This auction is now over.

I flew into Boston Friday afternoon and yesterday, with my parents, made my way up to Fairfield, Maine, to see the auction contents, including the Elmer Keith estate collection.

The Number 5 was there, I got to hold it and cycle the action.

His Pre-29 .44 Magnums were there. There was a 0 SN S&W .357 Magnum, and a Registered Magnum. There was a custom Colt with three flip-up rear sights, and a stud where the third screw goes to mount it in a clip on the gunbelt. There were some very early Rugers.

They had his .333 OKH rifle, several .375s and a half dozen high-end double rifles by Jeffreys, Westley Richards and H&H. They had an early Ruger No. 1 that was engraved and given to him by Bill Ruger.

They had Jim Corbett's 450/400 double rifle that he killed many man-eating tigers with. He sold it to somebody in Vancouver and Keith bought it from that man.

These guns were auctioned this morning.

Across the street is another auction house that is owned by the same family. They handle the less expensive stuff, and we walked in there just a few minutes before they started a few dozen lots of Elmer Keith guns. The first double action revolver was an S&W 45 Model of 1950. It was in very good condition, and had some minor modifications, presumably by Keith. No engraving. It went for $12,500. I was astounded.

There was another 1950 Target in 44 Special that went for $10,500; a .44 Triple Lock that went for $4750 (I thought that was a good deal); a .45 Triple Lock that went for $11,000; a Model 41 that brought $4k; a Browning Superposed for $2300 (seemed like a good deal); and a Remington 1911 that had "Elmer Keith" engraved on the side for $3750.

I bid on several of the nice double action revolvers, but they ended up way out of my price range.

I did get a 48-3 4" and an International Arms Maverick derringer in .45 LC as a single lot. This makes me very happy. I own two guns that were owned by Elmer Keith. I don't think either one of them are in his books, but it looks like he shot the 48-3.

I got to fondle all of these guns. For someone who grew up reading Keith since I was a little boy, this was one of the most memorable days of my life.

This morning:

The Number 5 went for $70,000.

His long range custom Colt .44 Special went for $13,000.

His two S&W Triple Locks in .44 Special with the double Berns-Martin rig and the double-row cartridge loop gunbelt went for $34,000.

His engraved 1950 Target revolver with ivory grips went for $10,000.

His engraved personal carry Pre-29 revolver with ivory grips went for $18,500.

The Pre-29 revolver presented to him by Carl Hellstrom, President of S&W, went for $17,000.

His real Pre-29 carry revolver with all the wear went for $17,500.

His zero series .357 Mag went for $25,000.

His registered magnum went for $11,000.

The Jim Corbett rifle went for $230,000.

His .333 OKH that he used to take 30 head of game in Africa went for $11,000.

I grew up with Keith as well. Congratulations on getting
two of his guns. Thank you for the report.

Nice reporting sir !

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wanna do right-- not right now

Thanks for the report.

And congratulations on the ones you were able to acquire.

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John 3:16 .

Great that you got to attend and were able to see so many interesting firearms; even better that you got to come home with a couple. Closest I'll ever get is to re-read Corbett's "Maneaters of Kumaon". Thank you for the report.

I don't live far from there and dropped in for a little bit Monday and Tuesday for the preview days as I passed by for work. That was quite a pile of guns indeed.

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~ From the Land of Lobstah ~

I really cannot imagine anything cooler than owning a gun that had been owned by Elmer Keith. I'm greeen.

Congrats!

The engraved 4" 1950 .44 Target with Ivories for 10K seems like a pretty decent buy.

What a great post! And thanks for all the info and insight.

Thanks for going and filling us in. Congrats on the 2 you bought.

I have books by both Elmer and Corbett. I would have loved to have held the double.

I was very interested in this auction (especially the Keith guns) but knew it would be out of my league. Thank you for reporting on the lots.

I am a big fan of Corbett's book "Maneaters of Kumaon". What a story and what a hunter.

That triple lock the first day that went for $11,000 seems to me to be a very interesting gun. Apparently converted and reblued by the factory, and equipped with Kearsarge stocks. The price did surprise me for a gun that was so modified however.

All in all I wasn't expecting those prices, I had high hopes for owning a few of them, but I found my life savings wasn't as big as my desire.

I agree! I would have been tempted to bid on this one.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

The 4" Pre 24 was the Gun most talked about in his Book "Sixguns".With a regular 4" pre 24 bringing $4,000+ I thought 10K for the most well known 4" ever made would bring more than 10K.

I'm so envious I could just ****. Congrats on getting two of Keith's guns. That will be a magnificent investment in the coming years.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Oh holy cow I went out to the feed store and driving home my phone says I have email from the auction company. I'm a winner for one of the lots on the first day of bidding. I'm astonished really, it took till today to let me know?

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~ From the Land of Lobstah ~

Awesome and sad at the same time. The greats continue to pass.........Thanks for the info and I'm very envious that you were able to see and handle some really fine items. Congrats on your purchase also!

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Go big or stay home

I would tend to agree with you. Then a plain one across the street brings $10,500? Sometimes auctions surprise us! Thanks for the report, wish I could have gone just to see all the toys!

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PTLAPTA!

Thank you for the interesting report and congrats!

+1.......................

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dd884
JMHO-YMMV

I watched the auction today on Invaluable & was surprised at the prices for the pistols.The number 5 was always my favorite pistol.At one time I owned 5 Improved number 5's by Gunsmith Bill Grover any many others by Bill.Sold them all years ago.They were all fine pistols but always envious of Elmer's #5.

I always read Elmer's columns in AR,G&A ect he had a great knowledge of firearms. I enjoyed his writings very much.

I was dismayed and surprised when the family decided to close the museum.I understand it though with the record prices most Winchester,Colt & Military guns are bringing now.

I dreamed of owning one of Elmer's guns and new it was a far fetched idea.I looked at the Julia catalog and said no.Then I saw some of his guns on Poulin Auctions the auction was yesterday.They had a Winchester Custom 52 .22lr that I said ok i'll try and win that.I already collect them so it fit right in.

The auction was Yesterday and I won it for a low figure of $1000 + fees.Needless to say I am thrilled.To have one of Keith's rifles that he customized is indeed a high point for me.

All I can say is this auction wasn't only for the rich collector but for the shooter also.Here is a picture of my rifle it is a big target gun done by Paul Dodge a gunsmith from Yreka,Ca.

The rifle has a custom Winchester factory 29" 1 1/4" straight bull barrel with a checkered stock and rare Paul Dodge adjustable trigger made on a 1921 Pre A action owned by Keith.
Can't wait to see and shoot it.

Here it is in the raw you can see it looks better in person.....yippee


Cheers

I'm feeling a bit green-eyed at the moment. Congratulations to those who were lucky enough to score a win.

I handled Elmer's #5 at the Vegas show. At local shows that I set up at I set out a Elmer Keith Guns & Ammo knife, when people ask about the knife and I tell them it's an EK knife 99% of the time they are clueless as to who he was.

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Love that Model 52. Yes, I grew up with Elmer and Skeeter. Those were the days.
Old Elmer had a style that was all his own.

Excellent report. Sounds like one of those events you will remember for a life time.

Gosh, Elmer died in 1984 which was 30+ years ago. I certainly don't blame the family for selling his guns. EK probably didn't have a pension plan or 401(K) so his guns were the retirement plan. They waited 30 yrs. and cashed out. Saving historical items is for rich guys and museums.

One of our local guys was at the auction(s) and bought an engraved Model 41 and two pre-29s of Elmer's. Not sure which specific items since we got the news via text.

Maybe I'll get to see them.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

Gary, congrats on that 52. I thought that was a good deal. Some of those looked like good deals to me. Especially some of the 4" 44s that went for $10k. Also his 333 I thought would bring a lot more because I remember him talking about that gun the most in the writings I read. I need to find some 22 Magnum ammo now.

I read on another forum that Ted Keith didn't want to sell the guns but felt like he had no choice. Apparently Cabellas didn't promote the collection much, and I even saw in one of the auction descriptions that one box was damaged while displayed at Cabellas. Now Keith died in 1984 at the age of 84 or 85. Ted must be in his eighties now, and he's got this million dollar gun collection and probably can't afford to take care of it. So he felt like he had to sell it.

I would be curious to know what the whole collection brought in total.

Thanks BCR,
Congrats to you too .It must have been a thrill to see and handle these parts of gun history we read about.

You didn't happen to see the 52 in the flesh did you?I can't wait to see it.I'd like a report on the way it looked the barrel is really big.This was at Poulin across the road from Julia.

Boy I wish I had deeper pockets .You did really good as I saw the lot you bought and said that was a deal.

I think Ted was pressured by family but he sold at the right time prices are crazy right now for some guns.

Best and thanks for the report your post is the only one on the web.

Gary

I would be interested to know what some of Keith's big double rifles went for. Many are described and pictured in his books and would be worth large sums of money even without the historical connection to Keith. The .500 Boswell that he used on his second African Safari in 1969 with Truman Fowler where they clobbered several 100 lb tusked elephant sure would be one to have !

And...............?
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Most went for $60,000 the Corbet Tiger Double sold for a sublime $230,000 +18% For cash payment!
Actually the Hollands and Westly Richards went far below replacement cost.My wife said "No" the boss pays the bills

It was the right thing to do...that is, sell the collection at this time. With the decline of hunting and the next generation not into this sort of stuff, but 'plastic' guns, the prices just may not be as high. Plus, in another 30 years, those who grew up reading Elmer Keith just won't be around anymore, and the Elmer Keith premium will not be nearly as much.

I have an invoice in my email. I guess they didn't notify online bidders until it was completely over.

Setting my day up to be able to swing by today.

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~ From the Land of Lobstah ~

Well,

WHAT DID YOU WIN???????

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Elmer's personal .458 Win mag, Model 70,pre-64 Super Grade, is still listed on GB for $8,000.00.

When they talk about the man, the guns and all the stories and history being exchanged at such an auction, you can say, 'Hell, I was there...."
That's pretty cool.

Thank you for the report.

I have read and re-read so many of his books over the years and his writings are great and influenced me as a kid.

Congrats to everyone who got to purchase one of his guns! Would've loved to been able to purchase one of his 29's.

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SWCA #2421

I phone bid on a few, when it got to the pre-29s the guy at the auction said one person put their paddle up and never put it down. Maybe they will chime in here after they get their new toy.

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PTLAPTA!

Anyone recall what EK's 1877 Sharps long range rifle realized?

I would add my gratitude for the first hand report. Elmer had a tremendous influence on me as a young shooter and hunter. It's kind of sad to think that the collection has now been broken up, as many of us will never get to see it. However it is nice to know that there are still a lot of people who realize his contributions to our sport, and value the artifacts he left behind.

I also want to say thanks for sharing this report. All my best, Joe.

This one? I would like to know myself!

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Lot number 489. A nice looking Ruger LCP that I hope will find it's way to my wifes purse.

The sold for prices appear to be up on the website now. I went in and got it today. I asked did everything sell and was told yes. The auction people were just beat. 4 days of it just wiped them out. I spoke with one who did phone bids, said it was sometimes 10 hour days with his ear to the phone. Never had any time to notify winners until it was all over and then on Saturday when it was done they just locked up and went home to recover. That why it wasn't until late Sunday afternoon before I got my email I had won.

I was told they still have a lot of guns, and there will be another auction this summer.

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~ From the Land of Lobstah ~

Eh, I'm the next generation and I bought one of them. Took every penny I had after selling a bunch of stuff and saving as hard as I ever have for anything since I first heard about the auction to have enough cash to try to win something.

I'm sad I didn't manage to win one of his S&Ws, but as a lover of King work I'm still exceptionally pleased with my purchase.

Now please pardon me while I head to the pawn shop. Being of this generation means that cash isn't something I have had many years to stockpile.

I'm honestly surprised the Number 5 did not go for 6 digits. It must be one of the most iconic Colts in existence.

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Even older, even crankier....

Ok here is the Elmer Keith Auction Book I made up from 3/14/2015 at Poulin Auctions in Fairfield ME.
It has small descriptions of Elmer's lots with realized prices including auction markup.
I feel this is the way we can see what Elmer had in his collection through the years.It is only part ,Julia Auctions had the other part auction the following day.

Click on the link to see or download.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xytr7qve4g...42015.pdf?dl=0

Cheers

Somewhere, P.T. Barnum must be LOL. People apparently got so caught up in the idea of acquiring one of Elmer Keith's guns, that they were paying twice the market rate for modern stuff that was manufactured well after Elmer Keith's death!

Would have also enjoyed seeing it.....
Grew up reading Elmer, accumulated several of his books. He definitely had a impact on my shooting and firearms interest. And like so many that have passed on - there is NO ONE that can come close to filling his shoes (or boots)

When I see the results of prices in an auction like this - and having spent my life on the relatively low wages of a public servant, I always have to wonder: 'How does someone have THAT much money to 'play' with???'
Most of mine has been earmarked for bills, utilities, mortgages, etc.
Yes, I've been blessed with some toys, but to be able to lay out $40,000 on a firearm or two.....Nearly unbelievable.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

??? I'm not seeing that. The most modern gun listed in the collection that sold was manufactured in 1989. If I recall he also died in 1989. Besides those 1989 Rugers, everything else is vintage. Which guns do you see that are modern and made after his death in 1989?