings featured on it, it was the highest price realized throughout the event.

The only known engraved Colt Walker sold for $460,000 during the September Premier Firearms Auction.

Colt Walkers have long been the single most essential and necessary piece for many–if not all–of the important and influential arms collections of the last century. Their appeal is for good reason. They transcend percussion Colt collecting, American arms collecting, and military arms collecting. Colt Walkers represent so much more.

Colt Walkers are a tangible piece of the American spirit at such a pivotal time in our illustrious history. They exhibit grit, vision, conquest, expansion and success. They are the physical embodiment of Manifest Destiny and the fervor of American exceptionalism. It was an honor to be able to sell this fine piece of history for $460,000 during the September Premier Firearms Auction.

3. Deluxe Engraved Smith & Wesson Lever Action Repeating Carbine: $488,750 (June 2020)

Offered here is a crown jewel in American firearms collecting: 1 of only 3 S&W lever action repeating rifles known to exist and were developed from Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson’s lever action patent of 1854. Less than 10 are believed to have been produced, and only 3 are known to exist today, including one in the Cody Firearms Museum which is not as finely finished as this one.

This monumental engraved Smith & Wesson lever action repeating carbine was formely of the Wesson Family collection and sold for $488,750 at the June Premier Auction.

The receiver, lever, hammer, buttplate and stock inlay are highly engraved with mostly floral scrollwork and various border patterns. The nickel plated receiver features a trigger guard attached to the frame and enclosed by the lever which is engraved with rope and cross hatching motifs. The barrel and near full length magazine are blued while the buttplate and stock inlay are German silver.

The significant engraved stock inlay is on the left side and features a handshake forever memorializing the partnership presumably between D.B. Wesson and Horace Smith. A partnership which transformed American firearms manufacturing forever and launched the careers of manufacturing juggernauts, Smith & Wesson and Winchester. This marvelous example of the merging of some of the greatest minds in firearms history sold during the June Premier Firearms Auction for $488,750.

2. Gold Mounted Nicolas-Noël Boutet French Empire Officer's Flintlock Pistols: $575,000 (June 2020)

These masterpiece Napoleonic French pistols were presented to French naval officer Cesar-Joseph Bourayne (1768-1817) and have his coat of arms engraved on the gold escutcheons inset in the wrists of the pistol stocks. Bourayne was born in Brest and began his naval career in 1781 when he was just 13 during the American Revolution and was even present at the Battle of Yorktown. He traveled much of the globe throughout his thirty six year naval career and is one of very few sailors to have been raised to nobility by Napoleon. Certainly a man of deeds not words.

Boutet pistols are already highly valuable collectors, but this pair of gold mounted officer's flintlock pistols blew past expecations selling for $575,000 in the June Premier Auction in 2020.

These magnificent pistols were crafted at the state arms factory at Versailles under the direction of Directeur Artiste Nicolas-Noël Boutet (1761-1833), gunmaker to both King Louis XVI and Napoleon and one of the greatest "de luxe" arms makers in world history. Flintlock arms by Boutet are some of the most valuable in the world and understandable so. Every detail on these pistols is highly refined. Raised gold ornamentation also extends to the locks which have a lightning and winged column design on the top jaws and a staff flanked by quivers of arrow on the frizzens.

The stocks have extensive gold inlays and gold wire in a variety of classical designs including fasces, floral patterns, and sea shell motifs. The furniture is also gold and features extensive relief designs including a mask of Neptune and marine motifs on the tendril pommel caps, a turban with three ostrich feathers and a crescent moon on the trigger guard finials along with Ottoman style arms and colors on the bows. A gorgeous and breath-taking pair of pistols, this inspiring piece of art sold during the June Premier Auction for $575,000.

1.  President Theodore Roosevelt's Cuno Helfricht Factory Deluxe Engraved Silver Plated Colt Single Action Army Revolver: $1,466,250 (December 2020)

Leading the auction and the year was an incredible Colt Single Action Army revolver owned by the 26^th president of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt. Ordered shortly before his 54^th birthday, this revolver is not only extremely beautiful but carries with it serious historical significance. It was said that after an attempted assassination on his life failed only four days prior to the ordering of this gun, Roosevelt never left home unarmed again.

Theodore Roosevelt's engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver sold for $1,466,250 during the December Premier Auction.

Unlike many of the other famous firearms owned by Roosevelt that have been institutionalized (such as his Holland & Holland Double Rifle "Big Stick" now on display at the Smithsonian), this Colt Single Action Army revolver is a recent discovery and is perhaps the most highly embellished firearm owned by the 26th President still in circulation. Its significance is further amplified by the impeccable documentation placing this specific revolver in the hands of Theodore Roosevelt late in his 1912 presidential campaign for the "Bull Moose" Party.

The revolver features beautiful engravings by Colt Master Engraver, Cuno Helfricht. Mainly consisting of classic scroll patterns backed by punch-dots, as well as some entwining lines, checkered patterns, and floral accents, it is incredibly difficult to spot even one small portion of the revolver that isn't magnificently covered. Chambered in .38 Long and featuring an extraordinarily detailed carved steer head on the grip, Colt seems to be boasting its ability to walk a tight rope between brute strength and refined beauty. While a Colt medallion immediately catches the eye, it is the contrast between silver and ivory tones on the gun that captivates the viewer's attention. Estimated at $350,000-$550,000, Theodore Roosevelt’s revolver blew past this evaluation and sold for a whopping $1,466,250.

Always Looking Forward

As was mentioned previously, not only did Rock Island Auction Company survive one of the harshest times in American history, it thrived. This incredible accomplishment was only thanks to the continued support received from the loyal, valued, and patriotic customers who transform a room full of metal and wood into a extravaganza of excitement, intrigue, and amazement. Thank you.

Check out all the exciting auctions planned for 2021, we can't wait to see you here!

Rock Island Auction Company is looking forward to starting 2021 with the same enthusiasm, determination, and attention as we have this entire past year. Expect bigger results, rarer guns, and more content that is sure to make your mouth water. Rock Island Auction Company is so confident in the exquisite Premier, Sporting & Collector, and Online Auctions planned for the 2021 calendar year that the excitement is almost too much to bear. Join us for another fantastic and record-breaking year. The first Online Auction of 2021 is January 27 starting at 9:00 a.m. C.T. with the first Sporting & Collector Auction only a few days later from February 3-6.

As always, if there are any questions regarding consignment, future auctions, or any of the items listed here, please contact Rock Island Auction Company today.