Rock Island, IL –-(Ammoland.com)- 2014 has definitely started with a bang!
Not only did we receive a record number of sealed bids – totaling around 17,000 – but we also had a huge number of items exceed their high estimates.
Rock Island Auction Company’s February 2014 Regional Firearms Auction exceeded expectations by surmounting estimates and posting $4.4 million dollars in sales. We 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 collectables 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.
Rock Island Auction Company holds five live auctions per year, two of which are Regional Auctions and are geared towards beginner collectables as well as modern sporting pistols, rifles and shotguns. The remaining three are Premiere Auctions and are built around important, rare, high condition, historic firearms and militaria. RIAC Premiere Firearms Auctions are considered by many around the world to be the crown jewel of collector firearms auctions. Its next auction is a Premiere Firearms Auction scheduled for May 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2014.
Rock Island Auction Company is the world’s #1 auction company for firearms, bladed weapons and militaria. Founded in 1993 by its current Owner and President Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to set records for sales and to lead the industry with its extensive and beautiful marketing efforts. Their 86,000 square foot facility hosts 8 auctions each year. They actively seek consignments, be it a single item or a collection of hundreds, a thousand dollar item or one million. For more information regarding this sale or interest in selling with RIAC, please visit www.rockislandauction.com or call 1-800-238-8022.
About:
Rock Island Auction Company has been solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction. After working with two other auction companies, Mr. Hogan began Rock Island Auction in 1993. Rock Island Auction Company has grown to be one of the top firearms auction houses in the nation. Under Mr. Hogan’s guidance the company has experienced growth each and every year; and he is the first to say it is his staff’s hard work and determination that have yielded such results. Visit: www.rockislandauction.com