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RIAC Sets New World Record

with $77 Million in 2019

ROCK ISLAND, IL – The December 2019 Premier Firearms Auction at
Rock Island Auction (RIAC) was a perfect storm of sorts. There were world-
class collector firearms that had never before been offered to the collecting
public. Collections were offered from names that ring like royalty to gun
collectors: Robert M. lee, Mac McCroskie, Dr. Gerald Klaz, Larry Jones, Alvin
White, and others. Historic
arms were offered with
direct ties to well-known
figures in American history
such as Annie Oakley,
President Andrew Jackson,
and Civil War General
George McClellan. Several
firearms offered were pre-
sented by Samuel Colt
himself. All this on top of
the always spectacular
selection of high condition,
rare, high art, desirable
and beautiful arms General McClellan's Presentation Colt Model 1860

that shooters, collectors, Army Revolver sold for $299,000
investors, and hunters have
come to expect from Rock Island Auction Company.
To what did this perfect storm amount? At the end of the three days
and after all 2,700+ lots had been sold, the realized total had reached over
$16 million dollars. When added to the rest of the 2019 totals, it reveals an
annual total of $77 million, beating its world record last year for a firearms
auction house and setting it yet again even higher. RIAC is proud to announce
again that it remains the #1 firearms auction house in the world. Period.
Day 1 put its foot on the gas, and wouldn’t let up until Sunday evening.
Already in Lot 31 we were offering rare, superb condition, and high art pieces
that had never before been publicly sold. Within the first half hour of auction
a seldom seen panel scene engraved Colt Single Action Army was crossing the
podium. After much spirited bidding in the auction hall and from the phones,
this significant revolver found a new home for $299,000. Another exciting
offering came in lot 374 when Colt M1911, serial number 81 crossed the
podium. High condition, dripping with history, and straight out of the
original owner’s family, this military marvel brought $195,500.
Saturday brought its own share of outstanding items, perhaps most notably
that of Western Legend Annie Oakley. The fully gold plated Marlin Model
1897 rifle presented to “Little Sure Shot” created a huge buzz leading up to its
sale. In the end, this was yet another item never before publicly offered that
finally made its big splash. Annie’s Marlin powdered its $350,000 high
estimate and sold for $575,000. Seven lots later in Lot 1096, was a nearly
pristine Colt Root Sidehammer revolver also never before publicly offered and
with a significant place in American history. It was presented by Samuel Colt
to “America’s Greatest
Orator” Secretary of State
Edward Everett. The
privilege for owning this
3-digit time capsule was
had by one fortunate
collector for $149,500.
The third and final day
seemed in no mood to live
Lot 31 factory panel scene engraved black powder colt
SAA revolver sold for $517,500 in the shadow of the
previous two, and so began
strong in the fifth lot of the day, lot 3005, by offering a silver inlaid Winchester
Model 1886 exhibition engraved by John Ulrich for display at the 1889 in
Paris. This Winchester made for the world to see achieved a healthy $126,500.
The overachiever of the day came in lot 3271 when a martial Colt Cavalry
Model with its 1881 pattern holster came up for bid. Sub-inspected by David
F. Clark, this time capsule of condition had also never been offered at a public
sale. Its first impression was a good one and it rang the bell for $80,500.
Rock Island Auction Company offers our sincere thanks to their
consignors, bidders, buyers, and fans for making 2019 the most successful in
our 26 year history. Stay tuned collector friends. Big things are coming.

12 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles