Serial No. 1022, the “Danish Sea Captain” Walker set a new record for the single highest-selling firearm in the world. It is the finest commercial production Walker known to exist and the only known cased revolver from the original production run. (Photo: RIAC)
The Rock Island Auction Company broke the record for selling the world’s most expensive firearm. The company sourced and auctioned a Colt Model 1847 Walker revolver, with its original case and accessories for $1.84 million dollars.
A true “unicorn” gun, the Walker is one of about 100 known to exist and the only known revolver with its factory belongings.
“This is a major milestone in the collecting community,” said Rock Island president Kevin Hogan. “Not only is this a world record for a single firearm at auction, but further demonstration that the art and history in firearms is really catching fire. We value so strongly the aesthetics, history and craftsmanship of paintings, fine automobiles and watches, but firearms that possess those same traits remain remarkably undervalued.”
“It’s an exciting time to see the collector market making that discovery for itself and beginning to take advantage,” he added. The Walker includes a hand-written bill of sale by Colt.
The Colt Walker, also called the Walker Colt, was a collaborate design by Army Captain and Texas Ranger Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker and legendary gun maker Samuel Colt.
Today the name Colt is synonymous with firearms but in 1846, when Walker first proposed the design, Colt was out of business. Walker’s proposal reignited business for Colt, contributing to the company’s namesake to this day.
The Colt Walker was and still is the most powerful black powder repeating handgun ever made for military use. Originally only 1,100 Walkers were produced, with 1,000 for the military and 100 for commercial promotion and sale. This gun was one of the 100 made for the public.
See Also: Cimarron’s New Limited Edition Texas Ranger Walker’s Lookin’ Great
It was the most powerful production revolver for nearly a century until the invention of the .357 Magnum. A significant number of the first Walkers were simply consumed by their own powder charges. At least a quarter of the initial run was returned for ruptured cylinders and chain-fire issues.
Still, the Walker’s ability to deliver a one-shot kill to a man on horseback, or even a horse if necessary, created a legend. By pushing the limits of what a revolver could do the Walker created new standards and doctrines that people maintain when shooting black powder guns even today.
Finding an example with all of its original appointments more than 150 years after it first sold is worth celebrating. For more information about this and other fantastic auctions visit the Rock Island Auction website.
I have been pleased with Colt SAA’s and Winchester Lever guns. There are still some people who appreciate good design and good workmanship.
There has recently been discovered, the Experimental Colt Paterson, a .31 caliber on a 3 piece .36 caliber frame. This revolver was the original design that was used to produce the four production made Paterson Models. They were the Pocket Model, the two Belt Models and the Holster or Texas Model. The picture of this gun was publicized in the New York Sun Times in June or July of 1838. The Book/Research Paper is scheduled to come out for the 2018 Christmas Season.
Kinda shocked your handled this gun with your bear hands, and not white gloves if I were the owner I’ed be pissed !
Sorry Bob. I care. To see a pistol from this era. With all accessories ? Truly amazing. And if I had this kind of cash? It would be spent on this type of item as opposed to a painting of a tomato soup can. Maybe the world isn’t completely insane after all…….
As do I. I wonder how much the original owner paid? Amazing when you think about it.
I agree, these historical pieces are very interesting. Many are truly works of art. If more in the world start to realize the significance the value could go much higher. As you mention some paintings go for many millions, why not a a masterpiece historical firearm? The Texas Patterson on this page that was sold a while back is amazing, or the Rocky Mountain Winchester: https://www.rockislandauction.com/past-auction-successes/
And no one cared.
Unfortunately, you’re right. I have not seen this article mentioned on any “main stream” media. News by omission.