Winchesters in high demand at Rock Island sale

Rock Island Auction Company has shown once again the overwhelming popularity of their Regional auctions regardless of the hot summer temperatures by bringing nearly $3.2 million dollars at their July 16-17 auction. This auction combined with February’s Regional auction has brought the Regional Auction total for 2011 to $6.4 million, $1.7 million higher than their record set in 2010.

2,100+ lots featuring over 5,000 firearms brought in collectors, dealers, hunters and sportsmen from all over the Midwest and beyond to participate in the first Regional Auction in the new 86,000 sq. ft. “air conditioned” facility. Even with the massive new facility and an auction hall nearly double in size to the previous hall, an empty seat was near impossible to find when owner/auctioneer Pat Hogan and his son and auctioneer Kevin Hogan took their places on the podium Saturday morning.

There was plenty of chatter among the crowd after Pat Hogan emphasized the unique history of Lot 1, a Deluxe First Model 1873 documented copy of the iconic Winchester 1 of 1000. After plenty of participation the hammer finally fell on this Winchester at an impressive $40,250. This was just the first of many Winchesters in high demand this weekend.

A Nimschke marked engraved Winchester model 1866 lever action rifle sold for $18,400 respectively.

Winchesters and hot temperatures were not the only items to gather interest and keep the cards a’flapping; a Fabrique Nationale Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun, engraved and inscribed to “Big Bill” Thompson, Mayor of Chicago sold well above the high estimate for $8,625.

An antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with custom cattle brand engraving, Buntline-length barrel and shoulder stock, with factory letter brought a sale price of $5,462.50.

Edged weapons peaked quite a bit of interest as well with a lot of six swords bringing $13,800 and a lot of six sabers selling for $11,500 both ten times over their auction estimate.

The next Regional Auction will take place in February of 2012. However until then, just around the corner is their Premiere Firearms Auction to be held on Sept. 9-11.

The sale will include: The Putnam Green Collection Part II: The Putnam Green Collection was the finest U.S. & European Military Collection ever offered at auction. This is an outstanding Collection of Historical, High Condition, and Extremely Rare U.S. and German Military Arms. This sale will also feature over 300 Lugers, over 400 quality U.S. Military featuring Part 1 of the finest M1 Carbine Collection, More than 400 Colts from Percussions, more than 130 1911’s, more than 25 rare and desirable Class III’s, museum Quality Remington’s from the James Tipton Collection, over 40 rare, historical, and high condition Martial Pistols and Long Arms, and over 250 pieces of 19th Century American Stoneware including the largest collection of Anna Pottery ever brought to auction with over 75 pieces. This auction is shaping up to continue the record breaking success that has become synonymous with Rock Island Auction.

For more information, visit www.rockislandauction.com or call 800-238-8022.

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