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Time is running out for collectors and high-end firearms buyers to secure some of the most compelling offerings of the year. The December Collector’s Elite Auctions event is now entering its final stretch, with bidding set to close Sunday evening on a carefully curated group of scarce and investment grade firearms. Each item began at one penny with no reserve, creating a rare opportunity to acquire museum quality pieces that seldom surface on the open market.
This month’s auction features standout examples from Colt, GLOCK and Smith & Wesson among others, each selected for its rarity, historical significance and exceptional condition. As the clock winds down, these highlighted pieces remain available for serious collectors who recognize true collecting significance.
Introduced in 1988 near the end of first-generation GLOCK production, the GLOCK 17L Gen 1 occupies a highly coveted niche among early GLOCK collectors. Designed for competition and precision shooting, the 17L features an extended slide and a 6.02-inch barrel that increases sight radius and supports precision focused shooting.
This example falls within the small group of documented Gen 1 serial prefixes associated with original 17L production. It retains matching serial numbers on the slide and frame, with the correct numbered barrel, and presents in superb condition with minimal evidence of handling. Included is the factory labeled case and a period correct 17 round magazine.
Smith & Wesson 500ES Short Barrel Survival Kit
The Smith & Wesson Model 500 remains one of the most powerful production handguns ever built. Chambered in .500 S&W Magnum and constructed on the purpose-built X frame, it represents the pinnacle of large caliber revolver engineering. The short barrel ES variant elevates that legacy further through its inclusion in a factory survival kit that has become highly desirable among collectors.
This example remains in astonishing condition and includes the original color matched Storm case and all survival accessories. The kit contains a heavy-duty folding knife, emergency blankets, fire starting tools, compass, signal mirror, rope survival saw and reference material. Complete survival kits in this state of preservation are exceptionally difficult to find.
Colt Custom Shop Magnum Carry First Edition
The Colt Magnum Carry First Edition stands among the most sought-after modern Colt revolvers. Produced during a brief and turbulent period in Colt history, the Magnum Carry was the company’s final newly introduced double action revolver and the first small frame Colt chambered for full power .357 Magnum.
First Edition examples are identifiable by their distinctive barrel roll mark and early production status. This revolver features polished stainless steel, a two-inch barrel with full underlug and genuine stag grips with Colt medallions. With its limited production and historical significance, the Magnum Carry First Edition remains a cornerstone acquisition for Colt focused collections.
Colt 1991A1 Limited Edition Tiger
Produced in 2005 as a TALO distributor exclusive, the Colt 1991A1 Limited Edition Tiger was limited to just 200 examples. The pistol blends classic Government Model configuration with Custom Shop presentation, featuring a matte blue finish and gold etched jungle tiger artwork across both sides of the slide.
This example remains New Old Stock, showing no signs of consumer handling, and includes the original Colt Custom Shop box and contents. As one of only 200 produced, the Tiger edition represents a rare opportunity to acquire a visually striking and highly collectible Colt 1911 before the Sunday evening close.
Final Call for Collectors
The December Collector’s Elite Auctions event will close Sunday evening, and once these lots end, opportunities to acquire examples of this caliber, rarity and condition may not return for years.
Collectors are encouraged to place bids now and review the full catalog, high resolution photography and detailed analysis at CollectorsEliteAuctions.com and on GunBroker.com.