Collectors from two different worlds had the opportunity to join forces last weekend (September 17-18) to break eight World 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 at RIAC.
Three major collections were up for auction this September as part of the 2,700 lots featured, the first of which was the Putnam Green Collection. This outstanding collection of rare, historic, and high condition U.S. & German Military Arms set records for four genres.
The first record of this collection was a rare early production U.S. Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol serial number 33 selling for $109,250 - a world record price for a U.S. Colt 1911 Army, making it the top lot of the auction.
Other records which were broken within this collection include: The finest known U.S. DWM Model 1902 American Eagle cartridge counter Luger pistol with holster which sold for $74,750, a serial number 1020 Walther prototype P38 semi-automatic pistol set the record for a WWII P38 at $43,125, and a DWM U.S. Army Model 1900 test Luger pistol with U.S. holster, and accessories brought the most ever for a U.S. Army test Luger at $40,250.
 Elegant but deadly - The 1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter Luger Pistol |
The second incredible collection in this auction featured the finest factory engraved Remington shotguns from the pristine collection of James Tipton.
An exceptional consecutively numbered four-gun set of Remington custom shop R.P. Runge engraved Model 1100SF semi-automatic shotguns lead this impressive collection with a final sale price of $31,625 after a flurry of bidding.
An exceptional 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,
"and when Richard Ellis approached us about selling his Anna Pottery collection we jumped at it. It was a great experience to work on the catalogue 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."
They did indeed, as four record setting prices were attained. Applause filled the room as an extremely rare Anna Pottery Fair Jug commemorating the Anna, Illinois Fair of 1884 sold for an impressive $86,250 making it the most expensive single piece of Anna Pottery ever sold at auction.
 Don't worry, they don't bite... The Anna Pottery Snake Jug |
A rare salt glaze Anna Pottery Snake Jug of 1876 sold for $80,500, the most ever for a Snake Jug. It is a political statement on the series of eight-to-seven votes that handed Rutherford B. Hayes the U.S. Presidency over Samuel Tilden in 1876
The famous Anna Pottery Pig Flasks gained extensive interest and set a record with the most historically significant political Horace Greeley presentation Pig Flask selling for $25,875.
As impressive as these collections were, they were far from the only noteworthy sales from the three day sale. A rare late WWII Nazi VG1.5 Volkssturmgewehr semi-automatic rifle reached $51,750 and a cased model 1893 Borchardt pistol rig complete with matching walnut shoulder stock and accessories commanded $43,125.
U.S. military arms also brought strong prices with the highlight being a U.S. Contract Henry Rifle bringing $51,750. Military uniforms, helmets and militaria were in extreme high demand with prices being driven well past the estimates.
An SS Oberscharfuhrer's jacket with Deutschland Regiment, and SS combat helmet flew past the pre-auction estimate reaching a final sale price of $14,950.
A very rare historic "Tombstone" Colt single action Army with Samuel L. Hart marked loop holster brought an impressive $37,375 and the first lot of the auction, a unique U.S. contract Smith & Wesson 1st Model Schofield revolver with Kelton safety and factory letter set the stage with a sale price of $19,550.
This September Auction brings the total for 2011 to nearly $22m, with another auction in December already filling up.
