Guns, history and collecting just go together. I really love all three, which is why I became a firearms historian, studying the interesting nature of firearms and how they affect our world. One of the ways that I explain the history of firearms is through GunBroker’s No Lowballers podcast. Every week, I talk with some of the most knowledgeable firearm historians, who discuss their specialties, which range from 1911s to GLOCKs and even military armament.
I also explain interesting items listed on Collector’s Elite Auctions, pointing out the history and condition of guns and gear listed. This month, we’re looking at three rare listings.
S&W Pre-Model 27
When Smith & Wesson introduced its .357 Magnum revolver in 1935, it was “the” .357 Magnum revolver. In the beginning, the guns were Registered Magnums, but that ended in 1939. Then came Non-Registered Magnums. By 1950, the model had undergone all the changes necessary to become the Model 27 in 1957.
This gun, however, is a bit of an anomaly. Shipped in 1957, as confirmed by the factory letter, the gun should by all rights be a Model 27. Instead, it is still considered a Pre-Model 27. This is because the gun bears the hallmarks of having been made in 1956 but not shipped until sometime the next year.
Most impressive here, though, is the gun’s 3.5-inch barrel. There weren’t nearly as many with that length produced. The guns that surface often command a premium of 25% or more than their other length counterparts.
Rounding everything out here is the gorgeous gold picture box. The resulting combo of box and gun is a visual feast of blue and gold imagery complemented by deep bluing and rich, warm walnut.
RGA Rotary Launcher
Have you ever wanted a 15-shot rotary launcher for signal or smoke flares? Wait, you didn’t even know such a thing existed? Well then, here’s what you need to know about the RGA-86.
Made in Poland between 1983 and 1986, the RGA-86 was designed to fire 26.5mm signal or smoke flares. It served as a high-capacity military signaling device rather than a weapon. It occupies an unusual niche among Warsaw Pact-era military equipment, illustrating the importance placed on visual signaling during a period when electronic communication could be unreliable or compromised. Issued primarily to military units, it was used for illumination, identification and command signaling rather than offensive purposes.
Its extremely limited U.S. importation — just 250 units — combined with its unusual rotary design and Cold War origin, has made it a highly sought-after collectible. It is frequently noted by collectors as a unique and scarce example of Eastern Bloc military signaling equipment.
This piece is the complete package, as it comes with the original serialized wooden crate, a serialized certificate of authenticity and the original canvas strap.
Vampire Kit
Does the thought of being attacked by a vampire keep you up at night? If so, this item is exactly what you need.
This Vampire Killing Kit from Ernst Blomberg has everything you need to keep yourself safe.
It contains a genuine ivory cross-shaped underhammer pistol, “silver” bullets, a wooden stake and the Common Book of Prayer. It also comes with several bottles of garlic and other things to make Blomberg’s potent mixture.
All of this is contained in a brass-mounted walnut box with inlaid blue felt. This example features a label noting that “This box contains the items considered necessary for the protection of persons who travel into certain little-known countries of Eastern Europe, where the populace is plagued with a particular manifestation of evil known as Vampires. Professor Ernst Blomberg respectfully requests that the purchaser of this kit carefully study his book, so that, should evil manifestations become apparent, he is equipped to deal with them efficiently. Professor Blomberg wishes to announce his grateful thanks to that well-known gunmaker of Liege, Nicholas Plomdeur, whose help in the compiling of these special items, the silver bullets &c., has been most efficient.”
Of course, all of that is fictional fluff, but these vampire killing kits are considered extremely unique and unusual. No two are exactly alike. With this kit, you will be able to fight off those evil bloodsuckers — or have a unique conversation starter on your coffee table.
There is a whole lot more being offered in the March Collection of Collectors Elite Auctions. These include rare listings of firearms and many other items that can be hard to find. Good luck bidding.
