ting movie gun captured global headlines and created a crossover moment between high-end collectibles and mainstream entertainment fandoms .
In addition to fresh-to-auction treasures , prestigious pieces that have been out of the public eye for an extended period can elicit the same enthusiasm , particularly when they come out of a notable grouping like the Norman R . Blank Collection . Mr . Blank , an accomplished collector of classic Ferraris , fine wine , antiquarian books , and European artwork , also assembled a remarkable antique arms collection . The auction world took notice when Mr . Blank ’ s collection began to pass the podium last year , including the ornamented wheellock of King Louis XIII , an exceptional piece that set a new record for its genre and realized $ 951,750 after all associated costs . The prior December , a cased pair of presentation pistols by Parisian master Gastinne-Renette , another pillar of Blank ’ s collection , achieved $ 411,250 .
In previous decades , reselling a premium collectible such as a museum-grade painting was often less lucrative if the item hadn ’ t been off the market long enough to build anticipation . Today , an elite piece can command attention again after a comparatively brief hiatus , particularly in growing sectors like the fine arms field . With a steady influx of new buyers entering the global marketplace and the availability of accessible online bidding options , pinnacle arms are increasingly recognized as blue-chip assets .
In 2011 , Heritage Auctions sold
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