Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/590511
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 2 1 3 Auctions & Exhibitions RIAC FIREARMS AUCTION SET FOR DECEMBER RIAC's Premiere Firearms Auction, December 4 to 6, promises to be every bit as successful as its September firearms auction, which generated over $13.6 million in sales. Already scheduled for the December event is a stunning array of firearms including the G.S. Cooke collection of fine Winchester 1885s, the Piedmont collection of World Class Kentucky flintlocks and high-end European arms, the iconic Ralph Shattuck collection of German military arms, and the Walker West collection of antique Colts and Winchesters. Several other highlights include the Mac McCroskie collection, the award- winning collection of Ralf Eyster, and the Royal Hunt collection featuring Imperial German hunting trophies. The mounted heads and horns are from the personal collections of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Emperor Franz Josef. Dozens of stunning sporting arms will cross the auction block, such as a magnificent matched cased pair of consecutively serial numbered Purdey double-barrel shotguns. Each of these hammerless sidelocks is signed, exquisitely engraved, and gold inlaid. For more information, call (800) 238-8022 or email info@ rockislandauction.com. PLANTATION WILDLIFE ARTS FESTIVAL: CHEERS TO 20 YEARS Thomasville, Georgia's Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival has become one of autumn's biggest highlights in the Red Hills region. It's a weeklong celebration that calls for cocktail dresses and cowboy boots, bourbon bars and bird dog statues, global sporting artists, and southern craftsmen. And this year, the festival turns 20. Throughout the ante- and post- bellum periods, sporting and wildlife artists often journeyed to Thomasville's plantations to observe wildlife, enjoy the sporting life, and practice their craft. PWAF pairs a rich cultural history to the tastes and needs of great wildlife artists and art collectors today. At the heart of the event is a special show featuring 65 of the best sporting and wildlife artists and artisans, held at the event's beneficiary Thomasville Center for the Arts. This year, instead of selecting one featured artist, many of PWAF's past featured artists have been tapped to create an Encore Gallery with original works. The 20th celebration brings more surprises and something for everyone. Think a concert with a "soul bent swamp-rocker," a sporting attire fashion show, an en plein air paint out, events that call for black tie and blue jeans, a family friendly "day in the field" experience, and much more! For more information call (229) 226-0588. n n the December slate for Rock Island Auction will be these and other trophies from the collections of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941), Germany's last emperor King of Prussia, and Franz Josef (1830- 1916), emperor of Austria. I