If you recall last week's article, we talked about some early Winchester and Henry rifles that would be appearing in our 2014 February Regional Firearms Auction. It's great news for collectors for that quality of firearm to be appearing in a Regional sale! However, Henry and Winchester aren't the only two manufacturers that will have some rather upscale offerings in the upcoming auction. Feast your eyes on these beauties that are sure to attract the attention of attendees of both our Premiere and Regional Auctions.
Lot 1095: Scarce Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle with Stock and Case
Only 977 of these rare Smith & Wessons were manufactured! Now take away those that have been lost to time, neglect, and use and one finds a rare S&W indeed. This particular example is made even rarer by having an 18" barrel. Only 514 of the 977 came in this configuration. It also still has its stock and case!
Lot 422: Engraved Pre-World War II Walther Commercial Model PP .22 Semi-Automatic Pistol
Nearly every surface on this Walther PP pistol is adorned with engraved edelweiss flowers. If this wasn't enough of a unique touch on a PP, it also features the monogram "EB" on the right side of the frame where the letters form the shape of a butterfly (or "schmetterling" if you're feeling especially Germanic).
Lot 100: Engraved Gold and Silver Plated Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Ornate Cast Grip
Manufactured in 1862, this Colt Model 1860 Army revolver is elaborately adorned in nearly every way imaginable: two tone plating of silver and gold, ornate floral and feather engraving, and a lavish cast grip featuring patriotic scenes and decor. It's going to take a few more pictures to adequately show off the craftsmanship of this Colt.
Lot 103: Rare Collier Patent Percussion Revolver
The Collier patent pistol, whether it uses a percussion or flintlock firing mechanism, holds a very special place in American history. Patented in the United States in June of 1818, this design is largely recognized to have influenced Samuel Colt on his 1830-31 voyage to England and India as a sailor on the S.S. Corvo. A fascinating piece for early Americana collectors and an essential for Colt collectors, these desirable handguns are far and few between. To give an idea of its rarity, Rock Island Auction Company sells anywhere from 20,000 - 22,000 firearms a year and this is only the fourth Collier revolver we've had the pleasure to sell.
Lot 1105: Scarce Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle
These revolving rifles were only manufactured between 1879 to 1887 and, as mentioned earlier, only 977 were manufactured including all variants. These firearms come to us from the esteemed collection of Dr. Don Anderson. He was an enthusiast of all 19th century American firearms, but his passion and expertise was with this model. Coming from a such a notable collection, one can be assured that these guns are excellent examples in as fine a condition as he could get them. Also, being the objects behind such a strong passion they have undoubtedly been kept with the utmost care.
As with almost every article, we can only include a choice few items on any given topic. With over 2,700 lots in the February 2014 Regional Auction, and most of those being multi-item lots, we could show you one item each day for over 17 years. Thankfully for everyone involved, we'll be selling all of them in a fast-paced three days February 21st, 22nd, & 23rd, 2014. Don't forget that the Thursday before each auction, Feb 20th for this auction, is our Preview Day. You have a full day to look at, pick up, touch, inspect, draw, or shoulder any gun in the auction! Many folks call it, "the Museum You Can Touch," and we wholeheartedly agree. Whether you can come for one day or all four, we'd love to have you out to our facility and show you what a RIAC auction is. If you want a rare gun, an ornate arm, an everyday plinker, an opportunity for investment, or a new family hunting piece to cherish, Rock Island Auction Company will have you covered this February.
Lot 1095: Scarce Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle with Stock and Case
Only 977 of these rare Smith & Wessons were manufactured! Now take away those that have been lost to time, neglect, and use and one finds a rare S&W indeed. This particular example is made even rarer by having an 18" barrel. Only 514 of the 977 came in this configuration. It also still has its stock and case!
 |
| Estimated at $4,000 - $7,000 |
Lot 422: Engraved Pre-World War II Walther Commercial Model PP .22 Semi-Automatic Pistol
Nearly every surface on this Walther PP pistol is adorned with engraved edelweiss flowers. If this wasn't enough of a unique touch on a PP, it also features the monogram "EB" on the right side of the frame where the letters form the shape of a butterfly (or "schmetterling" if you're feeling especially Germanic).
 |
| Estimated at $5,000 - $9,500 |
Lot 100: Engraved Gold and Silver Plated Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Ornate Cast Grip
Manufactured in 1862, this Colt Model 1860 Army revolver is elaborately adorned in nearly every way imaginable: two tone plating of silver and gold, ornate floral and feather engraving, and a lavish cast grip featuring patriotic scenes and decor. It's going to take a few more pictures to adequately show off the craftsmanship of this Colt.
 |
| Estimated at $7,500 - $15,000 |
Lot 103: Rare Collier Patent Percussion Revolver
The Collier patent pistol, whether it uses a percussion or flintlock firing mechanism, holds a very special place in American history. Patented in the United States in June of 1818, this design is largely recognized to have influenced Samuel Colt on his 1830-31 voyage to England and India as a sailor on the S.S. Corvo. A fascinating piece for early Americana collectors and an essential for Colt collectors, these desirable handguns are far and few between. To give an idea of its rarity, Rock Island Auction Company sells anywhere from 20,000 - 22,000 firearms a year and this is only the fourth Collier revolver we've had the pleasure to sell.
 |
| Estimated at $3,500 - $5,500 |
Lot 1105: Scarce Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle
These revolving rifles were only manufactured between 1879 to 1887 and, as mentioned earlier, only 977 were manufactured including all variants. These firearms come to us from the esteemed collection of Dr. Don Anderson. He was an enthusiast of all 19th century American firearms, but his passion and expertise was with this model. Coming from a such a notable collection, one can be assured that these guns are excellent examples in as fine a condition as he could get them. Also, being the objects behind such a strong passion they have undoubtedly been kept with the utmost care.
 |
| Estimated at $5,000 - $7,000 |
As with almost every article, we can only include a choice few items on any given topic. With over 2,700 lots in the February 2014 Regional Auction, and most of those being multi-item lots, we could show you one item each day for over 17 years. Thankfully for everyone involved, we'll be selling all of them in a fast-paced three days February 21st, 22nd, & 23rd, 2014. Don't forget that the Thursday before each auction, Feb 20th for this auction, is our Preview Day. You have a full day to look at, pick up, touch, inspect, draw, or shoulder any gun in the auction! Many folks call it, "the Museum You Can Touch," and we wholeheartedly agree. Whether you can come for one day or all four, we'd love to have you out to our facility and show you what a RIAC auction is. If you want a rare gun, an ornate arm, an everyday plinker, an opportunity for investment, or a new family hunting piece to cherish, Rock Island Auction Company will have you covered this February.
The "Butterfly" (Schmetterling) monogram on the Walther PP is a four leaf clover, it has a stem and no head with feelers. Thought you might like to know.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, either that or this butterfly has an ass (with a tail!). One would
ReplyDeletehope an engraver could tell the difference between a plant and an insect.
The monogram on the Walther is ES, not EB. The second letter looks like a B but is in fact the German "eszett" S - form of sharp S. Original owners name probably spelled "Sch......"
ReplyDeleteThe German silver products are being used for various reasons in these days. The silver is also used for the manufacturing of Pooja articles.
ReplyDelete