Historic Rifle Fetches Record $1.265 Million at Auction

by
posted on May 12, 2016
si-news-2015-5-28-15.jpg (20)

A Model 1886 Winchester rifle presented to the U.S. Calvary Captain who captured the notorious Indian leader Geronimo and his band of Chiricahua Apaches has become the most expensive single firearm ever sold at auction, after fetching $1.265 million at a recent sale in Illinois. 

We brought readers the story of the historic firearm on April 22, prior to its appearance on the auction block the weekend of April 29-May by Rock Island Auctions, a northwestern Illinois company with a history of offering investment-grade firearms. 

The rifle’s history began with two brothers-in-arms during the Civil War who went their separate ways after that conflict, one electing to continue a lifelong military career while the other pursued firearms and gun-building. Lt. George E. Albee went on to work for Winchester Arms and Captain Henry Lawton remained in uniform and subsequently was responsible the capture of Geronimo in Mexico in 1886. In recognition of his comrade’s achievement, Albee arranged to secure serial number one of his company’s newest rifle design and have it presented to his lifelong friend to commemorate Lawton’s remarkable achievement. 

An inscribed gold watch, presented to Lawton by a group of businessmen in New Mexico in recognition of his capture of the Indian leader responsible for much of the turmoil by Apaches occurring in that region of the Southwest in the late 1880s, was also part of the auction lot. 

“Being serial number one and possessing such outstanding condition would alone be enough to draw six figures at auction,” said Rock Island Auction Company’s RIAC President Kevin Hogan. “When you add one of the most famous names in the history of the Old West you have a huge crossover appeal and set the stage for something special to happen.” 

Hogan said other historic firearms have sold for more as a pair, but no other single firearm has surpassed the $1.26 million paid for this gun. The successful buyer of the Lawton Winchester was not named publicly by the auction company.

Latest

SnapSafe Keypad XL
SnapSafe Keypad XL

First Look: SnapSafe Keypad XL

A larger handgun safe with an LED interior light and key backup.

Tech Wisdom: Ancient Ammo

What to do if you find yourself dealing with old or unknown ammo.

First Look: Breek Arms Breek-Lok Muzzle Device

Works with either direct-thread or HUB-compatible suppressors.

See Your Sights

Make sure your front sight is very easy to see.

First Look: ATN Tico LTV 640 Thermal Sight

Add thermal optics capability to almost any rifle scope.

Pro Shop: Make Your Glock Rock

Set your Glock up for competition, personal protection or a great day at the range. 

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.