Historic arms of Zane Grey and Jefferson Davis bolstered an impressive lineup.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill – Rock Island Auction Company realized $22 million in sales in its first Premier Auction of 2023 that featured the historic surrender revolver of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and the high art Winchester rifle of legendary western writer Zane Grey. The two earned $470,000 and $440,625, respectively. The three-day event offered more than 2,000 collector firearms, military artifacts, accessories, and artworks.

“We’re extremely privileged to be entrusted with items so significant to American history,” said Rock Island Auction President Kevin Hogan. “Results like these continue to show that the fine arms market is strong, and that people are collecting them as much for their own personal enjoyment as an investment.”

Other notable results included a German FG42 paratrooper rifle that brought $411,250, the finest known Colt Model 1851 Navy smashed its estimate to achieve $293,750, and a superb condition cased Colt 1849 pocket with a historic inscription also sold for $293,750. A silver and gold cased pair of Colt 1861 Navy revolvers, known to collectors since the 1920s, gaveled for $258,500.

The May Premier Auction is Rock Island Auction Company's spring flagship event in collecting, featuring hundreds of the most historical firearms worldwide. This year’s Premier Auction, from May 19-21, showcased its breadth with items as wide ranging as a life-size stagecoach to a 1967 Chevelle SS Coupe Convertible, weapons from the pre-Revolutionary War era through Operation Desert Storm, and even selected works from noted Western artists Frederick Remington and Charles Russell.

The success of the auction, and of the company, continues to show fine arms collecting as a field increasing in popularity and value. Auctions in excess of the $20 million mark are now the norm at Rock Island Auction Company, the industry leader by a substantial margin. This year, the company takes aim at annual sales of more than $100 million for the third year in row, with its final Premier Auction to be held at its newly expanded Bedford, Texas facility that will open later this year.

About Rock Island Auction Company

Rock Island Auction Company is the world’s #1 auction company for firearms, bladed weapons and militaria. Founded in 1993 by its current CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to lead the industry with record sales numbers and their extensive and beautiful marketing efforts. Their 150,000 square foot campus consists of two buildings and hosts around 18+ auctions each year. They actively seek consignments, be it a single weapon or a collection of hundreds, a thousand-dollar item or one million. For more information, please visit www.rockislandauction.com or call 1-800-238-8022.