Rock Island Auction Company, the world’s No. 1 firearms auction house, kept hitting it out of the park last year and reports another industry-defining year with sales of more than $107 million in the past 12 months. Rock Island hosted 20 auction events, selling 42,500 legacy pieces with more than 40 fine arms realizing six-figure values.
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Throughout 2022, Rock Island held three premier auctions, each earning more than $18 million, with the May auction achieving $28.2 million.
In May 2022, Rock Island Auction Company realized its single highest-priced offering ever sold with Ulysses S. Grant Remington Revolvers auctioning for $5.17 million. The August Premier Auction was headlined by the BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster carried by Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford, in “Star Wars: A New Hope,” which marked another significant sale at $1.06 million.
“The value of firearms as an alternative investment has increased significantly in the last 12 months,” said Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company. “When comparing fine arms to other collectibles like jewelry, art, and cars, firearms have been historically undervalued. This past year, we have been able to offer items to those fascinated by history, art, and pop culture. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in fine arms collecting.”
Top highlights throughout 2022, include but are not limited to:
Grant’s Remington revolvers, numbered 1 and 2, are arguably the most significant firearms discovered from the Civil War. They are believed to have been presented to Grant after he captured Vicksburg on the Fourth of July in 1863 and thus secured the length of the Mississippi River for the Union. The set is covered with the artistry of L. D. Nimschke, one of the most renowned master engravers of the 19th century, and features grips carved with Grant’s portrait.
Han Solo’s blaster was previously considered missing and presumed lost forever, requiring new prop blasters to be built for “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” The blaster, which was auctioned in August 2022, is the sole surviving blaster prop remaining of the three used for filming the original trilogy.
The revolver was shipped to Lt. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt on May 12, 1898, the same day he departed for San Antonio to train the famed Rough Riders. Roosevelt’s stunning Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 features incredible engraving and is chambered in a .38 Long Colt, an immensely scarce chambering for the model. Roosevelt was one of the greatest presidents in American history, and the pristine condition and documentation of his revolver makes this gun incredibly valuable.
This “Lot Five,” Orville W. Ainsworth-inspected Colt Single Action Army is attributed to the 7th Cavalry and documented as a battlefield pick up after the Battle of Little Bighorn. Author and expert John Kopec describe
Perhaps the most coveted variation of the Winchester Model 1873 rifle, all “One of One Hundred” rifles are viewed as crown jewels in fine arms collecting, with only eight ever manufactured. With close ties to the Winchester “One of One Thousand,” this model represents one of the most elusive variations of special-order Winchesters and bears the marks of an “Old West” gun that was used and cherished by its owner.
This Rinaldo A. Carr-inspected Colt Single Action Army is simply spectacular, and drew immense
Engraved Colt 1851 Navy Revolver Attributed to Wild Bill Hickok: $616,875
James Butler Hickok, also known as “Wild Bill,” was known as one of history’s greatest
Often called the magnums of their day, the Colt Model 1847 Walker Revolver was the quintessential big iron revolver of the mid-19th century. The massive horse pistol’s .44 caliber ball and 60-grain maximum powder load was a significantly higher charge than any other black powder wheel gun, even dwarfing their impressive Dragoon successors. Author R.L. Wilson stated that this Walker revolver was “one of the 15 best Walkers in America” and “distinguished in having completely matching numbers and all original parts.”
About Rock Island
Rock Island Auction Company is recognized as the premier firearms auction house in the world for collectors at every level. In 2023, the company will enter its 30th year of business and is on schedule to open its second facility in Bedford, TX. Rock Island Auction Company’s second facility will feature a firearms showroom, auction hall, vault, space for offices and shipping, and more. Rock Island Auction Company’s Headquarters are currently located in Rock Island, IL, and it will continue to hold events in addition to the auctions that will be scheduled in Texas.
For more information, visit Rock Island Auction Company’s End of the Year Highlights.
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