High-condition militaria fueled Milestone’s $1.5M Premier Antique & Modern Firearms Auction, June 19

  • WILLOUGHBY, Ohio
  • /
  • July 08, 2021

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High-condition Colt 1911 with documentation, .45 ACP, one of only 1,250 such pistols shipped to US Marine Corps’ Philadelphia depot on July 9, 1913. Stamped ‘UNITED STATES PROPERTY’ and ‘MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY.’ Sold for $18,000, the predicted high estimate
Milestone Auctions

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – Motivated bidders and a fresh-to-market selection of rare and near-flawless firearms formed the winning recipe for a $1.5 million payday at Milestone’s June 19 Premier Antique & Modern Firearms Auction. The 777-lot sale attracted a throng of new international bidders online in addition to stalwarts of the hobby who attended in person or participated through their choice of remote-bidding methods.

 

“There were many overseas bidders competing in this sale,” said Milestone Auctions co-owner Miles King. “England, the Czech Republic, Australia, the Netherlands – those are just a few of the nations that were represented. The hobby is energized and thriving. Everyone’s excited to be out and about and buying.”

 

Asked which categories showed particular strength at the June 19 sale, King replied, “Militaria was very strong, and has been strong for some time, now. Colt ‘Snake’ revolvers – Cobras and Pythons – are collector favorites and brought a ton of money. In every category the rarest and finest merchandise had multiple bids lined up before the sale opened.”

 

The top lot of the day was a documented, high-condition Colt 1911 .45 ACP pistol, one of only 1,250 of its type that were shipped directly to the US Marine Corps’ Philadelphia depot on July 9, 1913. Stamped UNITED STATES PROPERTY and MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY, the highly sought-after gun sold for its predicted high estimate of $18,000. King remarked: “Any Marine Corps-shipped gun is scarce, and of those, most have little to no finish, so the premium price paid for the beautiful example in our sale, which retained about 85% of its original blue, did not come as a great surprise to us. It had everything going for it.”

Early, highly ornate .45-caliber flintlock long rifle signed ‘P SCHRAK’ in period script on the barrel. Very fine condition and a recent discovery from central Ohio. First appearance at auction. Sold for $16,800 against an estimate of $5,000-$8,000
Milestone Auctions

 

A Walther World War II German K43 semiautomatic rifle manufactured in 1945 was described in Milestone’s catalog as being of “museum quality.” With matching numbers and more than 97% original finish remaining on the receiver, barrel, trigger assembly and bolt carrier assembly, most of the rifle’s parts also carried Inspected Eagle 359 marks. Offered with a ZF4 scope and accessories, it sold near the top of its high estimate, for $11,700.

 

An exotic entry, a little-known 1943 US FP-45 Liberator pistol was one of a group of such weapons produced in secrecy at GM’s guide lamp plant in Indianapolis. The arms were supplied to resistance forces fighting the Axis powers during World War II. It rose to a final auction price of $8,400.

Colt .357 Magnum custom Cobras manufactured in 1989 in very limited issue of 250 two-gun sets. Rarest of all Colt “Snake” revolvers, with serial numbers that match those shown on accompanying factory boxes. Documented with letter from Colt Archives. Sold above high estimate for $13,200
Milestone Auctions

 

A US Marine Corps 1903 Springfield rifle manufactured at the Springfield Arsenal and later reissued by the USMC in a 1903-A1 configuration came with documentation of its later ownership. A “USMC Supply Center Albany Georgia” receipt showed it was sold in 1955 to a Lt. Col. Alexander Elder. At Milestone’s sale, it realized $7,800, nearly four times the high estimate.

 

Hand-turned and assembled to perfection, a crisp 1934 National Match Colt Government Model .45-caliber pistol handily surpassed expectations to settle at $9,000; while a 1993 Russian Izhmash Dragunov “Tiger” rifle, 7.62X54 caliber, commanded nearly four times its high estimate, securing $9,600.

 

Smith & Wesson’s big-bore .44 Special triple-lock target model revolver, manufactured in 1911-1912, is noteworthy for its introduction of the company’s swing-out cylinder. An excellent example of this particular model found favor with bidders and sold above the high estimate for $6,300.

 

“Snakes” were welcome inside the auction gallery as long as they bore the prestigious “Colt” name. A two-gun set of Colt Cobras, manufactured in 1989 in a very limited issue of 250 (two-gun sets), came with matching-serial-numbered boxes and a Colt archival letter. The winning bidder paid an above-estimate $13,200 to own the extremely rare set of revolvers. Also finishing well in the money, a near-new 1968 1st-generation Colt .357 Magnum Python with full factory nickel and pre-letter prefix appeared never to have been fired. It garnered $7,500 against an estimate of $3,500-$4,500.

 

The competition for hand-built early American rifles has only increased, judging by the prices paid at Milestone’s June 19 event. An early and highly ornate .45-caliber flintlock long rifle signed “P SCHRAK” on the barrel was a recent discovery from central Ohio. In very fine condition, it was bid to $16,800 against an estimate of $5,000-$8,000. A rare pre-Civil War P.W. Porter (New York City) .44-caliber turret rifle, made in the 1850s, was a first model and one of the earliest of all lever-action percussion repeating rifles. Estimated at $6,000-$8,000, it sold for $14,400.

 

Milestone Auctions is currently accepting consignments for a major firearms sale to be held in October. Potential consignors are encouraged to call 440-527-8060 or email info@milestoneauctions.com. Online: www.milestoneauctions.com

Contact:
Miles King
Milestone Auctions
440-527-8060
info@milestoneauctions.com

Milestone Auctions
38198 Willoughby Parkway
Willoughby, Ohio
About Milestone Auctions

Milestone Auctions, located in Willoughby, Ohio strives to offer successful auctions for both buyers and sellers. When selling we will give your collection the time and dedication it deserves to maximize your return. Experts will take the time to catalog and photograph your items. Then your items will be offered at our live auction and on internet bidding platforms for the world to bid on. For buyers we strive to offer several bidding options to make bidding an easy and pleasant experience. Our dedicated staff is available any time to discuss any items in further detail you may have interest in.


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