Firearms from notorious Depression-era
outlaws, Floyd Hamilton and Ford
Bradshaw, will be offered at Rock Island Auction Company's May
Premier Auction
BEDFORD,
Texas, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock
Island Auction Company (RIAC) will offer firearms from a pair
of Depression-era outlaws, including one from a member of Bonnie
and Clyde's "Barrow Gang," during
its May Premier Auction, May 17-19,
in Bedford, Texas. The three-day
auction will offer the Winchester Model 1895 of Public Enemy No. 1
Floyd Hamilton, and the Remington
Model 11 shotgun of Ford Bradshaw that was with him when he was
killed.
The Winchester Model 1895 rifle was Floyd Hamilton's trusted companion while serving
as an integral member of Bonnie and Clyde's notorious "Barrow Gang." Hamilton's
criminal exploits with Bonnie and Clyde include the daring Eastham Prison Farm
rescue in 1934, as well as assisting the couple while they were
fugitives. Following Bonnie and Clyde's deaths, Hamilton carried on the duo's
legacy, cementing himself as a prominent figure of Depression-era
criminal history and earning the FBI's title of "Public Enemy No.
1." The rifle, left behind during a shootout with lawmen, comes
with a handwritten note from Hamilton and carries a pre-auction
value of $7,500 - $15,000.
The Remington Model 11 shotgun was owned by Depression-era
outlaw Ford Bradshaw, whose bold bank robberies rivaled those of
Bonnie and Clyde and Charles
"Pretty Boy" Floyd. Bradshaw's rural raids, noted for their
audacity and violence, later elevated him to the FBI's "Most
Wanted" list. He was eventually killed during a confrontation with
lawmen in an Arkoma, Okla.
roadhouse. The historic shotgun, found in Bradshaw's car outside
the roadhouse, carries a pre-auction value of $5,000 - $10,000.
"The Prohibition and Depression-era outlaws are part of this
incredibly fascinating time in American history," says Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction
Company. "Here we are, approaching the 90th anniversary
of Bonnie & Clyde's death and we're still talking about their
deeds. Arms owned by the like of Bradshaw and Hamilton embody this
undeniable allure people still have for the era and its
lawlessness."
The two firearms formerly owned by these outlaws are just a
glimpse into the nearly 2,100 lots featured at RIAC's May Premier
Auction. The world's number one firearms auction house is pleased
to host its first premier auction of 2024 at its state-of-the-art
facility in Bedford, Texas.
For additional information on Rock Island Auction Company and
other highlights of the May event, visit:
www.rockislandauction.com.
About Rock Island Auction Company:
Rock Island Auction
Company is the world's no. 1 auction company for firearms, bladed
weapons and militaria. Founded in 1993 by its current CEO
Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to
lead the industry with record sales numbers and its extensive and
well-crafted marketing efforts. The company's 150,000 square-foot
Illinois campus consists of two
buildings and serves as the company's hub for catalog and content
production. The 90,000 square-foot Bedford facility opened in December 2023 and will host six of the company's
18+ auctions each year. RIAC actively seeks consignments, be it a
single weapon or a collection of hundreds, an item valued at
$1,000 or $1
million.
Media Contact:
Mattie Van
Gundy
(713) 409-1835
377474@email4pr.com
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SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company