Fear & Loading: The Ultimate Colt Collectible?

by
posted on August 19, 2016
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

Rifleman Review Taurus G3 Tactical 3
Rifleman Review Taurus G3 Tactical 3

Rifleman Review: Taurus G3 Tactical

In recent years, Taurus has fully fleshed out its polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, culminating in the third-generation G3 series available in several configurations. One of the more-recent introductions in the line is the G3 Tactical, which incorporates a number of desirable features.

Winchester Engages Members Of Congress

Winchester Ammunition recently hosted legislators and outdoor industry representatives at a special event in Washington, D.C.

New For 2024: PTR Industries PTR 63

PTR Industries, known for its roller-delayed platforms, has a new 5.56 NATO-chambered model out for 2024 that takes STANAG magazines. Here are the details on the company's new PTR 63.

Montana Rifle Co. Re-Opens Under New Ownership

Grace Engineering Corp., based in Memphis, Mich., announced it has acquired the assets and rights of Montana Rifle Co., which closed its doors in 2020 after more than 20 years in business.

General Officer’s Pistols

From World War II to the present day, the U.S. military has issued pistols to officers, presenting men of high rank with some of the best-known handguns of all time—and conferring on them no small measure of prestige.

The Armed Citizen® April 22, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.