Greg Martin Auctions joins with the NRA in call for arms to support Second Amendment freedoms

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, November 15, 2010 (Press-News.org) Greg Martin Auctions is proud to join with the NRA (National Rifle Association) to participate in and contribute to the 'NRA Firearms for Freedom Auction,' to be held in Las Vegas on January 16, 2011. The special event, featuring charitable donations from NRA members, will be for the exclusive benefit of NRA programs and the defense of America's Second Amendment freedoms. This auction will be the first in a series to support the NRA's efforts. To date, NRA members have donated over 750 firearms to support the event. The NRA is seeking additional donations - from NRA members and non-members, and both individuals and corporations.

Greg Martin Auctions, which will conduct the auction, will contribute 100% of the seller fees and related services to the NRA. The proceeds from the sale will go to support various programs of the NRA, the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund, the NRA Freedom Action Foundation, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action and The NRA Foundation. For more information on how to make a firearms gift, contact Cliff Burgess, CDR, USN (ret.), NRA Gift of Firearms Program Coordinator, at cburgess@nrahq.org or 703-638-4908. Donors who participate in the NRA Gift of Firearms Program may allocate the proceeds from their contributions to the NRA activity of their choice. Donations for this event may be tax-deductible.

To date, numerous donors have generously contributed over 750 firearms to support the cause. Don and Ronni Hilligoss are among the top donors, offering a collection of over 375 arms that have been amassed over 44 years. "I've had a lot of fun through the years hunting, shooting and competing," said Mr. Hilligoss. "I couldn't have owned these guns without the NRA and it's time to repay the debt." Other significant donors include Beretta USA; Robert Lee; Tweed Roosevelt; Mike Clark of Collector's Firearms in Houston, Texas; Wally Beinfeld; Leo and Suzanne Cecil; and others.

The firearms that have been donated include a wide variety of sporting and collectible firearms of all types. One of the highlights is a spectacular Winchester rifle and Colt revolver cased set recreating the historic and rare arms carried by Theodore Roosevelt. Both are numbered TR01. Other featured items include a fine collection of Parker Brothers double barrel shotguns, including a 20 gauge DHE, a 12 gauge CHE and a B-grade single barrel trap; a number of fine Winchester Model 21 double barrel shotguns including a rare 16 gauge; and over 60 Smith and Wesson, and Colt revolvers and automatic pistols, most in unused condition and with the original box and paperwork.

Greg Martin, principal of the company bearing his name, is a long-time supporter of the NRA. He says he is pleased to assist with this fundraising effort, the first time the NRA has reached out in a concerted effort to obtain donations of firearms. "The January auction presents a unique opportunity to participate in an exceptional program," noted Mr. Martin. "This is just the beginning of ongoing events that will encourage others to join us to help maintain the foundation of America's freedom."

The 'NRA Firearms for Freedom Auction' will be held in conjunction with Greg Martin Auctions' January sale at the Riviera Hotel & Casino located at 2901 South Las Vegas Blvd. in Las Vegas. This part of the auction will begin in the afternoon on Sunday, January 16, after the close of the Las Vegas arms show activities. The auction will be held at the same place and weekend as the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show, the International Sporting Arms Show, and Invitational Knifemakers Show - all top events for arms & armor enthusiasts. Auction previews will be held concurrent with the show, from Friday, January 14 - Sunday, January 16, 2011.

The items for this part of the sale will be illustrated in the separate, full-color 'NRA Firearms for Freedom Auction' catalog, available by mail in December from Greg Martin Auctions or at the sale itself. A complete catalog of Greg Martin Auctions items - including full descriptions, estimates and photographs by individual lot - will be available online prior to the sale.

Greg Martin Auctions bidders can participate in the events in various ways: onsite at Las Vegas at the Greg Martin Auctions event, via phone bidding and absentee bids. In addition, real-time, Internet bidding through Proxibid allows potential buyers online to view a photo of each item as it goes up for sale and to place a bid as selling is underway.

Greg Martin Auctions' next live sale is scheduled for spring 2011.

-- About Greg Martin Auctions --

For more information on the January sale, please contact Greg Martin in Greg Martin Auctions' San Francisco office at 415-834-5665.

Greg Martin Auctions (GMA) provides collectors, institutions, dealers and enthusiasts with unsurpassed expertise and a complete range of services to appraise, value, market and sell fine antique, collectible and sporting arms, armor and historical memorabilia. The company's full-service approach to auctions includes state-of-the-art technology; telephone, absentee and online bidding; fully-illustrated print and online catalogs; and private previews by appointment. Sales schedules and collector information are available online. The company also conducts periodic appraisal clinics around the U.S.

A leading auction house for antique arms and historic memorabilia, Greg Martin Auctions has achieved the sale of some of the most important arms ever sold and numerous world records, including one of the highest prices ever paid at auction for a firearm - $862,500 - for the Serial No. 1 Colt Single Action Army "Peacemaker" revolver. For more information, please contact Greg Martin Auctions.

Northern California Office (Greg Martin)

Greg Martin Auctions
463 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: 415-834-5665 / Fax: 415-834-5408
Email: mgrassia@gregmartinauctions.com
http://www.gregmartinauctions.com

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