RIAC Regional Firearms Auction hit its mark

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – 2014 has definitely started with a bang for Rock Island Auction Company. Not only did they receive a record number of sealed bids – totaling around 17,000 – but they also had a huge number of items exceed their high estimates. RIAC’s February 2014 Regional Firearms Auction exceeded expectations by surmounting estimates and posting $4.4 million dollars in sales. They had a 99% sell through rate for the three day auction which contained nearly 6,500 firearms and 2,736 lots.

February’s Regional Firearms Auction contained a vast assortment of collectibles and antiques, from engraved Henry rifles, World War II firearms, and militaria, to modern gems such as new in the box shotguns, rifles, and pistols. A lot of respect was shown for the Tom Knapp "Shooting Star" Collection by firearms enthusiasts when lot 600 sold for $8,050 and lot 602 enjoyed similar success by powdering its estimate and selling for $8,625. This was a once in lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history from the man recognized as the greatest exhibition shooter of modern times.

The Charles Best Collection of Iver Johnson firearms was also quite a hit with collectors! These often unfairly maligned firearms saw a lot of bid activity and also some very attractive prices. Lot 226, Engraved Iver Johnson Model 1879 Swing Cylinder Revolver sold for $4,312 and lot 1695, Collector's Lot of Three Iver Johnson Air Pistols sold for a surprising $3,737! Lot 1375, Collector's Lot of Four Harrington & Richardson Revolvers from the Jim Hauff collection commanded $2,300. All three collections performed tremendously on the auction block.

Winchester and Henry firearms are always a staple in any RIAC auction and nearly 400 were auctioned off with successes like Lot 1, a New Haven Arms Henry lever action rifle brought in a sale price of $25,875. Lot 1014, a desirable Winchester Model 1866 lever action saddle ring carbine also found a new owner, selling for $6,900. Lot 3613, a Winchester Model 12 slide action trench shotgun with U.S. Marked Receiver, sold for $3,737.50, yet another indicator of the hot trench shotgun market.

There is a sleeper in every auction, and this Regional Auction’s was Lot 1879, a Collector's Lot of U.S. bayonets and knives. It was an intense back and forth battle, achieving a sale price of $6,900. Military arms were well represented in this auction: Lot 3561, a U.S. Springfield Model 1903 bolt action sniper rifle with Winchester A5 Scope commanded $4,600. Not to be outdone, Lot 552, which contained four Enfield bolt action rifles, left our doors for $4,025.

Samuel Colt is alive and well in Rock Island with highlights like Lot 100, an engraved gold and silver plated Colt Model 1860 Army percussion revolver with ornate cast grip bringing in an astounding $11,500. Lot 3076, a Colt Model 1862 Police percussion revolver with holster and inscription on the back strap exceeded the estimate by selling for $8,625. Lot 3055, managed to raise a lot of eyebrows and bidder cards with 39 individual bidders vying for the chance to own an extensively engraved, antique, First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolver with factory letter, brought $4,600. Lot 1179, a Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle crossed the block for $4,312.

Other notable highlights include: Lot 1095, Scarce Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle with Stock and Case sold for $11,500, exceeding the estimate. Lot 1289, Tower Flintlock Carbine went for $5,642. Lot 3618, Two U.S. Bolt Action Rifles sold for $4,887.

For more information regarding this sale or interest in selling with RIAC, please visit www.rockislandauction.com or call 1-800-238-8022.