The Golden Luger: A Gift Between Two Nazis Who Changed History

Lot 1489: Exceptional and Historic Nazi 1939 Mauser Factory Engraved and Gold Plated Presentation Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol Given to the Nazi Ambassador Franz von Papen by Foreign Minister of the Reich Joachim von Ribbentrop with Authentication from a Mauser Factory Consultant

History is a funny thing. As hard as we humans try to document it, the facts of the matter only occasionally prevail, rarely survive, and are often up to interpretation. Much like human memory itself, we often serve as storytellers, making our own omissions and exaggerations instead of acting as stern and fact-obsessed archivists. Each camp has its own validity. The "archivists" often state that the history speaks for itself and needs no embellishment, while the "storytellers" often excuse their inaccuracies by saying it makes the history approachable, relatable, and easier to imagine those fantastic moments that stitch together the tapestry of our past.

Knowing what we do about the human memory, and our suspect ability to accurately document history, it should come as no surprise that history is often told selectively. Things are attributed to more famous names in history, while lesser known names lie in their wake, largely forgotten. This is an article about two of those lesser known names and a brilliant Luger pistol that passed between them.





The Luger itself is a Mauser manufacture pistol that began its life rather uneventfully. According to accompanying documents written by Dr. Rolf Gminder, a consultant to the Mauser-Werkes factory who had personally viewed the pistol, it was originally one of any number of Lugers in the existing stock of police guns. However, this gun was selected for something more. It began with the highest quality engraving Germany had to offer. The typical "oak leaf and acorn" pattern takes on a distinct variation with more flowing vinous scroll work and geometric shapes than typically seen on the more deep relief engraved Walther PP and PPK pistols that often served as Nazi presentation pistols.

The dark walnut grips have also been carved with the oak and acorn pattern, but while the right grip shows fine checkering in its center, the left grip bears a presentation plaque that reads,

Seiner Exzellenz

Herrn Botshafter Franz von Papen

in tiefster Verehrung
am 11ten November 1940

überreicht von Joachim von Ribbentrop

Aussenminister 
des Deutchen Reiches

That translates to:

His Excellency

the Honorable Ambassador Franz von Papen

in deepest dedication
on 11th November 1940

given by Joachim von Ribbentrop

Foreign Minister of the German Reich

Many presentation arms leave a mystery about who presented the gun and who received it. Sometimes they are decorated with no inscription at all, while others only bear the cryptic monogram of their recipient. This pistol leaves no such riddles and instead offers us an excellent starting point to explore who these men were, what they did, and the background of this extravagant Luger.

Franz von Papen

1936 portrait of Papen

Thankfully, Franz von Papen is not one of those names lost to time or a German military man of whom little information remains. That said, his deeds place him far from a spot of honor in history. In the simplest terms, Papen was a politician. Born in 1879  to a wealthy family, he entered the military early on, and by the Great War was already a military attaché in Washington. However, at the behest of the U.S. Government he was recalled in 1915 after being implicated as a spy and saboteur. After serving the rest of the war for Germany, he entered politics and found his true calling. He served in the Prussian Parliament for 11 years, before being surprisingly appointed Chancellor in 1932 by President Paul von Hindenburg, who had been undeniably influenced by General Kurt von Schleicher, an old friend of Papen's who had great influence with the German president.

Once in a position of power, Papen achieved some impressive feats considering the near-complete lack of support he had within the Reichstag. Instead he achieved his changes through authoritarian rule. In an effort to gain the support of the Nazi party, he repealed the ban on their paramilitary Sturmabteilung (SA). He also had Germany's debt under the Treaty of Versailles essentially erased. In this trend of removing previous laws, Papen also staged a coup and deposed the Social Democratic government of Prussia using police, and declared himself its leader. These authoritarian measures are marked by many as setting the stage for the rise of the Third Reich, a charge echoed in his Nuremberg trial.

Taken from a larger photo, Papen can be seen
sitting in the back seat of Hitler's vehicle.

After the coup, he called for a national election and was surprised when he still had no support from the Reichstag. Instead, the Nazis seized the moment and gained 123 seats, giving them a majority in the governing body. Papen planned to dissolve the democracy, and even had advance permission from Hindenburg. However, the Nazis had other ideas. Rolling with the tide, Papen then tried to work with the Nazis, but found them unbending and so resigned as chancellor after the November 1932 elections. After some major politicking and maneuvering between President Hindenburg, Gen. Schleicher, and Papen, with no one able to firm up support from the Nazis and the Social Democrats, Papen worked relentlessly to undermine his former friend Schleicher to give Adolf Hitler the chancellorship while he served as vice chancellor. It would not take long for Hitler and new Reichstag President Herman Göring to marginalize Papen and his office, eventually executing "The Night of Long Knives," a purging of opposing political and military ideologies that threatened Hitler's new found power. Papen would survive the event, later serving as an ambassador to Austria and Turkey before being captured by the Allies in April of 1945. He was prosecuted at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial, found not guilty of the charges of "conspiracy to prepare aggressive war" and "conspiracy to commit crimes against peace," served eight years hard labor by a West German court, and was finally released & fined in 1949 on appeal. His memoirs were published in 1952 and he died in 1969.

Largely due to his Nuremberg Trial, Papen is often remembered as paving the way for Nazi power, facilitating the annexation of Austria, and being well aware of Nazi ideology as he did so.

Joachim von Ribbentrop

If Papen paved the way for the Nazi party to take power in Germany, then Joachim von Ribbentrop turned that paved highway into the Autobahn. He too served in the Great War, as a hussar on the Eastern front, but afterward he resumed the relatively normal life of a sparkling wine (Sekt) salesman until he became independently wealthy by marriage. He met Hitler in 1932 as a businessman thanks to an introduction from a fellow former hussar, and shortly thereafter he and his wife joined the NSDAP (Nazi Party). He entered the political arena by offering to serve as a representative between Hitler and his old battle buddy, Papen. Ribbentrop was not liked by many Nazis: he was a flatterer, a yes man, had no political experience, married into his fortune, and even the nobility of his name (the "von") had come from an aunt that Ribbentrop had convinced to formally adopt him for that purpose alone. Despite his lack of the "proper" credentials in the eyes of many Nazis, Ribbentrop would serve as Hitler's chief adviser on foreign affairs, and would soon prove his worth.

In short, Ribbentrop would put into play numerous policies that placated the world and gave Nazi Germany numerous advantages in the years leading up to World War II. Here is a brief list of his diplomatic agreements and similar achievements.

• 1934 - Helped quell France's protests against Germany's request to re-arm itself after the Great War. He also visited England and Rome to hasten any sanctions from those countries. In turn, Hitler promotes him to "Reich Minister Ambassador-Plenipotentiary at Large."
• 1935 - Negotiates the Anglo-German Naval Agreement (AGNA), which permanently limited the Kriegsmarine to 35% of the total tonnage of the Royal Navy, far beyond the limits set in the Versailles Treaty. The British expectation was that this would limit German military capacity, while the Germans expected it to strengthen a desired alliance between the two countries and against France and the Soviet Union. Britain did not consult with France or Italy prior ratifying the AGNA.
• 1935 - Arranges for good will visits between groups of World War I veterans. By sending German veterans abroad and accepting foreign veterans on German soil, a "never again" spirit was portrayed and did much to alleviate suspicions against Germany and its wish to re-arm itself.
• 1936 - The Anti-Comintern Pact is signed with Japan, essentially forming an alliance between the two countries should one of them be attacked by the Soviet Union. Italy would join the pact in 1937, while Poland declined. This alliance was especially unusual given Germany's previous policies of allying itself with China and its general distrust of Japan.
• 1936-1938 - Spent time unintentionally and permanently fouling German relations with England. He was called by various Britains: pompous, conceited, stupid, impossible, not too intelligent, insufferable, absent (which also earned him the nickname "The Wandering Aryan"), a stupid ass, and also managed to personally insult King George VI.
• 1938 - Ribbentrop promoted to Foreign Minister, symbolizing a German shift from cautious diplomacy seeker toward an aggressive war-time nation.
• 1939 - Pact of Steel is made with Italy. The two will come to one another's aid in case of war.
• 1939 - The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Also known as the German-Soviet Non-aggression Pact, it assured non-aggression between the USSR and Germany. but broke the Anti-Comintern Pact of 1936 by signing a deal with the communists. In no uncertain terms, this was Ribbentrop's crowning achievement and left little standing in the way for Hitler to attack Poland. This was handy since Ribbentrop's extreme bullying of Polish foreign diplomats all but ensured that Poland would have to be conquered to relinquish the territories that Germany desired.
• 1940 - German-Japanese Pact is signed to replace the Anti-Comintern Pact. Ribbentrop sends a telegram to Vyacheslav Molotov, the Soviet Foreign Minister, stating that the alliance was for protection against the United States and from not the Soviet Union.

Despite being hated by his fellow Nazis and nearly every foreign diplomat he ever met, Ribbentrop
almost single-handedly managed to stall the entire world from acting against Germany as they prepared to conquer Europe. This is quite an accomplishment considering that the ink on the Versailles Treaty had only dried 20 years prior and the memory of the Great War still hung fresh in the mind of every nation it touched. After the war, Ribbertrop also was a defendant at the Nuremberg Trials, but unlike Papen, he was convicted on four counts and sentenced to death. He had been charged with crimes against peace, deliberately planning a war of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Because Göring had committed suicide before he could be hung, Ribbentrop was the first of the defendants to have his death sentence carried out.

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One aspect of the relationship between these two comrades in arms remains for a dedicated collector or historian to investigate. This pistol is dated on the grip as presented on the November 11, 1940. However, there is a documented squabble between the two men that took place sometime in, or just after, April 1939, when Papen was the newly appointed Ambassador to Turkey. It turns out that Papen, the former Chancellor, felt he should be able to take his communications directly to Hitler instead of through Ribbentrop, something he was accustomed to when he served as Ambassador to Austria. It has been written that this spat ended the friendship that extended back nearly two decades.

Had the two men reconciled by 1940, even if only out of political necessity? Was their falling out misrepresented as more serious than it was? It is possible, though not entirely plausible, that the pistol was already in the works when Papen was Ambassador to Austria. After all, even though he was dismissed as the Austrian Ambassador on February 4, 1938, he had arranged the February 12 meeting at Berchtesgaden between Hitler and Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg that eventually led to the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Germany, which was signed into law on March 13. This event pleased Hitler greatly.

However, from just prior to the 1938 Anschluss until the 1940 presentation seems like an exceptionally long turnaround time for a standard police pistol that had only to be embellished. It is perhaps more likely that the pistol was ordered to commemorate Papen's new position as the Ambassador to Turkey which he assumed on April 29, 1939. This makes much more sense since it is also known that Ribbentrop had been lobbying for Papen to receive that position since losing the Austrian ambassadorship. Given the dates between Papen's new position and timeframe of the fight, he could not have held the position long prior to their rift.  Six months is a much more plausible timeframe for a finely embellished, presentation Luger.

Despite being two men rarely heard of outside of German history or World War II educational settings, they had quite a profound impact on their country and the world. One paved the way for the Nazis to come to power, while the other pacified country after country in the name of peace, all the while preparing for war. The fact that these two men were brothers in arms who went on to be high ranking Nazis is fascinating enough. When you consider that these same individuals played huge roles in amplifying the power of Nazi Germany, and are both listed on the same classic German pistol, a true treasure of history exists. Their names may not be as infamous, but their significance cannot be discounted.

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This historic well-preserved German artifact is just one of the dozens of incredible German military pieces in our April Premiere Firearms Auction. From the incredible rarities, prototypes, and high condition arms from The Robert "The Bear" Bretherton Collection (please see below video), to the incredibly well preserved uniforms and helmets in the Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection, this auction will have it all.  Other highlights include a Krieghoff Second model FG42 machine gun, an extremely rare M.Kb.42(H) assault rifle - a predecessor to the StG44, a cased presentation copy of Mein Kampf covered completely in Amber tile and silver furniture, an authentic, original uniform from the Fallschirm-Panzer "Herman Göring" Division, a Nazi Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (with oak leaves) war medal, the entire evolution of the Walther P38, and a presentation Walther PP given to SS Untersturmfuhrer Maximilian Grabner. It's a fantastic time to be a collector!








-Written by Joel R. Kolander




SOURCES:


Bloch, Michael. Ribbentrop. New York: Crown, 1992. Print.

http://www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-von-Papen

http://www.britannica.com/biography/Joachim-von-Ribbentrop

http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/67/lid/1489

Top Guns: 2015 December Premiere

Time to review the top guns of our 2015 December Premiere Firearms Auction, and the event was HUGE. In case you hadn't heard, the event resulted in nearly $15 million in sales and pushed our annual total to $51 MILLION! That is another record in the firearms industry set by Rock Island Auction Company and we couldn't be more proud. Since no one else has breached even $40 million, these phenomenal numbers cement our place as the world's #1 firearms auction house for a twelfth consecutive year. Of course, we couldn't have done it without the trust of our consignors, the loyalty of our buyers, and a super active internet community like you that likes our posts, shares our photos, watches our videos, and reads our blogs.

Click here to read the full write-up of the 

2015 December Premiere Firearms Auction

Numbers like this should be extremely encouraging for the entire firearms community! It's no secret that the number of new guns being sold seems to reach a new high every other month and by our own numbers the overall market for collectible firearms is also at new and exciting heights. We had bidders from 21 countries bidding via the RIAC website alone! Let's take a look at some of the high dollar, popular, and over-achieving guns in this sale.

Most Popular

Lot 3665: U.S. Winchester Arms M1 Garand Semi-Automatic Rifle with Case

Estimate: $700 - $1,000
Realized Price: $1,725
Number of Sealed Bidders: >30

The popularity of M1 Garands does not appear to be waning anytime soon, especially high condition examples.  This has been especially apparent in 2015 when we sold M1 serial number 7, prototype models from the SALVO project, and more famously a National Match refinished by the CPRPFS (now the CMP) that belonged to President John F. Kennedy. The Winchester M1 shown above was manufactured in 1944 and wonderfully restored by Miltech of California.  Original or restored, people want a good looking Garand; this rifle simply allowed them to do it with a significant reduction in price but still with high attention to detail and authenticity.

Top Dollar

Lot 1262: Important, Fresh and Extremely Significant Middle Eastern Treasure: 15th Century Shirt of Mail and Plate with Elaborate Gold Koftgari Decorated Plate Reinforcement with the Property Stamp from the Janissary Arsenal at the Hagia Irene Church in Istanbul with Inscription that Appears to Bear the name of the Recipient: Qaytbay Mamluk Sultan of Egypt 1468-1496

Estimate: $200,000 - $500,000

Realized Price: $2.3 Million

If you receive our emails or look at our social media pages, then you already knew about this one. A 15th century shirt of armor belonging to an Egyptian sultan sold for $2.3 million dollars! This is far and away the highest amount achieved by any item at Rock Island Auction Company, and what an exciting moment it was to watch it sell. It is simply an incredible piece that was covered in more depth by our "More Museum Worthy Pieces" article last month. For a blow-by-blow account of the sale of the shirt, read our full auction write-up.

Highest Performing Item Overall

Lot 1132: Finely Carved Powder Horn with French-Indian War Themed Decoration

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750
Realized Price: $25,875

With the wonderfully high sale price of the armor, you'd think it would be a no-brainer for the highest performing item in the auction. However, this unassuming powder horn takes that prize by hammering for 1,150% over its low estimate, while the armor hammered over its mark by 900%. The engraving on the horn is sharp and, at its base, depicts armed Native Americans bearing a flag of Great Britain.  The rest shows an unnamed river with tributaries that wraps around the horn almost two complete times. The horn may have doubled as a map for someone who frequently traveled that waterway.

Highest Performing Genre: The Royal Hunt Collection

Lot 1329: Massive and Magnificent European Red Stag Wall Mount From King Frederick William III Accompanied by Mid-19th Century Military Themed Items

Average Percentage Above Low Estimate: 260%

OK, so the true top performing genre was the "Antique European Military Item," but that stat is definitely going to be skewed by the sale of the armor. The next genre in the list is the items from the Royal Hunt Collection.  An incredible collection of hunting trophies taken by top men in the Imperial German military and assembled over 40 years through the support of Kaiser Wilhelm II's descendants. The moment these began to be offered, you could hear the buzz in the room and it was reflected in the bids. It was nearly dumbfounding to see mount after mount pass their estimates by thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. Selling a mere 60 lots after the Egyptian armor, it was a very exciting afternoon at Rock Island Auction Co.



Obviously, the non-firearm items in this auction had a spectacular day, but let's look at some of the top sellers in some of the most popular areas of collecting.

Highest Selling Colt

Lot 1687: Super Ultra-Rare Early Production Colt Model 1909 Serial Number "22" 45 ACP Semi-Automatic Test Trial Pistol with Factory Letter

Realized Price: $161,000

The headline for this weapon says it all.  It's a ridiculously high condition example of an important developmental stage of an iconic weapon.  There were 23 ever made, serialed 0-22 making this the final one ever produced! It was easily the top dollar Colt in the auction with its $161,000 realized price.  In second was a San Francisco shipped, Glahn engraved Single Action Army in .44 S&W with an R.L. Wilson letter in lot 1220 that realized $103,500. Each one a beauty!

Highest Selling Winchester

Lot 1014: Magnificent John Ulrich Masterpiece Factory Engraved, Signed, Gold Inlaid, and Elaborately Ornamented Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle From the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection

Realized Price: $207,000

This was the highest estimated Winchester in the auction, so there's no big surprise here.  Though guns that were not the highest estimate have come through before! It's another outstanding piece from the Mac McCroskie Collection, so you know it is of the highest quality and condition. As Director of Auction Services Kevin Hogan says, "If there was a Mount Rushmore of gun collecting, he'd be on it." This gun is a fine representation of the caliber of guns in his collection (no pun intended).  Expertly master engraved, gorgeous wood, gold inlaid, high condition, and featured in several books, it is everything a collector could want from a top of the line Winchester.

Highest Selling Civil War Arm

Lot 3174: Rare U.S. Civil War Era Ames Foundry Model 1841 6 Pounder Cannon Dated 1855 with Provenance

Realized Price: $109,250

It's true, this isn't a small arm, but it is definitely the highest selling Civil War Era item in the sale. Many cannons come through our doors, but few are original models like this one. This cannon is one of very few 6-pounders in private hands, especially when accompanied by its large quantities of documentation. The highest selling small arm of the sale was sold only two lots earlier and was the Sharps Model 1853 in lot 3172 that was captured during John Brown's raid on the Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. That historical carbine sold for $28,750.

Highest Selling Non-Firearm

This was easily the Egyptian armor.  Since we've covered it already, we'll be moving right along.

Highest Selling German Arm

Lot 1584: Rare Historic Factory Engraved Walther PP Gold Plated Nazi Presentation Semi Automatic Pistol with Leather Holster and Spare Magazine

Realized Price: $37,375

We have seen some absolutely incredible European arms collections come through our doors this year. This was especially apparent in The Iconic Ralph Shattuck Collection filled with amazing Lugers and German military pieces. Pistols like this gold plated, presentation Walther PP show that the collections are still rolling in and going strong. It's beautiful, pre-WWII, fresh to the market, and according to the inscription, was a Christmas present in 1934. The collector that secured this fine firearm has some fascinating research ahead of them. Following the Royal Hunt Collection, German Military Lugers were the 2nd highest performing genre in the entire auction - a good sign of a continuing solid market for those collectors.

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What a sale and what a year! It was an exciting weekend that put an exclamation point on an already successful season. Newcomer collections were top performers and led the way via the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection and the Royal Hunt Collection, but traditional genres such as the German Military pieces were not far behind.  Again, a hearty and sincere thank you to everyone who helped make this year, and the previous 11 a reality. We'll continue to work as hard as we can to keep your interest, your trust, and your loyalty.

Our next auction will be an Online Only Auction held on Friday, January 29, 2016 beginning at 9:00 a.m. CT. The first batch of lots in that auction has posted today!  Head on over to gunauctiononline.com search today to browse and bid on these items. It'll be a great way to start the new year.


-Written by Joel R. Kolander

More Museum Worthy Pieces

You may recall our article from this past August entitled, "Five Guns that Belong in The Met." It focused on some stunning high art firearms in our September 2015 Premiere Auction that would easily fit in at the illustrious New York museum, or those that closely resembled items that already had earned their place.

Fortunately, our 2015 December Premiere Auction is also filled with items possessing rich provenances, direct historic ties, or masterfully executed high art. In fact, many of the highlights in this article have already spent part of their lives in a museum (or two).

Lot 1235: Historic Cased Tintype of a Young Man, Verified by Advanced Facial Recognition Technology as Notorious Western Outlaw John Wesley Hardin, One of the Deadliest Gunfighters of his Age,

In the news very recently has been much publicity about a second authenticated photo showing the notorious American outlaw Billy the Kid. It is rightfully big news as the last auctioned sale of a verified Billy the Kid photograph took place in 2011 to the tune of $2.3 million.

John Wesley Hardin is another infamous outlaw of the American West that was as bad as they come. At 15, he killed his first man who tried to ambush him in retaliation for losing a wrestling match, and then killed the three soldiers who came to capture him while on the run.  Not bothering to learn other less-than-savory skills like robbery or gambling, Hardin was a gunfighter through and through. He was quick to anger, ready to fight, and skilled with his gun. Intentionally or not, Hardin once even fired drunkenly through a wall at a snoring man in an adjacent hotel room.  He may have meant to wake the noisy neighbor, but instead one of the bullets entered the man's skull and the snoring stopped forever. Though harboring a venomous disdain for slaves, holding them partially responsible for the ruin of the south, Hardin's guns knew no bias. He killed whites, slaves, Mexicans, freemen, gamblers, marshals, sheriffs, deputies, Yankees, Texans, Native Americans, and those known only to God.  By the time he was captured by Texas Rangers he would be charged with 27 murders (though there are 42 by Hardin's own count). He would serve 17 years, during which he would run the prison Sunday School and obtain his law degree. While practicing law in El Paso after his release, it wouldn't take Hardin long to involve himself in trouble with the local law.  Unfortunately, he chose the wrong folks to tussle with and one of them put a bullet in the back of his head while he was playing poker in the Acme Saloon.

In the video below, the photo is compared to an authenticated photo of Hardin by Mr. Bob Schmitt, the former Vice President of Biometrica Incororated, a company that supplies facial recognition software to casinos and law enforcement. In his opinion the photos are unmistakably of the same man. Previous photographs of Hardin have been identified and appraised for $30,000 - $50,000 and have even appeared on the popular PBS program Antiques Roadshow. This tintype presents an amazing opportunity for aficionados of the Wild West or collectors of the lawless pages in American history.

Lot 1262: Important, Fresh and Extremely Significant Middle Eastern Treasure: 15th Century Shirt of Mail and Plate with Elaborate Gold Koftgari Decorated Plate Reinforcement with the Property Stamp from the Janissary Arsenal at the Hagia Irene Church in Istanbul with Inscription that Appears to Bear the name of the Recipient: Qaytbay Mamluk Sultan of Egypt 1468-1496

That is one massive headline to describe this item.  However, if any item has earned it, it's this one.  It is reported to be only one of two mail and plate shirts identified to Qaytbay, the 18th Sultan of Egypt, and remains the sole version available to private collectors.  The only other example is housed in the Topkapi Armoury Museum in Istanbul.

For many of us Westerners not up to speed on our Egyptian history, Qaytbay is remembered fondly as a Sultan that presided over a period of unprecedented economic comfort, political stability, and artistic prevalence. He donated large portions of his wealth to combat poverty, which gave rise to his reputation, in his own kingdom and abroad, of being charitable and practicing conservative religious piety. Qaytbay's ability to defend his homeland and obtain peace with the largest neighboring military power made him an even greater hero to his people.  Though for all these achievements, the sultan is more largely known for the most tangible and lasting of his contributions: architecture.  Not an architect himself (at least not known to history), Qaytbay provided for more than 230 monuments, many of which can still be found in areas ranging from Cairo and Alexandria to Damascus and Jerusalem.



For such a beloved leader, especially one so fond of the arts, only armor as fine as this would do. Brass rings trim the chain mail and gold koftgari, damascene artwork where steel is inlaid with gold, is liberally applied to the entire surface of the plate armor. Rarity, beauty, and historic significance are the big three that collectors seek and this armor, older than our entire country, possesses all three in spades.

Lot 1272: An Extremely Rare and Magnificent Wheellock Holster Pistol with Superbly Chiseled and Gilt Steel Mounts by Emanuel and/or Daniel Sadeler Royal Gunmakers to HRH Duke William of Bavaria Circa 1605

One look at the impeccable chisel work that appears all over this wheel lock should tell you all you need to know about this gun's worthiness to be placed in a museum. One could spend pages writing about all the minute details: chiseled metals, gilded pieces, mythological depictions, and engraved horn inlays. Instead, let us tell you about the rarity of a Sadeler pistol.

This occasion will mark only the second time in the past 50 years a Sadeler wheel lock has appeared on the collector market.  The other was sold by Christie's of London for more than $250,000 and now resides in one of the world's preeminent collections. This is very fitting considering that this incredible work of art was once the prized possession of the 9th duc de Lynes, Honore d'Albert. Please click on the above headline of this item and view the additional pictures housed on our website.  Firearms of this character do not come around often and certainly deserve much more than a simple fleeting glance.

Lot 3083: Historic Dual Presentation War of 1812 British HMS Guerriere Sword Surrendered Aboard The U.S.S Constitution "Old Iron Sides" and Later Presented and Inscribed to Edward Z.C. Judson A.K.A. Famed Wild West Dime Novelist Ned Buntline and Formerly Displayed at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum

Many of us have heard the term "Old Ironsides" in American history and likely some have mis-associated the term with Monitor or the Merrimack, two ironclad warships utilized during the Civil War.  While originally the stout nickname applied to the British ship HMS Britannia, in American history the namesake belongs to the USS Constitution, a large, wood-hulled ship with three masts, named by George Washington himself, and launched in 1797. One of six such ships completed, each one was built for combat with more guns and more size than typical frigates of the era. Such advantages would come in handy against the French during the Quasi-War or against pirates, both of which actively targeted American merchant vessels. However Old Ironsides found her fame when used in combat in the War of 1812.  She would defeat 5 British warships, most famously the HMS Guerriere, where the cannonballs of the British ship many times thumped harmlessly against the hull of the Constitution, causing one sailor or famously erupt, "Huzzah!  Her sides are made of iron!" News of the victory at sea arrived to port before the ship and so the captain, crew, and ship arrived to a hero's welcome. It was a decisive triumph against the greatest naval power in the world and the USS Constitution became a symbol of victory for the young nation.

A letter that accompanies this sword, written by author and sword expert Richard Bezdek, states the following about it:

"A Sword captured from the captain of the H.M.S. Guerrier by an officer of the U.S.S. Constitution during this famous sea battle of the War of 1812, which was later presented to a U.S. Naval officer must be considered one of the most important and desirable swords in the history of the United States Navy. . .There is no other maritime artifact that would equal this sword in value. . ."

In its life it has been passed down from one deserving Navy man to another, and even into the hands of Midshipman Z.C. Judson, better known to most by his pseudonym, Ned Buntline. Judson would eventually pass the sword to the ancestor of the current owner, who came to possess it after three generations.  It has also rightly been displayed at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland.

The historic value of this piece is astonishing.  This is THE sword given in surrender from a battle that emboldened and inspired our nation and changed the course of what would come to be known as the Second War of Independence. Its significance is difficult to overstate as is the sheer luck that it should be available for a private collection.

Lot 3269: Beautifully Engraved and Bone Inlaid Pair of Silesian Wheellock Pistols

If there was one word to describe the design of these two pistols, it would be "delicate." Their slender shape, intricate inlays, elongated dogheads, and narrow trigger guards all radiate the grace and elegance of these 17th century wheel lock pistols. As is common on pistols of this era, there are no visible maker's markings, but based on other known pistols, one can infer this to be made in the Germanic states circa 1640.  If one couldn't tell by the embellishments alone, this set was almost certainly made for someone of nobility. However, in a time when all parts where handmade, the complexity of a wheel lock almost guaranteed that only the wealthy could afford such an arm.

The inlays are made from bone, antique ivory, horn, and mother of pearl, and depict numerous animals such as dogs, unicorns, rabbits, and mythical beasts. Dogs provide an obvious hunting theme on the gun, but unicorns, then considered real, symbolized grace and purity - fitting subjects for such sophisticated pistols. Rabbits, besides being a popular game animal, have long stood for vitality, fertility, and rebirth.  These guns were much more than just hunting pieces, they were individual pieces of art, each of which bore good omens for the bearer or perhaps, symbolized something about the user or his family.

Lot 83: Historically Significant Harmonica Rifle Built by Jonathan Browning, Carried with Him During the Mormon Exodus, and Purchased from the Browning Family with Documentation

We featured a Jonathan Browning harmonica gun in our previous Premiere Auction (Sept 2015).  It was even the subject of a video on ForgottenWeapons.com. The fascination with the iconic John Moses Browning apparently spread even to the man's father and the curious rifle, estimated between $50,000 - $100,000, found a new home to the tune of $138,000. The rifle appearing in our 2015 December Premiere Auction could earn an even higher amount thanks to a provenance that traces all the way down the Browning family tree to the patriarch himself.

First things first, simply because two of these rifles have been in two consecutive auctions, please do not make the assumption that these guns are common or will be seen again. Firearms expert, author, and icon Norm Flayderman has written that very few of these rifles are known to exist, and are "rarely seen or traded on the open market place."

According to members of the Browning family this particular rifle accompanied Jonathan Browning on his trek from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Utah after the Mormons were violently persecuted and forced to leave the state of Illinois.  After being pushed out of Quincy and Nauvoo, IL, Browning lived in Council Bluffs for a short time and continued his blacksmith and gunsmith trades before finally acquiescing and migrating to Utah in 1852. After violence befell the Mormons, especially founder Joseph Smith, a gunsmith was likely an extremely valuable member of the community, not only for manufacturing arms, but also for repairing those already in the community.

How the rifles came to leave the Browning family is best said in our official description of the rifle.

"The documentation included with the John Moses Browning falling block rifle also in this sale states that gunsmith and firearms collector John Kontes had first seen this rifle and the single shot in the office of a Buick dealership owned by J. Ed Browning, a John M. Browning descendant, after learning of them while shining the man's shoes. He stated that the rifles had been passed down from father to son for generations. When J. Ed Browning died without any children of his own, he gave the rifles to his younger brother who had twin sons: "Ed" and Merwyn. Ed received the harmonica rifle, and Merwin received this deluxe single shot. Kontes purchased this harmonica rifle directly from Ed, and purchased the single shot from his friend who had purchased it directly from Merwyn. A copy of the original check written to "J. E. Browning" for this rifle is included along with a hand written bill of sale signed "J. E. Browning."

The fact that not one, but two guns directly traceable to the Browning family are being offered in a single auction is absolutely unheard of.  In addition, there are also two rare and significant falling block rifles and a deluxe single shot rifle made by his son (lots 85, 86, & 84, respectively), the heralded John Moses Browning, as well as an additional example of his early single shot rifles, which is serial number 44 and has the initials "JB" carved into the right side of its buttstock (lot 87).

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Yet again, Rock Island Auction Company has an auction rife with items that more than qualify to sit behind museum glass for decades or even centuries.  Such items are historical and aesthetic treasures that provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and investors alike to not just view them, but to actually own them.  The variety of these pieces is also sure to please!  Egyptian sultans, Wild West outlaws, and known participants in the War of 1812 are only the beginning. Add to that outstanding provenances, high condition, and impressive documentation, and you have the makings for supremely desirable items and an edge-of-your-seat auction.



-Written by Joel R. Kolander

Winchester 1866: A Smart Collector's Move

If you've been collecting firearms for even a small amount of time, you know about the iconic Winchester Model 1866 rifle. A direct descendant of the developmentally significant Henry rifle, the Winchester '66 was the first firearm produced under the Winchester name.  While not seeing any measurable military use, they enjoyed a prolific use by citizens and pioneers headed West to conquer an untamed nation.  Winchester followed up its success by releasing the Model 1873 and Model 1876 in subsequent years, which grew the brand manufacturer ever larger and offered the public a bevy of new calibers and special order options.

Next year is a notably special year for collectors of Winchester rifles.  It marks the sesquicentennial of the beloved manufacturer and the attention that will be brought to these important rifles is likely to spur an increase in their desirability.  Thankfully, Rock Island Auction Company has come into a healthy number of these classic rifles, which will be appearing in the 2015 December Premiere Firearms Auction. In fact, there are 32(!) Winchester 1866 rifles in numerous configurations that will be available.  There are exceptional presentation pieces, tried and true saddle ring carbines, early production models, and everything in-between.  Here is a look at a handful of these rifles, hopefully with at least one example for every budget.

Historic, Deluxe, Factory Engraved Presentation Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This rifle is tied with a saddle ring carbine for the highest estimate on an 1866.  Manufactured around 1869, this is definitely a deluxe version: factory engraved, fancy walnut stock with the high polish "piano" finish, and is gold plated on the receiver, forearm cap, and crescent buttplate.  As if the embellishments weren't enough, all the visible serial numbers match and it is engraved with the name of the "Montgomery Guard," part of the California State Militia.  The Montgomery Guard was formed in 1859, served throughout the Civil War, was mustered out of service in 1866, before being reborn again in 1868 as Company A, 1st Infantry Battalion of the California National Guard. The combination of special features and historical significance is one that many collectors find irresistible. We look forward to seeing where this very special Winchester will call home.

Exceptional Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

This is the saddle ring carbine tied with the above rifle for the top estimate among Winchester 1866s.  While the rifle hangs its hat on its decoration and military ties, this SRC (saddle ring carbine) finds its high estimate based on its sterling condition.  Even after nearly 150 years, this gun is a near checklist of what collectors look for regarding condtion: high amounts of original blue finish, nice mustard-colored patina on the brass receiver, tight wood to metal fit, and screws that have not been mangled over time.  Even the buttplate, a location many guns are rested upon and prone to finish loss, still shows attractive case hardening.  We could go on about other original parts and its condition, but take our word for it, guns in this high of condition are only going to become more and more rare as time marches on.

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Musket

This is the only Winchester 1866 Musket that we have in the 2015 December Premiere Auction.  Now, before I receive a bunch of comments correcting me about this being a musket, let me explain.  True, this rifle is not a musket.  It is not muzzle loaded nor does it use flintlock or percussion systems.  "Musket" was one of the three types of Winchester 66s that were available for purchase. There are the standard length rifle, the carbine, and the musket.  The carbine is obviously shorter than the rifle primarily for use while mounted on a horse, hence the "saddle ring carbine" name.  The "musket" Winchester 1866 is a longer rifle with a longer forearm and necessary extra barrel band.  Differences between the three are easy to spot when comparing the photos of this Winchester with those of the previous two examples. They were made primarily to appeal to military decision makers who were reluctant to leave their trusty muzzle loaders for new "repeater" technology.

A benefit to whomever wins this Winchester, besides potentially having a Winchester 66 of each barrel length, is the price. It's condition, listed as "fair" in our catalog, provides an excellent opportunity for someone to put a legendary rifle in their collection for a very attractive price.  Further sweetening the deal?  This particular 1866 musket was made in 1870, qualifying it as an antique.

Rare First Year Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Flat Side Carbine

Here's another Winchester that advanced collectors are sure to have their eyes on. Being a 66, it already receives its fair share, but being a rare, first year production is a prized possession for any collection.  One of the features that makes these early models so easy to spot is what is called the flat gate, resulting in what is known as a "flat side" carbine.  They are also called flat sides because the receiver is flat where it meets the wood of the forearm.  Receivers of later models flared out slightly before meeting the wood.

Looking at the loading gate in the previous three examples, one notices a certain contour added to the cover of the loading gate to ease loading the gun at the breech.  Early models did not have that contour; instead, the gate was flat.  Early models also often possess other early traits, many of which were carry overs from the Henry rifle that disappeared in the subsequent models of the 1866 (there are four models total).  Besides the flat gate, this SRC also has the early traits of: Henry and King patent dates on the barrel, a two screw upper tang, and a Henry style rear receiver profile, known as the "Henry drop." This term refers to the rounded downward curve of the top of the receiver as it proceeds to the wrist.  As Henrys turned into Winchesters and subsequent Winchesters became more refined, that drop and the adjacent angular transition into the straight grip grew more streamlined and less defined.

Making this flat side even more desirable is the fact that it is all original. These guns were "working guns" that saw lots of hard use.  To find one at all, let alone in this condition is an impressive feat and a fantastic addition to any collection.

Attractive Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbine

Gorgeous wood and some well executed panel scenes make this a 1866 a 150-year old piece of eye candy.  The gun was manufactured in 1871 and the custom engraving was performed in the mid-20th century.  Even though the gun is not in its original form, its tastefully and professionally performed embellishments should earn this gun 5-figures at auction.  The entire left side of the receiver has been transformed into a single, bordered panel scene of a horse-borne hunter culling a buffalo from a herd fleeing across the plains with towering pines, majestic mountains, and a swirling sky providing the backdrop. The right side of the receiver breaks down into several framed scenes or subjects, which is a far more common style to see on even the finest of engraved firearms.  The scene to the rear of the loading gate is a frontiersman firing at a bear that is nearly upon him, which is bordered by Ulrich-style scroll work.  A small oval forward of the loading gate features the framed head of a bison. The receiver and buttplate are also gold plated. While some post-factory work has taken place on the gun, the barrel, magazine, barrel bands, hammer, lever, and trigger all still bear the original blue and casehardened finish, making for a very attractive gun with tangible links to its original configuration.

Very Fine Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Another interesting SRC! Not only is it rated as "very fine" condition, but it likely has retained that condition despite being to South America and back. The underside of the stock behind the tang is stamped with a banner cartouches that contain the script letters "AOS" (shown above). Experts believe that this cartouche was a marking applied to some of the nearly 12,000 Model 1866 carbines in the 135,000-148,000 serial number range that were sold to a location in South America (possibly Argentina) in 1877. This marking is described and illustrated on page 65 of "THE WINCHESTER BOOK" by George Madis. It's always good to see a Winchester 66 back home Stateside!  Encyclopedic collectors of this model will find this an intriguing and most desirable piece.

Henry Rifles of Note

With he upcoming surge in Winchester 1866 lever actions on the horizon, some of that popularity is likely to spill over into the Henry rifles and other guns produced by new Haven Arms that gave rise to these celebrated lever guns. Fortunately, RIAC will also feature several outstanding Volcanics and Henry rifles, two of the latter come to us from the renowned Mac McCroskie Collection.  Here are a few of them in brief.

Lot 1038: Exceptional New Haven Arms Henry Second Model Lever Action Rifle from the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection

Lot 25: Scarce Deluxe, First Model Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot 3008: Fine Civil War Martially Inspected New Haven Arms Company Henry Lever Action Rifle From the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection

Lot 15: The Only Known Matching Pair of Consecutively Serial Numbered Volcanic Lever 
Action Carbines with 16 1/2 Inch barrel

Much of the information presented in this article will be old hat for seasoned Winchester collectors, but for those more familiar with other genres, hopefully this shines a light into the variety, features, history, and embellishments that collectors of these guns seek out.  Also, make no mistake, Winchester 1866 rifles are anything but commonplace. Don't let the abundance of them in this auction fool you into thinking anything else.  Take the opportunity to pick the ones you want for your own collection, before the rush on these quintessential lever guns is on.



-Written by Joel R. Kolander