Fear & Loading: The Ultimate Colt Collectible?

by
posted on August 19, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gatling_lead.jpg

A Colt Model 1883 Gatling Gun, complete with original field carriage and two drum magazines, is one of the items up for bid when Rock Island Auction Company holds its Sept. 9-11 event. Just in case you don’t know much about this amazing gun, here’s a look from American Rifleman TV. It’s the ultimate home-defense backup for someone’s Single Action Army

Out of all the guns and memorabilia offered, though, Herman Goering’s personalized Walther PPK is attracting the most attention. It’s gold plated, engraved from front sight to hammer and has his monogram on one side of the grips with the family crest on the other. A matching ring and cuff links round out his BBQ-gun ensemble. Estimated value/price is from $1/4 million to $400,000. Rock Island Auction has been beating nearly all valuations this year, though, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go much higher. 

Not all of the bidding is expected to be in the stratosphere, which makes browsing the auction’s catalog fun for monetary mortals like me. It includes 2,940 items, so liberal use of that search function is highly recommended if you’re looking for a particular firearm.

For example, I don’t own an M1, but would love to have a vintage World War II version in the safe. It’s what my father carried in the Battle of the Bulge and he had nothing but glowing praise for the gun. I did a search, found one with a valuation of between $1,100 and $1,600, and it was made by International Harvester—the very same company that made the 1974 Scout II I should have never sold.

The catalog lists it as “mechanically excellent.” I’d wouldn’t expect anything less from a company that built everything to climb hills, slog through mud, savor the heat, run in the cold, plow fields and, in this case, pound precious-metal-stealing Nazis until they surrender.

It’s not quite the age I wanted, but the price should be reasonable, assuming word doesn’t leak out to the International Harvester Collectors Club. 

Latest

Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1
Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

A Landmark Post-Bruen Alignment of the 2nd and 4th Amendments in Maryland

On June 4, 2026, the Appellate Court of Maryland ruled that law enforcement cannot stop and search a person merely because they see a gun—or the outline of one printing from a concealed holster.

Shotshell Basics: Understanding Payloads, Pressures & Performance

A shotgun can be supremely versatile, depending on how it’s loaded. Understanding how shotshells work is difficult, but crucial.

Rock River Arms Celebrates 30 Years in Business

While the company's beginnings go back to 1994, the Rock River Arms story officially started in 1996, meaning that it is celebrating 30 years in business in 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.