With a staggering $22 million in sales, Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier May Auction showcased an impressive array of collector firearms, military artifacts, accessories, and artwork that left enthusiasts and history buffs in awe. From the revered Beaumont-Adams revolver once surrendered by Confederate President Jefferson Davis to Zane Grey’s cherished Winchester Model 1895 rifle,  the list of notable pieces that stole the spotlight during this three-day auction extravaganza is pretty extensive and Rock Island Auction is excited to share the news, so I’ll let them do that in the press release below.

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Lot 15: Zane Grey’s Engraved & Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 1895 Rifle | Highlights from Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier May Auction

Highlights from Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier May Auction

$22 Million in Sales for Rock Island Auction Company’s First Premier Auction of 2023
Historic arms of Zane Grey and Jefferson Davis bolstered an impressive lineup.

 ROCK ISLAND, Ill – Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC)realized $22 million in sales during its first Premier Auction of 2023 that featured the Beaumont-Adams revolversurrendered by Confederate President Jefferson Davis at his capture and Zane Grey’s Winchester Model 1895 rifle. The two earned $470,000 and $440,625, respectively. The three-day event, which took place May 19 – 21, offered more than 2,000 collector firearms, military artifacts, accessories, and artworks.

We’re extremely privileged to be entrusted with items so significant to American history,” said Rock Island Auction Company President Kevin Hogan. “Results like these continue to show that the fine arms market is strong, and that people are collecting them as much for their own personal enjoyment as an investment.” 

Other notable results included a German FG42 paratrooper rifle that brought $411,250, the finest known Colt Model 1851 Navy smashed its estimate to achieve $293,750, and a superb condition cased Colt 1849 pocket with a historic inscription also sold for $293,750. A silver and gold cased pair of Colt 1861 Navy revolvers, known to collectors since the 1920s, gaveled for $258,500. Additional highlights from the May Premier Auction include aColt Single Action Army revolver exclusively created by Colt and donated for the 1985 Metropolitan Museum of Art Benefit Auction, which sold for $105,750, as well as a wonderfully preserved, gold and silver plated Colt Model 1877 Lightning revolver inscribed to a Hartford, CT police officer, which gaveled for $176,250.

The May Premier Auction is Rock Island Auction Company’s spring flagship event in collecting, featuring hundreds of the most historical firearms worldwide. This May’s Premier Auction showcased its breadth with items as wide ranging as a life-size stagecoach to a 1967 Chevelle SS Coupe Convertible, weapons from the pre-Revolutionary War era through Operation Desert Storm, and even selected works from noted Western artists Frederick Remington and Charles Russell.

The success of the auction, and of the company, continues to show fine arms collecting as a field increasing in popularity and value. Seven of the last eight auctions at Rock Island Auction Company have exceeded the $20 million mark, further positioning the company as a leader in the firearms industry by a substantial margin. This year, the company takes aim at annual sales of more than $100 million for the third year in row, with its final Premier Auction to be held at its newly expanded Bedford, Texas facility that will open later this year.

Lot 349: Krieghoff FG42 Type I Class III/NFA C&R Machine Gun | Highlights from Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier May Auction

If you’re passionate about history or have a deep appreciation for fine arms, Rock Island Auction Company stands as the ultimate destination for extraordinary finds. Their commitment to preserving and sharing remarkable artifacts has cemented their status as a leader in the firearms auction and collecting industry. Stay informed about their upcoming events and immerse yourself in the world of rare and obscure firearms, bladed weapons, and militaria by visiting www.rockislandauction.com

Highlights from Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier May Auction | Lot 363: Ruger AC-556, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun

Highlights from Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier May Auction