Our Firearms and Militaria division is the company’s longest-standing category, established in 1969 when founder Brad Witherell began working as a dealer at the age of 25. His career includes nearly a decade as an invited firearms appraiser on PBS’s television series Antiques Roadshow.
The company has handled the estates of notable WWII Generals Anthony McAuliffe and Joseph McNarney. Some of its most remarkable discoveries include a Colt .45 once owned by Al Capone, which set a world record for a post-1898 firearm by selling for over $1,000,000, and the German and English language surrender demands presented to General McAuliffe during the Battle of the Bulge, which fetched more than $50,000.
Our affiliate company, www.nevadagunauction.com, conducts annual auctions in January and August, showcasing key highlights at the Las Vegas and Reno gun shows.

Our Fine Arts and Sculpture division has overseen deaccessions from the Crocker Art Museum and managed the estates of renowned Sacramento artists such as Roy DeForest, Greg Kondos, Clayton Bailey, and Ruth Rippon. We hold world record prices for several artists, including Greg Kondos, David Hollowell, and Harold Schlotzhauer.

Notable department highlights include the sale of a Gregory Kondos painting for $157,300—the only six-figure sale for the artist—an unsigned Martin Johnson Heade from the estate of William Ruger, which sold for $169,400, and a Philippine painting by Fernando Amorsolo, which brought in $145,200.

Fine art and sculpture are featured in our biannual Luxury Asset Auctions, held each spring and fall.

Our Luxury Watch division handles a wide range of fine timepieces, including top-tier wristwatches and high-grade pocket watches. A highlight for the department was the sale of Al Capone’s personal pocket watch, which garnered international attention and sold for $230,000.

To ensure the authenticity of every watch we offer, we consult with one of the industry’s foremost experts. We also work with a leading specialty photographer to capture each piece’s detail and craftsmanship.

Luxury watches are showcased in our biannual Luxury Asset Auctions, held each spring and fall

Our Coins and Bullion division specializes in numismatics and precious metals. A dedicated specialist carefully reviews all coin consignments and recommends grading through PCGS to help maximize client returns. This grading process ensures buyers can trust the authenticity and accurate condition of the coins they purchase.

Witherell recently uncovered and sold some of the highest-graded coins of their kind, including an 1862 Seated Liberty Quarter graded MS68, which sold for $24,150; an 1856 Seated Liberty Half Dollar graded PR65 for $21,563; and an 1856-P Seated Liberty Half Dollar No Motto graded MS66 for $18,688.

Capturing the true color and character of fine coins requires expert photography, and we collaborate with one of the industry’s top independent photographers to achieve this.

The roots of our Native and Western Americana division trace back to 1982, when we hosted our first American Auction in San Francisco. From the beginning, our focus has been on coin-operated trade stimulators, gambling devices, Bowie knives, Western advertising, Gold Rush artifacts, cowboy memorabilia, and a wide array of Native American items, including baskets, jewelry, weavings, and pottery.

Each May, we align our annual Western Americana Auction with the Grass Valley Old West Show, which draws some of the most prominent collectors in the field. Our display of auction highlights is a featured exhibit at the entrance of the show, offering a prime showcase for rare and unique items.

Brian Witherell and his network of experts possess deep knowledge in furniture and decorative arts. For 23 years, Brian served as an invited appraiser on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow, specializing in furniture, silver, decorative arts, and collectibles.

He played a key role in building one of the nation’s foremost private collections of 19th-century furniture and has handled numerous pieces valued in the six-figure range.

Our department highlights exceptional traditional furniture as well as important works by mid-century designers. With established connections to local and national art handlers, we ensure a smooth and cost-effective process for both buyers and sellers, regardless of your location.

Furniture and Decorative Arts are showcased in our biannual Luxury Asset Auctions, held each spring and fall.