Report from the Elmer Keith Estate auction

[GaryMD]

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

 

[rbmcmjr]

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

 

[paul s]

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.

 

[moosedog]

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.

 

[NeoBuckeye]

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

 

[S&WIowegan]

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!

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.

 

[bcr22]

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.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

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

 

[GaryMD]

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.

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

 

[Walter Rego]

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 !

 

[fat tom]

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?

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

 

[GaryMD]

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 !

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

 

[mrcvs]

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.

 

[schgsd]

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

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.

 

[Muley Gil]

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.

Well,

WHAT DID YOU WIN???????

 

[Hunter Keith]

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

 

[Otreb]

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.

 

[jubela#4]

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.

 

[S&W ucla]

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.

 

[xtimberman]

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