: The largest grossing firearms auction ever conducted in North
America took place October 4-8, with auctioneer James Julia at
the helm. The sale, grossing more than $9 million, offered a wide
variety of materials ranging from classic American sporting guns
to muskets and swords, to early associated ephemera.
Leading the auction was a pair of Smith & Wesson No. 1,
second issue, spur trigger revolvers with gold inlay and
mother-of- pearl handles. Engraved and presentation inscribed to
John A. Rice, the pair sold at $189,750.
A major portion of the auction, the first two days, consisted of
Eldon Owens' esteemed Winchester collection with his 850-plus
lots grossing an impressive $4.4 million. The top lot from the
Owens collection (shown) was the rare engraved Model 1866
lever-action Winchester in .44 caliber that soared past presale
estimates bringing $184,000.
A complete report will appear in a future issue.
-DSS
