The Auction Report: December 2016

2016 had already proven itself to be a special year for Rock Island Auction Company. With the Robert Bretherton and Robert Lee Collections serving as flagships, and flanked by dozens of collections each outstanding in their own right, unprecedented success loomed large for the auction house on the Mississippi River.

Not only did the December Premiere Firearms Auction perform nobly, with a realised total of $15.6 million, but it helped to bring about the highest grossing year in its history. This year’s $63 million in sales is the highest total ever for a firearms auction house, smashing the records set by RIAC the previous two years, and eclipsing their nearest competitor by more than $30 million.

The year began strong in April with the $1.2 million dollar sale of the Winchester Model 1886, serial number 1, presented to the man who accepted Geronimo’s surrender, as well as the Colt 1849 Pocket revolver presented to Brigham Young. September continued in the same path with a solid German silver framed Winchester 1866, the iconic “Three Graces” Conrad Ulrichengraved Winchester 1866, and a gold/platinum handled knife given to President Theodore Roosevelt. Anticipation among collectors and investors was high as to what would be contained in the December Firearms Auction. It would not disappoint.

Day 1 wasn’t even a half an hour old when the factory engraved New Haven Arms Volcanic in lot 26 made its presence known. Sporting the rarely encountered 25-inch barrel and its original walnut case, the slender carbine vaulted past its $60,000 estimate and sold for $149,500. Confederate items on day one enjoyed a surprising level of success, as seen in lot 160’s offering of two early Confederate bonds. One of several lots offering currency and bonds of the CSA, this particular pair began a bidding battle that soared past its estimate, before landing at a $21,850 realised price. Also of note was the imposing Henry Nock revolving flintlock carbine in lot 227 that found a new home for $40,250, well beyond the $20,000 estimate.

Bidding battle

Saturday started with a similar bang, when lot 1008 went up for bid. Containing an unbelievable Winchester 1873 First Model with numerous special order features, such as silver plating and deep relief engraving by Conrad Ulrich, the stage was set for a bidding battle. When all was said and done, it was the highest selling item of the auction, obliterating its $180,000 estimate and finally coming to a rest at $529,000. Other top sellers of the day include an exquisite, high art Savage Model 1899 in lot 1049 that was presented to co-founder of Dodge Brothers Motor Company, Horace Elgin Dodge. It raced past the $60,000 estimate and brought $195,500. Though perhaps the auction’s largest surprise was lot 1442’s Chinese Hanyang Arsenal experimental semiautomatic rifle that didn’t even hesitate at its $6,500 estimate en-route to seeing a $80,500 realised price.

The final day at auction was a perfect reminder of why Colts and Winchesters remain the ‘blue chips’ of gun collectors. Far from their competitor’s claim of a ‘soft market’ for these legendary manufacturers, they carried the day yet again, with four lever actions finding the six-figure range. Lot 3138 housed a gorgeous, factory cased and engraved Colt London Model 1851 that readily exceeded its $30,000 estimate by achieving $51,750. A rare, Nimschke engraved, flatside Winchester 1866 saddle ring carbine in lot 3033, bested the $18,000 estimate to ring the bell at $40,250. Several Japanese arms also enjoyed high sale prices, such as lot 3301’s World War II, North China manufactured Type 19 Nambu, which sold for $19,550, despite its $7500 estimate.

Ready to Rock

This success was sweet and a source of professional pride to be savoured as the company also enjoy the quiet times of the holiday season. However, such accomplishments do not come without diligent preparation and superb execution. To that end, Rock Island have already begun preparing for their four day February Regional Auction, a massive event that will get 2017 to a rolling start. But for now, it’s time for them to enjoy the fruits of their labour and they also express their gratitude to their consignors, buyers, and their employees. It wouldn’t be possible without all three groups, and they say that they can’t wait to begin 2017 and see what incredible firearms it has in store.

WEAPONS OF CHOICE

MARK WHISTLER PRESENTS THE PICK OF THE LOTS FROM THE MILITARY AUCTION HELD AT DURANT’S ON DECEMBER 2ND…

Bidding was strong throughout the sale, from all quarters, including the saleroom. Obsolete Calibre Arms still continue to bring good prices, with most air guns falling slightly.

Anything unusual or rare will always do well and keeps the sale buoyant and interesting, not just for the auction house but for the buyers too.

Lot 1288 – A B.S.A. .310 Cadet Martini rifle made for the Australian Military Forces, this example marked commonwealth of Australia VIC, complete with original target sights and sling swivels, this rifle has a mint bore and is in exceptional overall condition. Hammer price: £750.

Lot 1287 – A rare Martini short rifle made by Westley Richards & Co, fully marked and dated 1897, Westley Richards & Co had a contract with South Africa before the last Boar War for a consignment of mainly rifles, a few carbines and a very few ‘short rifles’which this is one, complete and in good condition. Hammer price: £600.

Lot 1297 – A 12 bore side-by-side B.L.N.E. shotgun by William Powell, S/No.8277, 30-inch barrels with good bores, this item can only be purchased by someone with a current valid shotgun certificate or an R.F.D. Hammer price: £200.

Lot 1261 – A 19th Century Japanese Wakizashi sword, approximately 29-inches overall with a 21-inch blade, with its scabbard. Hammer price: £1100.

The next auction will be held on February 24th. www.durants.com