Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) is preparing to showcase a remarkable collection of collectible firearms at their August Premier Auction. This highly-anticipated event, taking place from August 25 to 27, will feature a selection of military firearms and spy guns with fascinating histories. Among the standout items up for auction is a firearm connected to none other than the iconic Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley, famously known as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” had a passion for firearms. While some of his guns served as personal protection, others reflected his extravagant lifestyle. One such item is Elvis’ engraved Smith & Wesson Model 53 revolver, slated to be auctioned off on August 26. This revolver, adorned with gold and silver inlays, epitomizes the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, a city close to the entertainer’s heart.
Renowned master engraver Russel Smith adorned Elvis’ American bicentennial gun with exquisite relief floral scrollwork, silver inlaid five-pointed stars, and the years “1776-1976” inscribed in gold near the muzzle. The gun’s side plate depicts a golden bald eagle soaring through the skies while carrying the 13-star American flag. The left side of the frame features a golden minuteman surrounded by stars, and the Liberty Bell graces the back strap. This firearm was delivered to Presley on November 16, 1976, and it is now anticipated to fetch an impressive price of $60,000 to $90,000 on the auction block, a true testament to its historical significance. It is worth noting that Elvis tragically passed away just a mere nine months later on August 16, 1977.
Another intriguing item up for auction is the Sedgley Mark Two “Fist Gun” Hand Firing Device. While not officially recognized as an Office of Strategic Services (OSS) spy gun, this single-shot firearm ingeniously concealed within a glove was created for the U.S. Navy. The Sedgley Mark Two “Fist Gun” Hand Firing Device features a patented design by Stanley M. Haight in 1944. The glove incorporates a plunger-like trigger positioned just above the knuckles, allowing the user to fire a single shot with a simple punch of the fist. Film enthusiasts may recognize this unique weapon from Quentin Tarantino’s movie “Inglorious Basterds,” where a replica was used to eliminate a pair of Nazi guards. Only a limited number of these “Fist Guns” were produced as a last-resort weapon, ranging from 50 to 200, and they were designed to fire Smith & Wesson .38 caliber cartridges. This rare piece is estimated to command $9,000 to $14,000 at the auction.
Adding further intrigue to the auction is the rare CIA Deer Gun Single-Shot Pistol. While the CIA does not officially acknowledge its existence, the Deer Gun is considered a truly covert weapon by RIAC. During the height of the Cold War and Vietnam War in the 1960s, the CIA sought clandestine weaponry to offer their allies. Inspired by the single-shot Liberator used by resistance fighters in World War II, the Deer Gun was designed by American Machine & Foundry. Featuring a cast aluminum receiver and a screw-out two-inch barrel, this pistol fires 9mm ammunition. Unlike the .45 caliber Liberator, the Deer Gun was lighter and simpler, consisting of only 12 components compared to the Liberator’s 23. The CIA reportedly purchased 1,000 Deer Guns for $30,000, but today, only around 20 of these unique firearms remain in circulation. The Deer Gun lacked any identifiable manufacturer or user markings to prevent tracing its origins. The pistol comes with its original drop box and is projected to earn $25,000 to $40,000 at auction.
These extraordinary firearms, along with other notable pieces, will captivate collectors and enthusiasts at the Rock Island Auction Company’s August Premier Auction. It is an event that promises to delight history enthusiasts, firearm connoisseurs, and those seeking truly unique and historically significant items. Join the excitement and participate in this exclusive auction, where a prestigious collection of firearms awaits new owners.
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