Many dream about finding that special antique in the attic that had been forgotten in storage long ago and discovering that it is worth money…serious money. Although many have such fantasies playing in their head when sorting through a pile of heirlooms, the reality is that the item’s worth is often in its sentimentality than its value. But for the Nelson family of Marshfield, Massachusetts, their antique dreams did come true after they discovered a once-in-a-lifetime find in their attic: a near-pristine Winchester Model 1886 rifle supplied with its original shipping crate, leather scabbard, and boxes of ammo.
Although the prized firearm has been in the possession of the Nelson family for 140 years, it will soon change hands after the Rock Island Auction Company’s (RIAC) August premier auction. Taking place this weekend at their Bedford, Texas, location, this gun is one of the 1,800 rare and collectible items, including a vast collection of antique firearms and bladed weapons, that will be available for bidding.
Considered blue-chip collectibles, used variations of Winchesters consistently garner high value at auction; the Nelson firearm is guaranteed to inspire many to bid and holds a pre-auction estimate of $150,000 – $275,000. “We (RIAC) had several specialists here who’ve been in the business for fifty years, thirty years, both in America and internationally in Europe, and (they) are just astounded by this. This sort of thing just doesn’t happen,” explains Joel Kolander, Interactive Production Manager at RIAC. “This Winchester is an absolute time capsule.”
The experts at RIAC refer to the firearm as the “Marshfield Find” due to the location of the Nelson family’s colonial-era home in Marshfield, Massachusetts, a small seaside community on the Atlantic coast in Plymouth County. Built in 1660 on a land grant from King Charles II, Henry W. Nelson acquired the home in 1872 and later passed on the property to his son, Episcopal reverend Henry W. Nelson, Jr. Although one may assume it was Nelson Senior who purchased the “Marshfield Find,” records show that it was his pastor son who acquired the 1886 firearm. It was bought during the first year of its production and was what Kolander refers to as a “working man’s gun” commonly used for buffalo hunting. It isn’t known why the pastor made this purchase; he wasn’t a hunter and didn’t hold much interest in firearms. However, it went unused and stored for over a century until two kids found it in the attic in the summer of 1974. This is perhaps one of the rare moments when snooping through other people’s things turns out positive.
The “Marshfield Find” will not be the only museum-worthy object up for bidding; the flagship of the auction is a wheellock sporting gun from the Cabinet d’Armes of King Louis XIII. Crafted by Parisian gunmaker Francois Poumerol, the firearm is ornamented with gold and silver damascene and figures of the Horae: Eirene (Peace), Eunomia (Good Order), and Dike (Justice). “It’s a beautiful piece; it’s artistry in every sense of the word.” Credited as the “first real European gun collector” by the Victoria and Albert Museum, this c.1620s sporting arm is from the King’s famed collection of firearms and holds a pre-auction estimate of $350,000 to $550,000.
If these standout pieces don’t fit your price range, Kolander assures that there are plenty of options for those with budgets under $5,000, including auctions of Colt Walker revolvers, southern derringers, and sporting arms. “We have auctions that cater to collectors of all levels.” This convenience also spreads to the bidding format. Visitors outside the Texas location can watch the auctions through RIAC’s live feed and bid online or by phone.
According to Kolander, this auction will appeal to many collectors, such as antique collectors, those who appreciate fine art and sculpture, and bidders who enjoy engineering. “We really hope everybody comes.”
August Premier Auction • Rock Island Auction Company, Bedford, Texas • August 23 to August 25 • rockislandauction.com
