Superb Rock Island Auction Shipping from Bedford, TX Location

[Tanselman]

I purchased another "southern" rifle at Rock Island Auction's Bedford, TX location a couple weeks ago, and it arrived Saturday. This is the second item I have purchased from that location, and I thought the first one was exceptionally well packaged. This time, it was packed even better. The longrifle arrived in a wooden crate, and when opened, it was lined with foam board on all inner surfaces and 100% filled with peanuts, so the rifle could not possibly move inside. Only downside was the time it took to get the layers of clear wrap, then bubble wrap, then another layer of tight clear wrap over a layer of soft paper around the entire gun. I am amazed the Bedford location takes that much care in wrapping/packing their long gun shipments, not to mention leaving me with a wooden shipping crate for the next gun I have to ship. My thanks to the shipping department at Rock Island Auction in Bedford, TX... best shipping department I've ever dealt with at a large auction house.

Shelby Gallien

[Daniel Coats]

I don't think that type of shipping crate is the norm from the several I've bought over the years. My guess is that was how they received it from the consignor.

[AZshot]

I got a 15 lb Bill Large chunk gun from them about a year ago, it was packed the same way...very well. 

[Daniel Coats]

The last two $8000 guns I got were in a soft case inside of a cardboard box.

[Daniel Coats]

Hey Shelby was it this one!

[Tanselman]

Dan,

Yes, that's the gun I purchased... with a Kentucky background. I am amazed for being a plain full-stock how fine the workmanship is.... with a couple unique details. The break at the wrist is visible, but what is not visible in auction pictures is the superb repair work done to stabilize the break and keep the gun functional. Several iron strips [matching the iron mountings] were shaped perfectly and curved, then inlet into the stock wood around and below the wrist, matching the curves in the stock surface. They were done so well and filed so smoothly, including screw heads, they are barely perceptible when holding/aiming the gun. Lock plate is original but got the wrong hammer on reconversion. Iron guard is original and mounted on the iron trigger plate, not pinned to the stock.

Shelby Gallien

[Daniel Coats]

I looked hard at that one for 3 weeks but eventually put all my eggs in one basket on something else and won. I'm glad you got it!

[Seth Isaacson]

I purchased another "southern" rifle at Rock Island Auction's Bedford, TX location a couple weeks ago, and it arrived Saturday. This is the second item I have purchased from that location, and I thought the first one was exceptionally well packaged. This time, it was packed even better. The longrifle arrived in a wooden crate, and when opened, it was lined with foam board on all inner surfaces and 100% filled with peanuts, so the rifle could not possibly move inside. Only downside was the time it took to get the layers of clear wrap, then bubble wrap, then another layer of tight clear wrap over a layer of soft paper around the entire gun. I am amazed the Bedford location takes that much care in wrapping/packing their long gun shipments, not to mention leaving me with a wooden shipping crate for the next gun I have to ship. My thanks to the shipping department at Rock Island Auction in Bedford, TX... best shipping department I've ever dealt with at a large auction house.

Shelby Gallien

I'm glad to hear you were pleased and that the rifle is in the hands of someone who will appreciate it fully. I'll pass that along to our team.


In terms of some coming in soft cases and others shipping in crates, it is in part a matter of length. The soft cases and boxes are the standard shipping option and is less expensive, but most Kentucky rifles do not fit in those. Kentucky rifles are also typically more delicate which is also why they are typically in crates. You can always ask for a different shipping options which may effect the overall shipping cost a bit due to materials.

[JTR]

Seth,
I watched the clip of the sale of the movie guns, and was surprised at the bucks they brought! I realize that these were the cream of the crop, and I wonder if the prices reflect the value of the lesser known movie guns as well?
Years ago, Little John auctions sold a huge bunch of Hollywood Stienbridge movie guns, and I eventually ended up with a rifle from the movie Sargent York, staring Gary Cooper, and held by Clem Bivins in the shooting match scenes. The rifle is actually an original Nicolas Hawk rifle, but has been messed with a bit. Given that the movie was made more than a hundred years ago, I wonder if the rifle is worth more as a movie gun, or an original Nic Hawk rifle?   
John

[Seth Isaacson]

John,

That certainly sounds like a great piece that played an important role in an iconic film from the WWII era. Its value at auction would be interesting to see for sure. Do film guys go in big for it or does it gain mostly attention from long rifle collectors? Is there a major collector who is after both? Ideally at least two? In my mind, the gun is valuable BOTH because it is an Nicholas Hawk rifle that is also a gun featured in the film. It is a piece of Americana in more than one way which is always exciting.

[JTR]

Thanks Seth. I get it out and take a few pictures, and post them in a new thread.
I did have it posted here back in March of 2005 on the old forum, but seems to be long gone now.
Sargent York was a major hero back in WW1, and I bought a CD to try to look for the rifle, but with all the rifles in the shooting match scenes, it was hard to recognize.
Sorry to hack your thread, Shelby. 
John

[Tanselman]

Dan,

I'm glad you played Easter Bunny and put all your eggs in one basket this time. But you wouldn't really want a Kentucky gun when you like those plainer ol' log rifles from a bit farther south, right?

Shelby Gallien