Announcing The Bretherton Collection

Rock Island Auction Company is proud and deeply honored to have been chosen to market at auction the legendary Robert “The Bear” Bretherton Collection. The Robert Bretherton Collection houses European and American automatic pistols, classic European high art arms, American and European sporting rifles and swords, incredible Colt revolvers, Winchester rifles of the West and their competitors, plus combat and prototype arms of the Allied and Axis powers; representing an epic feat in the field of fine arms collecting.  Aside from its tremendous size and high condition are the unforgettable rarities that span more than four centuries of technological advances, design, and craftsmanship. Even with all these tremendous accolades, the most appealing aspect of the collection is its unmistakable freshness, having never been viewed by a single collector in its entirety.

Born in 1925, Robert “The Bear” Bretherton had an insatiable appetite for fine arms even at an early age, acquiring his first gun by his sixth birthday. Over the next 80 years he hunted and pursued fine firearms across the globe on an unprecedented scale. After viewing the collection, President and CEO of Rock Island Auction Company Patrick Hogan commented, “It was quite clear to me even at first glance, the level of scholarship and passion Mr. Bretherton had when building his collection.  He understood rarity and condition, the difference between good and great, and had an obvious adoration for the history behind the firearms, as was exhibited by the collection’s vast range from classical European wheelocks to 20^th century military arms."

 “Having been in this business for nearly 25 years, I have examined collections in almost every state and throughout Europe. In all my experience, I have never encountered a group of arms equal to the supreme quality and quantity as what is represented within the Bretherton Collection.  To say his collection is a lifetime achievement would only be scratching the surface,” said Hogan. “It is simply magnificent.” Many times when a collection of this size is amassed by an individual and that person passes, that collection can fall into neglect.  Thankfully, in this case the caretaker was an outstanding curator who ensured all items were well cared for and cherished.

Rock Island Auction Company is coming off the heels of the most successful year to date for any firearms auction house or firearms division, posting the unprecedented sum of over $51 million in sales for 2015. This cemented their 12^th consecutive year as the world’s number one firearms auction house. “We are extremely proud of what our team was able to do in 2015 and equally thankful to our customers, both consignors and buyers,” said Laurence Thomson, Executive Director of Operations at RIAC. “We have a company culture that is never satisfied with average and pushes to be exceptional each and every year, one auction at a time. Over the last four years we have averaged $48 million annually.  No other firearms auction house has ever hit $40 million! We are beyond excited for 2016 to announce the acquisition of the Bretherton Collection.  It’s an unbelievable opportunity for our firm and for collectors everywhere.”

A Lifetime of Lugers

This article, appropriately enough, is being distributed on Georg Luger's birthday, March 6.  It is the 166th anniversary of the occasion.  Happy birthday, Georg!


Rock Island Auction Company has been extremely privileged during our last few Premiere auctions to host the Gene Smith Military Collection.  Mr. Smith's massive, encyclopedic grouping of German military arms has been featured in our sales since mid-2014, bringing high condition, rare, historic, and significant German firearms to the collecting community who can't snatch them up quickly enough.

Regarding this astounding collection, we bring good news and bad news.  The bad news is that our 2015 April Premiere Firearms Auction will mark the final installment of this landmark collection.  It has truly been our pleasure to see, handle, and experience such an array of amazing guns, and with one final opportunity, that pleasure can be yours as well.  The good news is that besides having one final opportunity to own an item from this outstanding collection, another convergence of extraordinary arms waits in the wings, waiting to be unleashed.  We are referring to The Lifelong Collection of Icon Ralph Shattuck.

Viewing Mr. Shattuck's passion for firearms has resulted in a "dream collection" that many aspire to match and very few ever do.  His assemblage of Lugers, Mausers, and Borchardts is unparalleled, and a multitude of other nations are represented as well.  Here, for the first time, is a glimpse at the host of rare and attractive firearms that comprise this lifetime of dedication.  Before we begin, many of the firearms pictured here by Rock Island Auction Company can already be found with descriptions in the book Lugers at Random by Charles Kenyon, Jr.  Long considered to be an important reference since its release in 1969, the book contains numerous photos and descriptions of important Lugers from Mr. Shattuck's collection.  Also, Mr. Shattuck, acknowledged as the "Dean of Lugers," has a book published on his collection aptly titled "Lugers of Ralph Shattuck," which can be easily found on Amazon for those who would like a more in-depth view of his collection.  There was even an a CD made of high-resolution photos of the guns in his collection.  People just couldn't get enough of these rare, unusual, beautiful, and high condition Lugers.

Ralph Shattuck and his wife Nancy.

Ralph Shattuck was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 28, 1929 mere months preceding the Great Depression, but would go on to become one of the pioneers and giants of the Luger collecting community.  Even as a child Shattuck would ride around on his bicycle and purchase whatever pistols he could with the intention of selling them to make some money.  His home, both his first residence in Michigan and his later one in Arizona, was open to many collectors throughout the years and was nearly considered a pilgrimage site for Luger enthusiasts - containing hundreds of Lugers in his personal collection and even more in "inventory."  Ralph and his bright red suit jacket were a staple of many gun shows for decades, resulting in endless stories of his generosity, character, and genuine love of the hobby.  Ralph passed away on his birthday at the age of 81, but not before helping build one of the most zealous and educated genres in gun collecting.  Rock Island Auction Company is honored to offer such a prestigious collection from such a collecting icon and trailblazer.

Outstanding Ultra Rare DWM Model 1902 U.S. Army "Cartridge Counter" American Eagle Test Luger

This completely original and totally unaltered version of the "Cartridge Counter" Luger is one of the most desirable Lugers for both German and military collectors.  Made at the behest of the U.S. Ordnance Board in 1902, exactly 50 of these pistols with the "Powell Indicating Device" (and grip safety) were manufactured for testing the following year.  The device was simple and accurate, but ultimately deemed to fragile by the Ordnance Board, and rightly so.  The left grip would first have a slot cut into it, and then have a delicate metal strip and feeble 3 1/4" celluloid strip covering the newly created slot.  The concept itself was quite simple.  To work, the gun required a special magazine, which involved a pin poking out the left side of the magazine.  This pin was attached to the magazine follower, so that every time a cartridge was fired and the follower rose, the pin would also.  That pin also moved an indicator corresponding to the numerals visible to the user.  In a bit of a perhaps unintended redundancy, when loaded, the bullets of the cartridges were also visible through the celluloid window.

Estimate: $45,000 - $65,000

Extremely Rare Original DWM Model 1900 "GL" Marked Prototype Luger Pistol with Unique Reversed Toggle Mechanism

The photos are worth a million words in the case of this gun.  With its numerous unique and potentially one-of-a-kind design variations, not only is the gun a bit difficult to describe through text alone, but the purpose of the prototype changes is not fully known.

Note the reversed toggle "hinge" on this pistol as compared to the photo of the top of the previous Luger.  The rear portion extends into the front, instead of the other way around.

There's also this unusual undercut front sight and muzzle
with dimples on each side.  Were they for an attached
suppressor or muzzle break?  Do these tie in with the reversed toggle?

"GL" Georg Luger marked prototype.

Finest Known Exceptionally Rare Documented DWM Model 1900 Bulgarian Contract Luger Pistol

Authentic Cyrililic text appearing in place of the "GESICHERT" ("secured") marking, is always a good sign for a Luger collector. The total production of these pistols is estimated at approximately 1,000 pistols and this example is in the appropriate serial range.  While seven rebarreled Model 1900 pistols are known, it is reported that no more than 3-4 original 1900 Bulgarian contract Lugers are known as many were converted to 9mm before and after the Great War.  Most saw heavy use through WWII, with many samples being captured by Russians.  Another unusual feature of this Luger might not appear unusual at first glance.  Note the placement of the "DWM" monogram and the Bulgarian crest.  On many Lugers, this placement is standard, but on these guns one would much more commonly find the markings reversed, making this "normal" looking Luger even more rare and desirable.

























So by now, you know our April Premiere Auction will have two colossal German collections contained within in it.  Did you also know that amazing single pieces have come in as well, creating a perfect storm for German and foreign military collectors?  Here are additional highlights for collectors sure to be wringing their hands with anticipation.

Rare, Documented DWM Prototype 1900 Luger Carbine, Serial Number 58

OK, we fibbed.  One more from the Shattuck Collection, and this one presents a mystery to collectors.  This gun was featured in the aforementioned book Lugers At Random and since 1969 it has stymied Luger collectors.  The source of conflict comes primarily in determining whether this 1900 Carbine  was manufactured for commercial sales or as a prototype.  Lugers At Random is quoted in describing the gun by stating,

"The uniqueness of this variation makes it difficult to determine the proper designation for this weapon and there is support for both theories (commercial or prototype) among collectors.  The unique five position rear sight lends support to the Prototype theory, but the serial number range is of the 1900 era.  VERY VERY RARE.  Only one example is known to collectors." (Emphasis theirs)

Extraordinary, Historic Pre-World War II Walther Factory Engraved Gold Plated Model PP Presentation Pistol For King Carol II of Romania

Obviously this gun has some extensive ornamentation going for it, making it a prize for any collector who appreciates such craftsmanship, but this gun also bears some special provenance.  Just looking at it, one might be able to guess that it is a presentation gun, however, a presentation for whom is not as evident.  This spectacular Walther PP was commissioned by the Nazis for King Carol II of Romania during his second reign.  It was around 1937-38 when Nazi Germany was pulling out all the stops so that Romania and its "the playboy king" would ally itself with the Third Reich.  The fact that the Romanians were sitting on the oil fields at Ploiesit didn't hurt either.  This pistol was part of the efforts to woo the King.

As if one could look past the impressive provenance, the gun alone is capable of generating high interest among collectors.  First off, this is the earliest known factory engraved Walther Mod. PP pistol.  With a serial number of 751249, that makes this the 1,249th Walther PP!  The engraving itself is also masterfully done by the Zella-Mehlis Guild/Walther engravers and features a dense, floral scroll work mixed with an abundance of edelweiss blossoms. The gold plating speaks for itself and the grips have an inset on the left side that shows the Romanian crown over the initials "CC" (standing for Carol Caraiman, the full name of King Carol II).

Exceptionally Rare, Early Production Mauser Model 1896 20 Shot Flatside Cone Hammer Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 91 with Matching Shoulder Stock

Everybody can recognize a "broomhandle" pistol.  The C96 has a look that people still find attractive today and a quite a following among military enthusiasts.  This particular Mauser Model 1896 is one that should be paid special attention for a number of reasons.  What is immediately most noticeable is that it is a desirable 20-shot version.  Soldiers may have griped about the difficulty in reloading the gun with two 10-round clips, but today they stand out from a gun that was produced for over 60 years and imitated by many.  Looking closely, one will also notice that the pistol is without its standard milled frame panels.  This is known as a "flat side" Broomhandle and is indicative of an early production, before the milled panels began to appear to reduce weight and save on materials.  Being an early model, it also has many of the other features found on those guns such as a cone hammer, the long extractor on the breech bolt, and many others.

Perhaps most impressive about this gun, which cannot be easily observed, is that it still has all its original parts.  Even the grips and the rare wooden holster bear the "91" that ties this wonderful firearm together.  The wooden shoulder stock/holster is an anomaly in itself.  Their large size made them prone to breakage, leaving few surviving models.  Even the stock shows "91" on its lid, attaching iron, and on the flat edge of the stock itself.  Why the number "91"?  it is yet another interesting fact about the pistol that cannot be gathered solely by its appearance.  As if all the other features mentioned here did not make this iconic little pistol rare enough, only an estimated 90-100 of this variant were ever produced with most of them being shipped to South America.  Since few things that are shipped out ever seem to find their way back home, that makes this pistol a rare bird, and its late number of "91" means it was one of the very last Broomhandles produced for those South American shipments.

Exceptional Rare Original Early Gabbet Fairfax MARS Semi-Automatic Pistol

This rare and monstrous handgun once had bragging rights as "the most powerful handgun in the world."  Considering it was only produced from 1898-1907 and would not lose that title until the 1970s, that's quite an accomplishment.  That small production time, of course, resulted in a very limited run of these guns.  Approximately 80 were ever produced in all their proprietary configurations (8.5mm, .36 (9mm), .45 Long, and .45 Short).  The example shown above is an extremely early version (c. 1898-1900) and stamped with the serial number 4.  It also has the fine blued finish and wonderful checkered walnut grips.  It remains in its all-original and unaltered condition.



The pistols were very well-made with all hand-fitted parts, and extremely powerful, but ultimately they were not to be.  Why?  A few reasons existed and they all had to deal with the gun's rather complex design.  First of all, complex designs historically tend to not render themselves well to life in military service.  Complex devices have more parts to foul and are difficult to repair/clean in the field.  Second, this complex device, utilizing a long-action recoil, had such horrendous recoil that it was prone to feeding problems.  The recoil was partially due to the powerful cartridges, but also because of the long travel of the moving parts.  It also suffered from a heavy trigger pull.  All these gripes led to the MARS being passed over for military contracts, the sole hope of its designer, Hugh Gabbert-Fairfax.  There were never any issues with its "man-stopping" ability, but its recoil was its ultimate undoing.  Fortunately, it left us with some rather entertaining quotes such as, "No one who fired once with the pistol wished to shoot it again," and "singularly unpleasant and alarming."

Even without military contracts or commercial sales, this rare curio remains a supremely desirable collectible.

---

German collectors, do we have your attention yet?  These two collections combine to form a spectacular selection, the contents of which have the potential to turn good collections into great ones, and great collections legendary.  The guns mentioned here are a fine, yet small, sampling of a cornucopia of European arms.  Not only are there German arms, but the Shattuck Collection also contains such gems as an uncommon Japanese Pedersen, a rare Czech ZH29, a Heinrich Himmler inscribed Jacquemart double barrel shotgun, a 1908 Mondragon semi-automatic rifle, and many more.

Not to mention the Dr. Joel Glovsky Collection, which holds the most complete and advanced array of 7.65mm pistols ever made available - the fruits of 60 years of dedicated labor.  This collection includes most of the 7.65mm pistols from the estate of the late Sid Aberman.  It is a smorgasbord of rarity, prototypes, experimental variations, and high condition, which will be covered in a blog of its own before our 2015 April Premiere Firearms Auction.

Who will be the lucky, dedicated collectors that will not rest until these firearms reside safely in their gun rooms?  If that collector is reading this, we wish you best of luck on your bids for these incredible firearms.


-Written by Joel Kolander






SOURCES:


http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=RALPH-SHATTUCK&lc=4279&pid=144356636&mid=4331737

Kenyon, Charles. Lugers at Random. Chicago: Handgun, 1969. Print.

The Life of a Gun Collector, Part II

As covered in the first segment of this series, there are different stages to collecting. Despite the fact that there are millions of different collectors and many more millions of guns, collectors of all different motivations find themselves with a collection not only of firearms, but of universal experiences. Beginning experiences are undoubtedly the most discussed in any venue for the simple fact that more people have requisitely entered or passed through the beginning stage than the other stages. What's next? What happens when a collector starts to know their subject matter, actively begins buying and/or trading guns, and owns a healthy number of firearms? This installment will be about what one interviewed collector called, "constant, gradual improvement."

Collecting vs. Accumulating

People will often argue the definition of a gun collector. One group will say that, "if you have more than 3 guns, you're a collector." Another faction will say that you have to buy guns specific to a particular genre. What defines specific? One collector tells the following story of his time at a museum's gun collection, most of which was not on display, but kept in vaults and back rooms.

"We had an inside deal.  My friend took me there.  The curator turned to my friend and said, "What do you collect?"  My friend, who had been at this for years said, "I collect U.S. military guns from 1820 to the current."  The curator looked at him and said, "You're not a collector.  You're an accumulator."  So he turned to me and said, "What do you collect?"  I said, "I collect Sharps."  He said, "OK.  Come over here."  He took me across the hall and he said, "I want to show you this gun."  And the gun was about 10 to 12 feet away and I said, "Yeah, that's on of John Brown's guns."  He looked at me and said, "How do you know that?"  Suddenly I rose up about 11 layers in that curator's list because I knew what that gun was when I was 10 feet away."

- D.C.

As that small anecdote conveys, some people have a very broad definition of collecting, while others keep it very specific and narrow.  Regardless of focus, every collector enters into a stage of accumulation.  It's as universal as a beginner wondering if they're getting a good deal.  One starts to recognize good guns at good prices and purchasing them.  Maybe guns are accumulated as the following collector describes them.

"You come to a show like this and somebody can't afford to buy this piece, so he'll put together a little bit of cash and 2-3 other guns.  Well, you like this gun and that gun, but you don't like that one, but you take the whole thing in trade.  You'll just get rid of it later."

- SBC

You might get them from neighbors, friends, or other folks you meet as you delve deeper and deeper into the hobby.  Whatever the circumstances, firearms seem to make their way toward the collector and the collector accepts almost all comers into the flock.  It all results in an increase to the volume of firearms owned.  However a hodge-podge of guns does not make one a collector.  That person may love guns, love to use them, love to purchase and take care of them.  A lot of tools doesn't make one a tool collector.  It just means that person likes tools and has a lot of them.  There is no problem with this type of firearms enthusiast.  It is what some will refer to as an accumulator and all collectors are at one point accumulators.

If this stage of collecting looked like a line graph, that graph would look like the cross-section of a hill or a gentle bell curve; there is a period where the volume increases, where it tapers off, and where it decreases.  Accumulation turns more toward a true collection when the volume of a collection is turned toward a specific area of interest and/or toward a higher quality.  When a collector sets their sights (no pun intended) on a preferred genre or quality level, there will be guns in their collection that no longer fit.  These “out of place” guns then become a vehicle to acquire more desirable pieces by either selling them for money or using them in trade to acquire items that further the collection.  In other words, you’re going to sell a lot of guns to make some money in order to buy few, higher quality guns.

"A lot of people in the hobby build volume for volume's sake.  Then you get to a point where you say, I've got an awful lot of money sitting here.  I'm gonna sell some stuff and refine.  Everybody does it, I believe.  Refine, refine, refine.  You end up with a smaller percentage of guns than you've had before in your collection, but they're nicer.  They're finer."

- Chuck B.

A collector is entering a special time! While there may not be a conscious moment of decision to collect a certain genre or manufacturer or timeframe, the collector's preferences begin to emerge and those preferences will absolutely shine as their collection grows smaller and better. There may be less guns involved, but the focus of those guns should be narrowing and their quality should be increasing. This is the "constant, gradual improvement" universal to established collectors. A newly honed area of interest could be as narrow as only collecting Colt Baby Patersons or as broad as the collection in the story. A collector might give up some of their old shooters to get that one piece toward their collection. One might also sell off a few lesser quality guns to obtain one of higher quality. Maybe even the same gun! The point remains that many collectors in this stage begin to move from a period of accumulation and increasing volume to one that shapes a collection and decreases in volume.

Of course, not all all collections have to decrease in volume.

Changing Ships Midstream

Sometimes collectors who have started a nice little collection for themselves find their eyes wandering to another genre or collection.  This happens quite frequently.  Tastes change and mature.  Some collectors can only find excitement in the chase and have been known to sell entire collections just so they can start off fresh in a new area.

This is the beauty of collecting.  Enjoyment and the appreciation of what you are collecting are essential parts of the hobby.  Why collect something no longer enjoyable or interesting?  Plenty of collectors change genre midstream and move on toward pastures with more bluing.  Changing might be tough to swallow at first after all the effort, searching, bargaining, and hunting that took place to acquire those pieces.  It might feel like a lot of work down the drain.  Don't worry, soon those feelings of loss will be replaced by excitement and anticipation as new pieces are chased down to form the new collection.

"I wanted the best Winchesters I could afford.  Eventually I realized that I couldn't afford the kind that I wanted and I didn't want the ones I could afford and so I switched to Smith & Wessons."

-T.L.

"I visited a man... and I liked his collection better than mine."

- W.L.

Methods of Purchase

The options for purchasing firearms have never been easier for collectors and investors.  The tried and true methods still exist: local gun stores, gun shows, clubs, friends/neighbors, retail stores, pawn shops, estate sales, and the like are still very popular methods for finding guns.  However, the advent of the internet as well as the rise of firearms based auction houses in the early 80s have provided a boon to collectors who want to find the guns they want in one place.

Auction houses like Rock Island Auction Company combine high volume with the highest quality firearms.

Never has searching for a gun been easier than simply typing what you want into a computer and seeing nearly instant results from any number of potential sellers.  However, the internet's biggest benefit is also its downfall - it is a search tool for the masses.  Any number of common or even semi-common firearms are readily available for the right price.  Search a common place, find a common gun.  But what about that "special" gun?  What about a gun so rare and sought after that an example might only come up for sale a handful of times in a collector's life?  For such guns this difficult to obtain, one can often hope to be in the right network of collectors or one can turn to a firearms based auction house.

Where the internet offers immediate availability and an infinite amount of firearms for sale at any given time, auction houses take the cake with respect to specialty, rare, or incredibly high-priced collector firearms.  Good auction houses also provide security and accountability.  A lot of collectors simply aren't willing to drop thousands of dollars on a firearm from somebody they've never seen nor met.  Auction houses provide that peace of mind, along with a chance to inspect the goods prior to purchase, and often much better photos and research than other online sources.

Advice from Experienced Collectors

"Second rule is, buy all the accessories and the little stuff.  Young collectors, new collectors don't do that.  The guns are always available.  It's the rest of the stuff that's very difficult... Buy the little accessories when they're available, if they're reasonably priced.  There will always be guns.  I don't care what kind of gun it is, it won't be long before you see the gun.  If you don't have enough money, go around and buy the accessories even if you have to grit your teeth because you have to pass on a gun.  Spend the money on the accessories."

-Dave C.

"You gotta decide what you like.  Like women, all at once there's one and you decide that's the one.  Just like guns.  It's gotta appeal to you.  Maybe it's the history.  Maybe it's the style.  Maybe it's the design.  You study up on it and go, "These are really cool!"  What winds your clock?  If you’re not enjoying it and it's not of interest to you, then you're an investor."

-Anonymous

"I was just working for wages.  I was a poor workin' slob!  I’d been doing that all my life.  So I took all this old junk that I had, got tables at the next gun show, started selling that off, and making money.  'My God!  Look at the money I'm making!' I put all that into the best item I could find at that show."

-L.J.

"Never buy a gun for X amount of dollars without knowing that you can sell it somewhere down the road. because somewhere down the road, you'll tire of it. Somewhere down the road you'll get a better one."

- SBC

"Nobody ever mentions measuring the value of things.  It’s rather excepted.  One simply makes their collection bigger and better.  Or smaller and better.  Smaller and better is more my liking.  I once traded 61 for 1. (Really?! Was it worth it?)  No!  it was a foolish move, but I'm still happier with what I've got."

- T.L.

"You never complete a collection."

-Anon

“In my case, it’s the mystery of what I call the “guns that talk to me.”  If they don’t talk to me, then I’m not interested in them.  I’m waaaaaay past buying great guns just because the price is right.  I’m not saying I don’t do that, but that’s not what does it for me.  What does it is the chase.  Finding them.  Beating the bushes.  Where do they come from?  I bought guns in the last year that I’ve been after for 30 years, easy.”

D.C.

“As in many facets of life, quality is more important than quantity.  A collection of five high condition guns is more impressive than a hundred of mediocre quality”

-Chuck B.

Click here to read Part III

Upcoming Premiere Features Finest Assembly of Colt Single Action Army Revolvers!

Thank You Veterans!!!

Rock Island Auction Company would like to take this opportunity to Thank all members of the Armed Services. It is because of your sacrifices that we are able to enjoy our freedom.

This December, Rock Island Auction Company will bring the 2012 auction season to a fitting close with our Premiere Firearms Auction, which will include one of the finest assemblies of Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, featuring the final installment of the Gateway Collection.

Though this collection is fantastic overall, a few pieces stand out even within this distinguished grouping, including one of the rarest Single Action Army Revolvers known to collectors, the 1873 Pinched Frame (Lot #1303), one of the first 200 SAAs to come off Colt's production line during the introductory year for the revolver. So named for the sight arrangement, which has the rear sight notch cut into a "pinched" section of the top sight groove slightly ahead of the rear of the frame, this style was discontinued shortly after introduction in favor of the notch set at the rear of the top strap which remains the standard sight for both Colt and their imitators. One of these revolvers, in any condition, is a scarce and unusual piece which could serve to be a top item even in a very sophisticated collection, but this example, showing 95% of a period nickel finish, could be a "crown jewel" of nearly any grouping.

Embellished SAAs are also present in the sale, with an exceptional example in Lot #1283, a Frontier Six Shooter with factory documented engraving, silver finish, and steer head ivory grips. While fine scroll and punch dot engraving, special finishes, and raised carved ivory steer head grips are not unknown on the collector's market, typically such arms received their decoration from the retailer before sale, or had the work done later in life. This example is fully documented; every ounce of this top notch revolver is factory work verified from Colt's own records, no "Not Listed" fields on this one. Though not stated explicitly in the letter, from the 18 October, 1926 shipping date we can reasonably assume the grips are the work of noted Master Engraver Wilbur A. Glahn.

The scarce and desirable variants of the Single Action are also well represented. Lot #3359, a London Agency Bisley Flattop, is factory documented as shipped to the Pall Mall office on 21 June, 1897, and has multiple desirable features. First, the caliber of 455 Eley, with only 196 Flattop Bisley Revolvers chambered in it, due to the overall preference for smaller, lighter rounds among the target shooters the arm was meant for. Second, the front sight, documented in the letter as a special order feature, is equipped with a detachable extension, which serves as both a protector for the installed sight, and also doubles as a taller, more visible front sight. Additionally, the hardwood grips are documented to the gun.

Out of the variety of top notch collector's arms in the December Premiere Sale, the items mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg. Starting November 30th, and running through December 1st and 2nd, our sale contains something for virtually everyone and covers the entire spectrum from antique black powder arms to Class III Items. Our catalog is available online for free, or we can ship you one today, just complete the online order form, call 1-800-238-8022, fax 1-309-797-1655, or e-mail info@rockislandauction.com. We look forward to any inquiries, and hope to see you in at the sale!

View the collection of Colt Single Action Army Revolver's in our online catalog today!!

• Colt SAA First Generation
• Colt SAA 2^nd and 3^rd Generation 

Museum Quality Remingtons from the James Tipton Collection

Hang on to your hats Remington shotgun collectors because RIA has the finest collection of factory master engraved gold inlaid Remington shotguns ever offered at public sale. I have worked here almost 7 ½ years and have never seen the likes of these spectacular shotguns. The collection includes a One-of-a-kind consecutively serial numbered four gun set of R.P. Runge Master Engraved Model 1100SF Premier Grade semi automatic shotguns in 12, 20, 28 and 410 gauges Lot 1594. The shotguns are “F” Grade which was the exclusive product of the Remington custom Shop and are made with masterfully hand fitted components, superbly embellished and signed, and dated by the engraver. All are mounted with extra fancy high grade checkered walnut forearms and stocks. There is a unique sequential set of four Remington Custom Shop Model 1100-SD Skeet Tournament Grade semi automatic shotguns in 12, 20, 28 and 410 gauge. The Model 1100s continue with Model 1100S skeet Premier F Grade custom Shop factory engraved by Master engraver Don Talbot Lot 1603. Talbot is a master of the American style of game scene engraving as well as a practitioner of the Italian “Bulino” school which uses near microscopic line and dot work to produce shading and depth rarely seen on American arms. And yet another Model 1100 Premier F Grade factory Custom Shop engraved Lot 1595, gold inlaid and signed by