Collectors from two different worlds had the opportunity to join forces September 8‱1 to break eight world auction records at Rock Island Auction Company. The veterans of Rock Island Auction were out in full force, driving prices on antique and collectible firearms, but there were some new faces that joined in to take home part of the first collection of pottery to ever be sold here.
Three major collections were up for auction. Part of the 2,700 lots featured, the first was the Putnam Green Collection comprising rare, historic and high condition US- and German-made military arms that set records for four genres. The first record in this collection was a rare early production US Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol serial number 33 selling for $109,250, a world auction record for a US Colt 1911 Army, according to Rock Island. It was also the top lot of the auction.
Other auction records that were broken within this collection include the finest known US DWM Model 1902 American Eagle cartridge counter Luger pistol with holster, selling for $74,750, a serial number 1020 Walther prototype P38 semi-automatic pistol that set the record for a World War II P38 at $43,125 and a DWM US Army Model 1900 test Luger pistol with US holster and accessories that brought the most ever for a US Army test Luger at $40,250.
Also featured were fine factory engraved Remington shotguns from the collection of James Tipton. A consecutively numbered four-gun set of Remington custom shop R.P. Runge engraved Model 1100SF semi-automatic shotguns led this collection with a final sale price of $31,625 after a flurry of bidding. A Remington master engraved and gold inlaid Model 11-48 premier F Grade semi-automatic shotgun commanded $18,400.
“My staff and I are always up for a challenge,” said owner/president Pat Hogan, “When Richard Ellis approached us about selling his Anna Pottery collection, we jumped at it. It was a great experience to work on the catalog and learn the historical/political significance attached to the pottery. As the last page went off to press, I was confident that Rock Island Auction Company would bring the collectors to the table.”
And they did, as four record-setting auction prices were attained. Applause filled the room as a rare Anna Pottery fair jug commemorating the Anna, Ill., fair of 1884 sold for $86,250, making it the most expensive single piece of Anna Pottery sold at auction. A rare salt glaze Anna Pottery snake jug with an “eight to seven votes” political statement of 1876 sold for $80,500, the most ever for a snake jug. The famous Anna Pottery pig flasks gained extensive interest and set a record with the most historically significant political Horace Greeley presentation pig flask bringing $25,875.
These were not the only noteworthy sales of the event. A rare late World War II Nazi VG1.5 Volkssturmgewehr semi-automatic rifle reached $51,750, while a cased model 1893 Borchardt pistol rig complete with matching walnut shoulder stock and accessories commanded $43,125.
US military arms also brought strong prices with the highlight being a US contract Henry rifle bringing $51,750. Military uniforms, helmets and militaria were in high demand with prices being driven well past estimates. An SS Oberscharfuhrer’s jacket with Deutschland Regiment, and SS combat helmet flew past their estimate to reach $14,950.
A rare historic “Tombstone” Colt single action Army with Samuel L. Hart marked loop holster brought $37,375, and the first lot of the auction, a US contract Smith & Wesson 1st Model Schofield revolver with Kelton safety and factory letter set the stage with a price of $19,550.
This auction that realized more than $7 million brings the company’s total for 2011 to nearly $22 million, with another auction in December already filling up.
For more information, www.rockislandauction.com or 800-238-8022.
