This Is the Priciest Single Firearm Ever Sold at Auction

An 1886 Winchester rifle that once belonged to a man who helped capture Apache leader Geronimo has sold for $1.2 million at an auction, the AP reports. The Rock Island Auction Co. of Illinois says it became the most expensive single firearm ever sold at auction when it was presented for sale in late April. The gun, which was in impeccable condition, went to an undisclosed buyer. George Albee was working for Winchester and was able to secure serial No. 1 of its newest rifle design in 1886.

Albee presented the rifle as a gift to a Civil War buddy, US Army Capt. Henry Ware Lawton, who had just led the operation that captured Geronimo. American Rifleman notes that the engraving and wood are good, but "probably wouldn't turn too many heads"—perfect for Lawton, since a man leading troops in the rugged West would not want a firearm "fancy enough to attract longing stares." The auction company says other guns have sold higher as a pair, but the Winchester brought in the highest price for a single firearm. ("Racist McShootface" joined the bidding for George Zimmerman's gun.)