The auction will include over 1,000 Colts, 8 Patersons, 2 Walkers, over 350 Colt Percussions, over 80 Colt Brevetes, over 100 Colt First Generation Single Actions, dozens of 1877's and 78's, more than 300 Winchesters, 5 Henry Rifles, Civil War items, and more. For a complete listing and more details visit www.rockislandauction.com.

"This is a tremendous sale headlined by the Will Hoffeld Estate. We are very proud to be chosen to present this fantastic grouping of firearms," commented Pat Hogan, owner of Rock Island Auction Company. "The old time collections are drying up and it was a fantastic experience seeing how Will surrounded himself with his collecting passion. His collection speaks volumes about who he was. Each and every firearm has a card detailing who he purchased from, where he purchased it, the date and usually how much he paid. The cards themselves are a journey back in time with names such as Red Jackson, Herb Glass, Norm Flayderman, Al Kelly, Bill Locke and others."

Wilbur (Will) Henry Hoffeld was born in July 1920. After his father died in 1930, Will and his brother and sister were raised by his mother during the Great Depression. From 1942 to 1946, he served in the Army Air Corps, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. A few years later, he began his extensive collection of historical Civil War firearms and swords, along with colorful Old West firearms. His passion for Colts fueled his extensive collection which includes a complete collection of Brevetes.

Will was known for his tireless research and quest for information about every piece in his collection. He won numerous gun show awards, and at any given time, you could find 4-5 collector enthusiasts seeking Will's expertise at his shop, The Eagle's Nest, a military antique store in Los Angeles, California.

His niece Charlene Hoffeld commented, "Will's firearms collection is a testament to his passion for history and Freedom. By donating a portion of the proceeds of this auction to the NRA Foundation, he will play an important role in ensuring that our great American traditions are secure for future generations to enjoy."

The NRA Foundation is the country's leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports, awarding more than $120 million since its inception in 1990. The NRA Foundation supports those organizations and programs that ensure the continuation of our proud shooting and hunting heritage.

"The NRA Foundation is at the forefront of keeping our shooting and hunting heritage alive and thriving," said Allan Cors, Chairman of The NRA Foundation. "Gifts like Mr. Hoffeld's -- to advance our programs -- say so much about what's important to our lives. We are grateful for his generosity."

Gifts of firearms to benefit NRA programs are an increasingly popular option for those who no longer need some or all of their collection, or who wish to make a gift to advance Freedom. In many cases, gifts may be tax-deductible if the beneficiary is the NRA Foundation, the Civil Rights Defense Fund, the NRA Whittington Center, or the NRA Freedom Action Foundation.

To learn more about opportunities to make a gift of firearms to benefit NRA programs, contact Frank Cerutti, Director of Corporate Strategic Giving, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1571, or visit www.nragive.com. To learn more about Rock Island Auction Company, visit www.rockislandauction.com.