Humanity's fascination with villains goes back almost as far as written language itself. Names such as Herod the Great, Nero, Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Vlad the Impaler, and Macbeth have been indelibly written in the pages of history. Even today, people are fascinated with Disney villains and The Joker. The sheer number of documentaries in recent years shows a great and growing interest in the Third Reich, earning one unfortunate network the moniker "The Hitler Channel." Certainly one does not wish to glamorize the men associated with the following weapons, however, neither can one ignore the impact they have had on history and the world. We display the following weapons without any admiration for the company they kept, but merely present them as historical items that we feel will be of great public interest in our upcoming September 2013 Premiere Auction.
Lot #1357: Cased Factory Relief Engraved Walther Model 9 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Ivory Grips Attributed to Adolf Hitler
At Rock Island Auction Company, we get it all. In this auction we even have guns that a noted Walther expert attributes to Adolph Hitler. Its journey started, of course, in Nazi Germany, but in an abrupt turn of events ended up in the hands of an official of the U.S. State Department. Our item description says it best when it states that this official, "with the cooperation of the U.S. and British governments, helped himself to a myriad of German treasures after the formal surrender of the German forces on May 8, 1945." This official apparently got to go where ever he wanted! He had access to Hitler's yacht, the Aviso Grille, while it was moored at Runsted Kanal, Schleswig-Holstein. He no doubt perused the untold treasures at Goring's 200 acre estate/hunting lodge north of Berlin, and at the homes of Himmler, Speer, Borman and others. All artifacts he "recovered" were shipped to the U.S. under diplomatic immunity. The pistol is reported to have been in storage in the U.S. since 1946. There is also a signed letter of provenance from noted Walther author and expert James Rankin describing the pistol and its attribution to Adolf Hitler. It also mentions the engraving having been possibly done by the same engraver that engraved the Adolf Hitler Walther PP pistol. The letter states that this pistol along with other firearms and pieces of memorabilia were purported removed from an area of Adolf Hitler's home at Obersalzberg.
The pistol itself is quite different from most engraved pistols intended for higher-ups in the Nazi regime. While it seems that Walther PP/PPK pistols are usually the weapon of choice (Hitler had one of those as well), this weapon is a Walther Model 9, a vest or pocket pistol. It borrowed heavily from their popular and successful Model 8, but with a few design modifications to accommodate the new, smaller size. Unique to this pistol, is the engraving design. Both this Walther and the known Hitler PP are a departure from the deeply engraved, oak leaf pattern typically seen on Nazi presentation pistols, instead featuring a floral scrolling with an incorporated lion's head on the slide right above each ivory grip. It also has the same gold plating as the Hitler PP and both are in the usual style of gold plated engraving utilized by Walther. The enamel medallions on each grip relay the pistol's manufacturer ("CW" stands for Carl Walther) and the caliber ("6,35").
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| Close up of the lion's head incorporated in the scrolling. |
Lot #1468: Documented Historic/Notorious One-of-A-Kind Saddam Hussein's Personal Ruger M77 Bolt Action Mannlicher Rifle as Shown on Numerous Newsreels with Affidavit
The Presidential Palace was a 2.2 square kilometer site that inspectors were long denied access to during the conflict with Iraq. It was a campus that held several palaces, VIP residences, guesthouses, hardened underground bunkers, date palms and other fruit trees, a palace for Saddam himself, 3 lakes, and man-made waterfalls. The rifle was turned over to a CIA officer in March of 2004 and eventually transported to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where it was kept until our consignor received it as an honorarium for his 29 years of clandestine service for the CIA. The rifle comes with a league of documents and affadavits detailing this rifle's history, journey, and deacquisition from the CIA. How this rifle escaped life in a museum is a small miracle in itself, but we're happy to be bringing this historic and well known rifle to the gun collecting public.
Lot #56: Historic Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver Once Belonging to Infamous Outlaw Emmett Dalton with Documentation
The Dalton Gang is known for being one of the last bands of outlaws in the Wild West and for their inglorious end at the hands of angry townsfolk in what was later dubbed “The Coffeyville Raid,” which took place on October 5, 1892. Initially employed as lawmen, the three Dalton brothers became outlaws after having their reputations sullied in a series of events. They recruited a handful of other men in late 1890 and became known as the Dalton Gang, an outfit infamous for robbing trains and banks. It would only be two years later that Bob Dalton would suggest that they “beat anything Jesse James ever did – rob two banks at once, in broad daylight.” His desire was rooted partly in ego, but also in part to avoid capture. Deputy U.S. Marshall Heck Thomas was tirelessly pursuing the gang and always hot on their trail. By robbing two banks, the gang hoped to steal enough to live off for a while after leaving the territory until the pressure had subsided.
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| Emmitt Dalton at Lansing Pennitentiary |
The gun being the original property of Emmett Dalton, was given to his physician Dr. Tilman H. McLaughlin sometime in the 1920s-1930s as payment for his services. The revolver was inherited by McLaughlin’s daughter Lucille, who later would pass it down to Dr. McLaughlin’s grandson, Merrill H Deal, Jr. Included with this revolver is a notarized letter from the grandson’s wife, Marilyn, a letter from the Smith & Wesson factory signed by noted Smith & Wesson Historian and author Roy Jinks, along with several documents and photos of Dr. McLaughlin. It still has over 85% of its original nickel finish and is a fine example of a S&W .44 Double Action First Model.
Lot #1392: Extraordinary World War II Walther Factory Relief Engraved Cased Presentation Model PPK Pistol with Documentation
Hermann Wilhelm Göring was Adolph Hitler's right hand man, literally. He had been with Hitler since his rise to power and eventual Chancellorship in 1933. When Hitler took power, Göring became the second-most powerful man in Germany. He was personally responsible for founding the Gestapo in 1933, was appointed commander of the Luftwaffe in 1935, and in 1940 had found so much favor with the führer that Hitler appointed him Reichsmarschall, the senior commander of all the German armed forces. 1941 Hitler went one step further and declared Göring his successor. All that of course ended in April of 1945 when the Russians fought their way through the streets of Berlin, capturing it for the Allies officially on May 2 when the Germans surrendered the city.
This remarkable, one of a kind pistol was acquired by Bronze Star recipient, 2nd Lt. Frederick Weisenberger directly from the Walther plant manger Conrad Mueller in May 1945. Weisenberger had been assigned the task of Captured Materials Officer of the Walther plant, a job that required inspecting and seizing any war materials. At that time the young Lieutenant was given a tour of the plant by the cooperative Mueller, who took great pleasure in showing the American the facilities. Just before the U.S. personnel were to leave, Mueller revealed that he possessed a hand engraved Walther PPK made especially as a presentation piece for Reichsmarschall Göring. However, the end of the war prevented such a presentation and the pistol remained at the factory. Mueller, forbidden from possessing the pistol, expressed his desire for Weisenberger to have the pistol as a memento - from a German to a German descendant. The pistol is accompanied by a notarized certificate of retention, customs declaration, and a signed letter of explanation from Lt. Weisenberger. Eventually, this pistol would find its way into Volume II, of "Walther: Engraved, Presentation and Standard Pistols" of noted Walther expert and author James Rankin. An appearance in this definitive work is yet another testament to this gun's beauty, rarity, and provenance.
The gun remains in immaculate condition inside of its leather, red velvet lined case and features a non-traditional vine engraving, another departure from the more commonly seen heavy, oak leaf motif. Its surface is 98% covered in engraving, even the underside of the barrel continuing around the trigger guard, and it was no doubt completed by a senior Walther Master Engraver, whose skill would be emblematic of Göring's status and rank. The gun lacks the slide legend or markings on either side; only the Walther banner is present, further evidence that this PPK was certainly non-standard and likely pulled directly from the production line for the Master Engraver. Its case also holds three nickel plated dummy cartridges, a spare magazine with finger extension, and a nickel plated cleaning rod. This is an exquisitely engraved gun whose craftsmanship surpasses many others of its kind.
Lot #1469: Historic Documented Browning High Power Presentation Pistol Belonging to Iraqi General Hussein Kamal and Engraved by Ken Hurst with Provenance
This gun was procured in the same way that Saddam’s rifle was (a CIA honorarium), but it still has details all its own. This Browning High Power has had quite an adventure, most of which takes place squarely in the lap of luxury. To start its life, it was sold in April of 1981 to a representative of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, who immediately shipped it to Master Engraver Ken Hurst. Hurst has over 50 years of experience to his name and has worked as a Master Engraver for Colt and Winchester. He has also worked for Ruger, Thompson Center, Walther, and Harrington & Richardson. He engraved the piece, including the name on the backstrap, signed the work, and sent the pistol on its way. Its surface is 98% covered with the floral pattern and punch-dot background and, as you can see from the photos, is quite the work of art. It is safe to assume that the Saudi Royal Family then presented this arm to Gen. Hussein Kamel al-Majid. Kamel, the Minister of Industry and Minerals and former Director of Iraq’s Military Industrialization Corporation, had full responsibility of all of Iraq’s weapons programs. He would defect from Iraq in 1995, be granted asylum in Jordan, and would begin pouring important intelligence to UNSCOM (United Nations Special Commission). Iraq, nervous at what Kamel might be telling the UNSCOM, began confessing all sorts of sins and revising previous admissions, in one instance even turning in vast amounts of documentation that had been hidden on a chicken farm.
Eventually Kamel, his brother, and their spouses, who had all defected, were convinced into returning to Iraq by messengers of Saddam Hussein under the guise that all was forgiven. Immediately, the brothers were divorced by their wives (or forced to divorce them) for treason and branded as traitors – undoubtedly a capitol charge at that time in Iraq. Three days after they returned, the two men refused to surrender themselves and were shot and killed after a 13-hour gunfight at a safe house. Some sources say that Saddam’s Security Forces were the ones who killed the two, while others say that it was other cousins of the family who were trying to win back their clan’s honor for Saddam. In any case, the pistol remained in Iraq where it was recovered by Iraqi insurgents after the fall of the Iraqi Government. It was eventually acquired by the CIA and sent to CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA.
Despite all the travel, warfare, overthrown governments, and treason, the gun’s condition remains excellent. It comes from a lesser-known name in that conflict, but is from someone who played a fascinating part in its history on top of being wonderfully decorated.
Lot #59: Spectacular Exhibition Quality Engraved Documented Alvin A. White Signed Gold and Silver Inlaid Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Ivory Grips Intended for Presentation to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev
The name Nikita Khushchev doesn't come up a lot when speaking of notorious heads of state. However, Khrushchev not only tried to put nukes on the United States' doorstep during the height of the Cold War, he also served under Stalin both before and during WWII. He supported and assisted Stalin's "purges" (i.e. mass political killings) so much so that he is quoted as saying, "Everyone who rejoices in the successes achieved in our country, the victories of our party led by the great Stalin, will find only one word suitable for the mercenary, fascist dogs of the Trotskyite-Zinovievite gang. That word is execution." Not a great guy.
So how did this gorgeous pistol become associated with such a contemptible man? That story starts with an American businessman simply trying to grease the wheels of foreign relations. Have you ever tried to do something nice for someone and just have it blow up in your face? Ever have it happen on a national scale at the peak of the Cold War? Probably not, but that’s exactly what happened to poor Romaine Fielding. Mr. Fielding was President of Romaine Fielding & Associates, an export company he founded with his own two hands. He leaned fluent Russian in the years following World War II and became a welcome business partner to the Russians. Fielding would make his living and fortune selling small machinery to Russia: washing machines, dryers, sheet metal manipulation, electrical equipment, and other appliances. Fielding, in an attempt to show his immense gratitude to the Russians, and probably to kiss up, had a pair of Colt revolvers made for Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. As you can see from the photos, this was no ordinary Colt.
Fielding had these guns engraved and gold inlaid by renowned Master Engraver Alvin A. White. It is liberally covered with White’s distinctive “foliage style” engravings and highlighted with numerous arabesque gold border lines. Even the backstrap is marvelously decorated and features a silver wire in the shape of the “onion domed” Russian landmark, Saint Basil’s Cathedral. The famous building is also referenced in two deep relief, gold inlaid depictions on the recoil shield and the top of the back strap. Fielding was truly going all out for Khrushchev and White’s ornate designs more than met the mark. However, it was the height of the Cold War (or just prior) and everybody was more than just a little suspicious. Khrushchev and his people were no different. The amazing gift was objected to by Khrushchev’s personal security believing that the revolvers were booby-trapped or possibly contained listening devices. These amazing firearms remained in Fielding’s collection and eventually entered the collector’s market. Good for collectors, bad for Fielding. This revolver also comes with letters and newspapers articles about Fielding, one of which is even written by then Vice President Richard Nixon!
This is a lot of guns owned by some morally inferior men, but they are not an exhaustive list of what will be appearing in this auction! We have items attributed to Helmut Gommlich, the Nazi Chief of Police; known Ponzi schemer Alonzo Follett, Nazi higher-up Max Amann, Butch Cassidy, and others. We also have plenty of weapons from the good guys like Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., USMC sniper Steven Reichert, fascinating Nevada lawmen, Civil War soldiers and surgeons, stage coach drivers, and others who have helped make this world a better place to live. Go on and take a look to see who has the better weapons, but don't be afraid if you like the bad guys' guns a little more. As this article shows, good guys don't always get all the good guns.
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