In recent years , high-value collectibles like fine art , classic cars , and vintage timepieces have been outperforming traditional investments and show no sign of losing momentum . Rare firearms have experienced similar uptrends , and that ’ s no surprise given how the most desirable firearm classes share many of the same traits as other investment-grade collectibles . Scarcity , tangibility , artistry , historic significance , popular appeal , and strong market demand have all contributed to substantial appreciation across the fine arms genre . Fine Arms Collecting on the Rise Guns linked to monumental names such as Ulysses S . Grant and Napoleon Bonaparte top Rock Island Auction Company ' s list of recent sevenfigure firearms , but history is far from the only factor driving unparalleled growth in the genre . Of the 50 most expensive guns to sell at the auction house , only 12 belonged to well-known political or cultural figures .
Like the rest of the decorative arts field , vintage firearms are valued for their rarity , style , condition , provenance ,
and aesthetic . The latter factor , artistry , will be readily familiar to investors of other high-end collectible classes . Firearm examples engraved by master craftsman like Louis D . Nimschke or designed by Versailles artistic director Nicolas-Noël Boutet reside in the world ’ s most prestigious museums and command ever-more impressive auction prices . When Rarity and Popularity Collide Popularity is also a key component in the market momentum observed across the fine arms field . 80 % of Rock Island Auction Company ’ s 50 most expensive guns are Winchesters rifles and Colt revolvers . Winchester and Colt are arguably the most recognized firearm manufacturers in history and names that are immediately associated with the
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