In March, James D. Julia Auctioneers conducted the largest-grossing firearms auction in history at nearly $18 million. At almost $16 million, Julia's October sale nearly reached that and is the second-largest grossing firearms auction in history.

The first day began with the second session of the Wes Adams Winchester Collection. Highlights included a fine 1860 Henry rifle that realized $109,000. The top seller was a cased, silver-plated and L.D. Nimschke engraved Model 1866. The gun was originally made for James J. Hill, a railroad and steamboat magnate, and reportedly when he died in the early 20th century, he left an estate of $53 million. The gun realized $224,250.

A fine Model 76 with beautiful case coloring brought just under $49,000. A rare, semi-deluxe Model 86 with case coloring brought just over $50,000. A rare Model 94 saddle-ring carbine went out at just over $63,000. A presentation 1873 John Ulrich engraved Winchester, presented to George P. Bissell, sold for just under $95,000. An early, special order Model 86 estimated realized just under $75,000.

Also featured in the first session from the Adams’ collection was Session I of his Savage collection. A factory D engraved Savage Model 99 with carved wood went for $77,625. The very next gun, a one-of-a-kind factory engraved Model 99, also with carved wood, brought just under $52,000.

This session included the remainder of his collection of Adams' Colts. A rare, early pinch frame Colt SA, SN 2 went out at $63,250. Also a rare Nimschke engraved Colt SA went out at $69,000.

The second session also included the remainder of Adams’ Marlin collection. A deluxe, engraved presentation-quality Model 1893 takedown sold at $80,500. A deep relief gold-plated presentation Model 1889 brought $48,300.

The Adams’ Winchesters were not the only good Winchesters in this auction. A rare special order, deluxe Model 76 reached $86,250. Another great Henry in high condition was went out at $80,500. A group of rare Winchester advertising items, most of which were from an old-time Winchester collection, included a 1891 Winchester calendar that sold for $19,550.

Included in the historical arms segment was a factory-engraved Colt SA sheriff’s model that originally belonged to legendary lawman Jefferson Davis Milton. Milton was at one time a Texas Ranger, and eventually became sheriff in various areas, including El Paso. He was commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt into the U.S. Immigration Service to patrol the southwestern border. His Colt went out at just a tad over $200,000.

The Dr. John and Margaret Pickup Collection of rare antique Colts included a cased, 1st Model Dragoon, which was identified to C.H. Bowman of the Tampico Rangers. T It went out at just over $181,000. A Walker pistol complete with a holster and rare Walker flask went out at $109,000.

There were many other great Colts from collections other than the Pickups. One such example was a fine 2nd model Dragoon in outstanding condition. It realized $69,000. A rare pair of Colts with great history was the plated and engraved, presentation cased set of 1861 Navies. These once belonged to Medal of Honor Winner, Adjt. Chas. A. Clark of the Maine Volunteer Infantry. They sold at just over $109,000.

The second session began with an offering of U.S. Civil War swords from the renowned Kevin Hoffman Collection. The highlight of this grouping was a rare, statue hilted sword worn by Brig. General Joseph Haskin. The sword’s grip featured a Civil War Officer impaling a serpent with his sabre all in beautiful gilt highlighting. It sold for $109,250.

A grouping of rare Confederate swords included a Courtney & Tennent Naval officer’s sword. It went out above estimate at $56,000. A Leech & Rigdon Confederate revolver brought $57,500. A Confederate uniform once belonging to Capt. Mark S. Cockrill, of Rutledges Battery 1st Tennessee Artillery sold for $48,500.

Find more auction details at jamesdjulia.com. Catalogs together with prices realized lists are still available by contacting the office at 207-453-7125.