Rock Island Auction's Social Media Pages

Here at Rock Island Auction Company, we try to keep people abreast of what we're doing via social media, or at least put some amazing collector firearms in front of your eyeballs from time to time. When RIAC started exploring social media, it pretty much stuck to the big three of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and you can see those being touted on some of our earliest content. However we've come a long way since then and are now using a number of other well-known social media sites posting photos, sharing stories, and keeping you plied with all the gun content you can shake a Wingmaster at. Here's where you can find us online.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

Ah yes, the tried and true. Lots of photos and updates on the first two, and lots of videos on the last. Facebook is filled with a daily gun photo in a feature we call S.A.F.E.T.Y. (Special Arms For Everyone To Yearn), as well as a weekly feature called #FirepowerFriday that shows off some of the firearm fortitude that is floating around our facility.

By now you're probably familiar that we do video collaborations with ForgottenWeapons on YouTube and Full30.com. However, we have also recently done one with The Great War, and look to continue to these awesome partnerships while looking for new ones as well. You never know who we'll be collaborating with next! Regardless of who they're with, we do make a YouTube playlist for each auction, so people know which items are still coming up for auction and which ones have already come and gone.

Google +

Some people really like the Communities on Google+, or just despise Facebook, and we think those folks should be able to look at guns as well. We post a lot of the same photos and stories, but this is a better venue than the Big 3 for having an earnest discussion. It's not the most traffic by any means, but its still another place to spread the good word.

Reddit

We were a part of Reddit for a long time before finally starting our own subreddit last month. In full disclosure, we're a little concerned about posting too much there since Reddit has some strict guidelines about self-promotion and spam. However, the knowledge and topics you can find on Reddit are limitless so this is another great venue to share firearms with those who appreciate them.

As mentioned earlier, this is a VERY NEW subreddit, so any and all subscribers are more than welcome.

Pinterest

Who says men can't have Pinterest pages? Frankly, there's way too much cool stuff on Pinterest to not take part. We're trying to prove 'em wrong by pinning pictures that will definitely interest our customers. Military history, guns as art, collector cars, cowboys, gun memes, videos, gun gadgets, gun room ideas, historical information, old gun ads, and some of our promotional materials all make the cut. If you're on Pinterest, give us a follow.

Instagram

Instagram has been a exciting new foray for us. There is TONS of enthusiasm on this medium and people really like photos of firearms. What else could we ask for? Follow us on Instagram and we promise you'll see more behind-the-scenes photos than with any other of our social media outlets.

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We know there are a lot of other popular things to use like Snapchat and Periscope, but they may come later. If you know of any accounts we or other firearms enthusiasts should follow, post them in the comments. We're always looking to meet like minded individuals and see the incredible things that people have to share.

Oh, we also have a blog, but we're guessing you knew that already.

How to Package A Rifle

While this isn't a true instructional video, it does show how much care RIAC takes in packaging the items you win at our auctions.  We want them to arrive in the exact same condition in which we send them!  This happy customer, who happens to run www.forgottenweapons.com, takes time to show his readers and followers just how secure his firearms were when they arrived.

Do you have a testimonial you'd like to share?  We happily accept them all!  Simply send them to info@rockislandauction.com and put "Testamonial" in the subject line.  We'll do our best to get as many as we can posted to our social media accounts.  Thank you in advance!

Preview of Fine Winchester Sporting Arms in Upcoming Premiere

Rock Island Auction Company will be ending another record setting year with a spectacular year ending premiere auction this November 30th, December 1st and 2nd which in part will feature another array of fine Winchester sporting arms including the always desirable, work horse hunting rifle, the Model 70 rifle and the Model 21 Shotgun, which has been the favorite of many for generations.

   

This auction features 44 Pre-64 Model 70 rifles and 15 Model 21 shotguns. The Model 70s being offered range in caliber from the 22 Hornet to the powerful 458 Winchester Magnum. Highlighting the Model 21s is an early Pre-War Skeet/Trap Grade (Lot 1744), with an extra set of barrels and a factory letter, an engraved Trap Grade, (Lot 3468), with a Cody letter, a scarce Deluxe Trap and Skeet marked, (Lot 3477), and a rare and exceptional Deluxe Skeet Grade, (Lot 1664), with a Cody letter. If your collecting pleasure is the ever popular Winchester Model 70 rifle we will be offering 48 Model 70s of which 44 are the desirable Pre-64 models. Highlighting the grouping of Pre-64 rifles is a magnificent rare special order Super Grade in 300 H&H Magnum caliber with the original box, (Lot 4439). This rifle features full checkering, no forearm screw provision and a fish tail shape on the wrist checkering, all special order features. There is a fantastic rare special order Super Grade Featherweight with the original factory box, (Lot 3440). These two are the finest special order Model 70 Super Grade rifles in existence and the finest RIAC has ever offered for public sale. Also an excellent and scarce Featherweight in .264 Winchester Magnum caliber, (Lot 3449), an outstanding and scarce Featherweight, (Lot 3502), again in the .264 Winchester Magnum caliber, an exceptional and rare Featherweight, (Lot 3483) in .358 Winchester Caliber, Lot 3448 in the rare and desirable .35 Remington caliber, a desirable heavy barrel Bull Gun, (Lot 3494), in 300 H&H Magnum , Lot 3442 a mint Alaskan in .375 H&H Magnum, a scoped Super Grade, (Lot 3495), in .375 H&H Magnum caliber and a very attractive and finely engraved Super Grade, (Lot 3482), in .458 Winchester Magnum. Among the Post-64s is a signed factory engraved gold inlaid Ultra Grade Featherweight 1 of 1,000, (Lot 3447), which includes its original box and "coffin" case still sealed in the original box.

The Model 70s and Model 21s listed above are just a portion of what is being offered for public sale in our upcoming - December auction and as you can see Rock Island Auction Company is once again offering a spectacular selection of some of the most popular Winchester sporting arms for every collector's budget. We cannot encourage you enough to come and see this spectacular collection and many more this November 30th, 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 at the sale!

• Search Winchester Shot Gun Inventory
• Search Winchester Lever Action Rifles, Carbines, and Muskets

Highly Desirable & Highly Collectable Luger Pistols

Rock Island Auction Company is proud to offer one of the largest selections of highly desirable and highly collectable investment grade Luger pistols that we have ever offered.

   

This massive grouping spans all production years from 1900 up through 1942 and covers almost all the unique and rare variations. The following is just a small sampling of the fabulous Lugers we have to offer in this December sale. To start off we have probably one of the most highly sought after Lugers, which is an extremely rare 1902/06 "Georg Luger" Pistol Carbine, (lot 1466). These are extremely rare Lugers as only a handful were actually marked with his intertwined "GL" monogram. This marking was reserved only for Lugers produced under his specific authorization and supervision, clearly indicating this was probably a "One of a Kind" Luger Carbine. Then we have another extremely rare Luger, a 1902 American Eagle "Cartridge Counter" Luger pistol (lot 3512). This series of pistol was ordered by the U.S. Ordnance Dept. for testing and evaluation by the U.S. Army. There were only "50" total of this model produced with many seeing heavy test use with only the later production models surviving in extremely nice condition like the one we have to offer for sale. Next up we have a beautiful, all original first model 1906 Navy Luger rig (lot 1495) that is complete with the original Imperial Navy board stock, holster and accessories. These Imperial Navy Luger rigs are also some of the most sought after and most difficult WWI Lugers to obtain as they were produced in very low numbers and saw heavy use in a salt water environment with most being reworked and shortened after WWI, making their survival rate in original condition, extremely low. Next we have a huge listing of standard WWI Luger pistols and Luger pistol rigs that are in just beautiful condition, such as lot 1471 and lot 3566 being two all-time favorites. These are two original, WWI "First Year" 1914 dated, matching Artillery Luger pistol rigs; one made by the DWM factory and the other by the Erfurt factory. Both are extremely rare and highly collectable, with both examples having original issue Artillery board stocks, holster and magazines. We also have a huge sampling of post WWI Lugers produced during the early Weimar era, pre-Nazi era and then throughout WWII under the Nazi regime.

These include several Weimar police Luger rigs, as well as several of the extremely rare Simson & Company Luger rigs, several with two matching magazines and holsters. These are featured in lot 1472, lot 1486 and lot 3513 as well as other lots. These were all produced in Suhl only in the 1922-1926 time-frame, prior to the Nazi's taking over and confiscating the Simson factory in late 1927-28. Next we have several lots of the Pre-Nazi sneak Military and Police Luger rigs produced in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Next we transitioned into all the various "S/42" Luger rigs produced during WWII to include the Rare early 1934 "K" date Luger rig (lot 1505), several 1935, 1936, 1937 through 1942, all matching Police Luger rigs (including all three Police Proof variations). Then we have all the same years 1933-1942 Military issue Lugers and Luger rigs, as well as several Krieghoff Luger rigs (lots 1469, 1481, 1545, 3520 and 3580) as issued and used by the Luftwaffe.

Rock Island Auction Company is also proud to offer one of the rarest and best condition, late WWII Nazi "People's rifle" that has even been offered for sale anywhere (lot 1498). Brian, a RIAC firearm specialist, says "I have been collecting military weapons memorability for over 40 years and every once in a while something comes into the company that just shocks me, and this is one of those guns. However it still instills the "hunt" in me when I see this stuff and the reason being is that this "Volkssturmgewehr or "Peoples Assault Rifle", has literally been sitting in the veteran's attic since 1945 when he sent it home after WWII. It was a pleasure for me to handle and write up this rifle, just read the description and you will know why." 

In addition to this, Rock Island Auction Company always seems to have a huge selection of WWII k98 sniper rifles, P38 pistols, as well as all the other German military pistols used during WWII.  We cannot encourage you enough to come and see these and many more this November 30th, December 1st and 2nd.  We hope this sampling entices you to visit our online catalog to see the complete collection. This collection will surely meet the needs of collectors at all levels. 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 at the sale!

• Search Luger Inventory
• Search All German Inventory  

Urbanowski Antique Smith & Wesson Collection in Upcoming Auction

Rock Island Auction Company is Proud and Excited to Offer the Finest Antique Smith & Wesson Collection to Cross the Auction Block in Nearly a Decade this November 30th, December 1st & 2nd.

Procurers of Antique Smith & Wesson's will be extremely delighted to get their hands on Rock Island Auction Company's most recent Premiere Firearms catalog as for the first time in 20 years a RIAC catalog cover features nothing but antique Smith & Wesson firearms! It is our great pleasure to offer for sale the collection of Mr. Anthony Urbanowski an encyclopedic study of antique Smith & Wesson firearms. It was Mr. Urbanowski's calling to put together a collection of every production model and variation of antique Smith & Wesson revolvers which he achieved albeit one or two. The collection of nearly 200 Smith & Wesson's encompasses quantity, quality, condition and rarity, as Mr. Urbanowki was able to obtain some of the most scarce and high condition examples known to collectors which include several only known specimens of their kind.

Beginning with Horace Smith and D.B. Wesson's first joint firearms endeavor is Lot 1378 a highly desirable large frame of Type I Lever Action magazine Pistol. Rare in any condition this 8" pistol serial number 147 is one of approximately 500 manufactured and is fine to very fine overall condition, a must own for any serious S&W collector. Moving on to the so called "first firsts" we begin with Lot 268 a scarce Smith & Wesson 1st Model 1st Issue 2nd Variation serial number 623 with the distinctive bayonet latch. The bayonet latch can only be observed on the 1st and 2nd variations and of which there are only 1,100 between the two. The collection includes all variations except the 1st. Also of note is Lot 258 which is just an exceptional 1st Model 1st Issue 5th Variation in its original Gutta Percha case, truly an example that would be difficult to improve upon.

Continuing with "tip-up" models is a magnificent and diverse array of the S&W No. 2 Army revolvers starting with Lot 1425 a superb cased "two-tone" Smith & Wesson No. 2 Army shipped April 29, 1865 to B. Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio and remains in excellent overall condition. Lot 284 is the finest standard commercial blue finish 6" No. 2 Army that we at Rock Island Auction have had the pleasure to catalog and remains excellent plus! Moving on to some of the rarer variations: Lot 1426 serial number 327 with scarce two pin frame and 5" barrel, Lot 1411 is a scarce full silver plated No. 2, Lot 1410 is one of the most desirable of No.2 variations a rare 4" with factory letter confirming barrel length. Lot 1403 is the rarest of all, 1 of 35 original No. 2 Armies marked "2nd Quality" which remains un-serialized and in the white.

Moving from "tip-ups" to "top breaks" we start right off the bat with two of the most prized pieces in the entire collection Lot 256 and Lot 1384 both excellent and original "Mexican Models". Next Lot 1414 is the finest blue finished Baby Russian extant still accompanied by its original factory picture box! Moving on to the large frame DA's we start with Lot 1387 a truly stunning exhibition factory engraved and gold plated S&W 44 DA. Smith & Wesson's of this quality are very rarely observed outside of books let alone up for sale! Lot 266 is a true "1 of 1": the only known blued Smith & Wesson .44 Favorite. Only 1000 Favorites were manufactured from 1882-1883. This is the only one known with original factory blue! A true once in a life-time opportunity! Next is an equally impressive and rare 1 of only 10 Smith & Wesson 44 DA manufactured in .38 military!

The core of Mr. Urbanowski's collection is the grouping of large frame No. 3: Americans, Sheffield's, Russians, and New Models. This auction is truly an unprecedented opportunity to observe and own some of the most rare and high condition examples of these highly sought after large frames and here are the highlights; Lot 1394 serial number 874 American with rare "oil hole" in excellent condition, the finest we have ever offered. Lot 246 Experimental serial number 14 American in 44-100 rimfire, Lot 264 1 of 32 factory documented Nashville police Americans, Lot 245 documented 1 of 1000 U.S. cavalry Americans. Also included in the sale is every variation of the No. 3 Russian including a near new, stocked, experimental 3rd Model Russian Lot 1398. Lot 272 is an incredibly rare U.S. state of Maryland Henry Nettleton inspected New Model No. 3.

Without even scratching the surface it is easy to see the importance and depth of this S&W collection.  We cannot encourage you enough to come and see this spectacular collection and many more this November 30^th, December 1^st and 2^nd.  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 of info@rockislandauction.com. We look forward to any inquiries, and hope to see you in at the sale!

Search Antique Smith & Wesson Inventory

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