RIA firearms sale sets world records, realizes $10M

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- Fresh off the heels of the television debut of Discovery Channel’s “Ready Aim Sold,” Rock Island Auction Company’s December Premiere Firearms Auction realized a stunning $10 million dollars in sales.

The success of the December sale puts Rock Island Auction at $31 million in sales for 2011 and almost tied the previous record which they also hold from 2010, which stands at $32 million. Over the course of three days, hundreds of bidders from coast to coast made their way to Rock Island, Ill., to preview and bid. Phone bidders called in from across the globe, and more than 13,000 bids were placed before the first drop of the hammer.

Colts took four of the top five lots of the auction commanding nearly $1 million. The top lots include: The finest ‘B’ Company marked U.S. Walker Model 1847 Colt Revolver known ($345,000). The most anticipated firearm of the sale was the Gold Inlaid Factory Presentation, to standing President Theodore Roosevelt's Colt 1902 ideal stocked semi-automatic pistol ($207,000), factory engraved documented Colt 1871-72 Open Top Revolver from the 1876 Centennial celebration in New York City ($184,000), and an Ainsworth Inspected, Company K, 4th Cavalry Marked, Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver ($115,000).

Winchester Firearms were also in high demand. A John Ulrich engraved gold plated Winchester Model 1873 short rifle brought an impressive $74,750. Another John Ulrich signed masterpiece from the Winchester display at the Paris Exposition of 1889, a gold and nickel plated, factory engraved Winchester Model 1873 Carbine sold for $57,500. Lever action rifles and pistols which predate Winchester also had a strong showing. Of the 10 Henry Rifles in the sale, a martially inspected first contract rifle took top honors at $46,000. And a Large Frame Smith & Wesson Lever Action Magazine pistol realized $48,000.

The December auction marked the final chance to own a piece from renowned Putnam Green Collection of rare, high condition and historical U.S. and German Military items. An extraordinarily rare Walther, prototype "Armee-Pistole" with original walnut shoulder stock/holster sold for $74,750. A 1902 DWM Luger Carbine Rig with matching shoulder stock, ammunition and "VL&A" Chicago marked leather case went well above its pre-auction estimate selling for $51,750.

U.S. Military arms continue to surge in value. The finest conditioned U.S. Model 1903 Springfield 1913 Warner & Swasey sniper rifle saw some of the most heated bidding of the entire auction and set a new world record at $46,000. A martially inspected Colt Super 38 pistol reached a record price of $31,625. Civil War arms from both the North and South made up a large section of the sale. A rare Greene breech loading carbine realized $25,875 and an original advertising flyer for a Henry Rifle brought $6,325 well over the pre-auction estimate of $800-1,000.

Other notable sales from the auction include a London agency pair of Theur derringers with ivory grips for $69,000, a Colt 1921/28 Thompson submachine gun for $48,875 and a historic Sharps John Brown model 1853 carbine for $34,500.

For more information on selling at auction or consigning with Rock Island Auction Co. call 800-238-8022 or visit rockislandauction.com.