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