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Not All
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R efinement bears its own rewards. Regardless of the form it takes – the bouquet of a well-aged wine, the precision movements of a fine timepiece, or the wind-slipping lines of a sports car – there is an undeniable satisfaction in both creating and savoring objects of quality. The effect can be visceral, evoking the slow sigh of satisfaction or a nod of acknowledgment from those who create and those who appreciate such excellence. This quiet recognition of the exceptional is nearly as old as mankind’s capacity to create it; inextricably bound through millennia.
It is no small coincidence that when one chooses to acknowledge their own successes and efforts, they seek those kindred spirits with a respect not just for a job well done, but for refinement. Your hard work and pursuit of quality draws you toward those who also make
that same investment. Excellence celebrates excellence.
This becomes apparent when examining some of history’s most valued creations. Symphonies, monuments, cathedrals, and all manner of art have been created to celebrate success. Military
victories and alliances were often consecrated with presentations of lavish arms & armor, and when technology evolved to include firearms, it was no
surprise they too were brought to bear in this ancient practice. The recognition of fine arms extends far beyond
their role as refined objects. They frequently represent the peak technology of the day, symbolized power, could be embellished with
precious metals and jewels or even personalized. The gift of a firearm
was one of luxury, strength, wealth, trust, social status, industry, science, and
honor. Many of these qualities made the collecting of fine arms, swords, and armor the “hobby of kings,” and contributes to their collectability today.
Thankfully, the same qualities that made fine arms appealing to the social elite of eras past, today allows the passion for arms collecting to extend far beyond
aristocracy. Anyone who enjoys art, engineering, craftsmanship, history, or the evolution
of technology through the centuries will find an area of arms collecting that speaks to them.
Also widening the appeal of fine arms collecting is a relatively low point of entry. While top oil paintings can reach nine figure price tags, and the most desirable collector cars nearly $50 million, the very pinnacle of fine arms can be attained today for seven figures.
As these desirable firearms continue to rise in value and as new audiences come to
LOT 152
Finest Known Three-Digit Serial Number Cased Colt Model 1860 Fluted Army Percussion Revolver
LOT 1010
Outstanding Historic Presentation Grade Gilt Ames Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword and Scabbard Inscribed as Presented to Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Nelson A. Miles of the 61st New York Volunteers in September 1863