Videos tagged with Rock Island Auction House

This video showcases the W+F Bern P47 pistol prototype, a rare firearm developed for Swiss service pistol trials in the late 1940s. It highlights the P47's unique delayed blowback system, enabling its compact size, and its all-steel Swiss quality construction. The prototype ultimately lost out to the Sig P210 in the trials.

This guide details the field modification of a Mannlicher 1888 rifle into a carbine, specifically adapting it to accept an Arisaka Type 30 bayonet. Expert Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons explains the process observed at Rock Island Auction House, highlighting the fabrication of a new bayonet lug, muzzle turning, and sling swivel relocation. These modifications were likely performed in China, where both Mannlicher rifles and Arisaka bayonets were in use. The guide emphasizes the non-factory, field-expedient nature of these alterations.

This video from Brownells' 'From the Vault' series showcases Elvis Presley's Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 9mm pistol, presented by Keith Ford and Steve Ostrom from Rock Island Auction House. The discussion highlights the pistol's historical significance as an early double-action 9mm, its adoption by the Illinois State Patrol, and its use by US Navy SEALs. The specific firearm's provenance, having belonged to Elvis Presley and later his bodyguard Sonny West, is a key focus, with mentions of potential sweat corrosion from Elvis.

This video from Brownells, presented by experts from Rock Island Auction House, provides an in-depth look at Heinrich Himmler's personal Walther PP pistol. The presentation details the pistol's historical context, unique engravings including SS and Swastika symbols, and its development as the first commercially successful double-action blowback handgun. The expert analysis highlights its rarity and craftsmanship, offering valuable insights for firearm enthusiasts and historians.

This review details an exceptionally ornate E.L. Malherbe & Cie. 20-shot pinfire revolver, noted for its high-quality decoration and complex mechanical features. The firearm showcases extensive gold inlay and a unique dual-ring cylinder design, allowing for 20 rounds in a relatively compact package. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its rarity as a collector's piece.

This entry details the unique safety mechanism and specialized loading protocol of the Dutch Police Revolver, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The revolver features an external safety that locks the cylinder, crucial for its specific police use where Chamber 1 held a blank, Chamber 2 tear gas, and the remaining chambers live ammunition. The video highlights its Belgian origin and 9.4mm caliber.

This guide details the unique hybrid action of the Grant Hammond .32 ACP Prototype pistol, as explained by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the blow-forward and blow-back elements, automatic magazine ejection, and automatic bolt closure. The guide emphasizes understanding the complex, albeit currently non-functional, bolt locking system and the magazine's unique retention and ejection method. It's a deep dive into a rare prototype's mechanics, suitable for advanced enthusiasts.

This entry details the Winchester Model 1893 and 1897 pump-action shotguns, covering their historical development, mechanical differences, and operational features. It highlights John Browning's design influence, the evolution from the 1893's limitations with smokeless powder to the 1897's success, including its military use and the unique slam-fire capability. Expert insights are provided on their historical context and technical specifications.