Latest news with #RockIslandAuctionCompany
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Simón Bolívar's Long-Lost Firearm Surfaces for Auction as Venezuela Captures Global Headlines
Bidding War Expected for Legendary Firearm as Eyes Turn to Caracas BEDFORD, Texas, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An ornate presentation flintlock owned by South American revolutionary Simón Bolívar will be offered in Rock Island Auction Company's (RIAC) upcoming event, just as his birthplace of Venezuela finds itself thrust into global headlines. The sporting arm will serve as flagship of the company's August 15 – 17 Premier Auction, the first time the recently resurfaced item will have been available since 1962. Bolívar today is still revered for his leading role in liberating six countries from Spanish rule. This opulent shotgun was a gift to El Libertador from the Marquis de Lafayette, his North American revolutionary counterpart. The two freedom fighters clearly shared a great mutual respect, with Lafayette sending this long gun in 1825-26 at the height of Bolívar's influence. The French sporting arm remains in impressive condition with gold inlays and bright silver furniture depicting relief engraved scenes of Greek mythology's Calydonian boar hunt. Crafted in 1822 by Parisian gunmaker Baucheron Pirmet, the flintlock shotgun is a definitive example of the high quality European arms of the era. Out of the collection of noted fine arms collector Norman R. Blank, it is believed to be the last firearm of Simón Bolívar yet in private hands. The auction will mark the first time the gun has been publicly offered. Nearly 200 years after the historic presentation, the relationship between United States and Venezuela is notably less amiable. However, recent headlines do little to dim the excitement around the piece. "It's a gorgeous masterwork of the period's gunmaking, but more so a remarkably significant historic object," said RIAC President Kevin Hogan. "It's the height of Bolívar's power, and it's a symbol of South American independence." Collectors, museums, and institutions alike are expected to vie for the piece, which has previously resulted in high prices for Bolívar-owned firearms. In 2016 a lavish pair of pistols also from Lafayette to Bolívar realized $1.8 million, and in 2004, a pair of his flintlock pistols earned $1.6 million. About Rock Island Auction Company: Rock Island Auction Company is the world's no. 1 firearms auction company, and has been since 2003. Founded in 1993 by CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC's current Bedford, Texas venue has become the world selling headquarters for fine and historic arms, hosting all the company's in-person auctions. Led by President Kevin Hogan, the company lives by its mission statement to "Elevate firearms collecting. Sell with Passion." Best known for selling headline-grabbing arms, the company's multiple auction formats cater to collectors of every experience level. For more information, please visit or call contact: Joel Kolander, (309) 797-1500 or jkolander@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Famed Colt Revolver "Black Beauty" Brings $1.6M at Auction
It is the 2nd highest price ever achieved for a Colt Single Action Army BEDFORD, Texas, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 3, most eyes were on the "running of the roses" for the 151st Kentucky Derby, but in the world of fine and historic arms collecting, they were watching a horse of a different color. A Colt Single Action Army revolver, well-known to collectors as "Black Beauty" realized $1.6 million during Rock Island Auction Company's (RIAC) May Premier Auction. It marks the second-highest price achieved for the model. Black Beauty served as flagship of the May 2-4 event that realized a total of $28 million. What makes a revolver worth $1.6 million? Black Beauty has a combination of qualities that fine arms collectors find highly desirable. First, it's a Colt Single Action Army, a model internationally recognized for its role in the American Frontier, as well as countless Hollywood movies. The model is a perennial "blue chip" favorite among elite collectors. Second, is its artistry. The revolver was embellished by Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke, perhaps the most celebrated 19th century American engraver. Considered the artist's masterpiece, it was created at the peak of his career. His lavish designs and generous gold inlays – a scarcely seen feature - made this revolver a suitable presentation piece in 1888 for Mexican President Manuel González Flores. Last, even after 130 years, the revolver's condition remains excellent. While real estate investors often tout "location," in the world of fine arms it's "Condition, condition, condition," and Black Beauty has it in abundance. Watch it cross the podium. "If this was a painting, it would be hanging in the National Gallery," stated RIAC President Kevin Hogan. "Without question, it is the finest example of the most iconic, American-made firearm. They get no better. We've enjoyed Black Beauty immensely, and it's been an absolute pleasure to bring to auction. It's the kind you never forget." The revolver is also indicative of the fine arms market at large. The auction was RIAC's third highest grossing sale, and also saw the highest average sale price per lot in the company's 30+ years in business. Other highlights in the three-day auction included a pair of J. Purdey & Sons shotguns engraved by Master Philippe Grifnée which brought $411,250, and a silver plated, factory engraved Henry rifle from the Civil War era that realized the same price. About Rock Island Auction Company:Rock Island Auction Company is the world's no. 1 firearms auction company, and has been since 2003. Founded in 1993 by CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC's current Bedford, Texas venue has become the world selling headquarters for fine and historic arms, hosting all the company's in-person auctions. Led by President Kevin Hogan, the company lives by its mission statement to "Elevate firearms collecting. Sell with Passion." Best known for selling headline-grabbing arms, the company's multiple auction formats cater to collectors of every experience level. For more information, please visit or call contact: Joel Kolander, (309) 797-1500 or jkolander@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company Sign in to access your portfolio
