Rock Island Auction Company had a hugely successful auction in December 2011 led by a gun presented to President Teddy Roosevelt which sold for $207,000.

This was part of a year which saw them earn $31m and present a TV pilot: Ready Aim Sold. Now they're limbering up for their Spring Premiere Auction (February 18-19), and are reporting that some truly exceptional consignments are coming in led by a Henry's lever-action rifle.

So far, some of the firearms they've been presented with have been: some rare Winchesters include both a Winchester Model 1873 and an 1876 (1 of 1000). A Winchester Model 1892 rifle easily beat expectations earlier this month so we know the demand is out there.

An antique Henry lever-action rifle, which may sell for up to $16,000

Colts are always in demand of course, and those on offer here include: a cased presentation serial number one Colt Navy cartridge conversion revolver, an exceptional and fresh, historic, cased presentation Colt Paterson Revolver with a full complement of accessories, a rare deluxe cased, silver and gold Thuer Conversion, and a Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver with original Tiffany grips and L.D. Nimschke factory engraving.

Colts had some impressive results last year with a Paterson No 5 revolver tripling expectations to sell for $977,500, and Al Capone's plainer example brought a six figure sum too. (Colt fans should take a look at our list of visually striking antique handguns which is dominated by them.)

 An excellent collection of Colt Single Action Army Revolvers with stunning examples is available too.