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Civil War Henry rifle

Civil War Henry rifle tops $25K at Rock Island Auction

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Civil War Henry rifle
Desirable U.S. Contract Henry lever action rifle documented to the 97th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Sold: $25,875. Rock Island Auction image

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Rock Island Auction Co.’s 2019 June Regional Auction was nothing short of an exciting and well-attended four-day event. Sales totaled $8.5 million.

With over 5,000 lots up for grabs, the in-person, phone and online bidders were fast-acting when a lot they wanted came across the podium. The pace of bidding this weekend was speedy, averaging around 140 lots an hour. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Thousands of people from all around the world participated in the auction. It all resulted in a sale that achieved $8.5 million.

Civil War Henry rifle
Postwar engraved Krieghoff side frame inscribed P.08 Luger pistol. Sold: $19,550. Rock Island Auction image

One main highlight of the sale was the array of gorgeous Henry rifles. The top-selling of the bunch was a U.S. contract Henry lever action rifle that had documented use in the 97th Indiana Infantry regiment during the Civil War (top photo). Given the manufactured date of somewhere between 1862 and 1863, the rifle most likely saw use in the siege of Vicksburg, the Battle of Chattanooga and possible in Sherman’s March to the Sea. The historic piece reached a price realized of $25,875.

The varied Colt revolver selection in this auction was another high point of the sale. One of the most outstanding was a Colt special-order first-generation SAA revolver (below) with detailed factory engraving. Accompanied by its factory letter, the stunning blue barrel and original ivory grips made this Colt revolver stand out from the crowd. The beauty exceeded its estimate with a realized price of $20,700.

Civil War Henry rifle
Documented special-order first-generation factory engraved Colt single action Army revolver with factory letter. Sold: $20,700. Rock Island Auction image

From the great bidding battles to the wide selection of items available, this auction was the perfect way to kick off the summer. Collectors and gun enthusiasts alike came together to make the four-day sale a huge success.

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Civil War Henry rifle