GOODRICH, Mich. — Ted Nicklas worked for the Williams Gun Sight Co. for more than 20 years. In 1978, he had begun his own business specializing in custom stocks for rifles and shotguns. So it is no surprise when he decided to have an auction that there were guns on the list of items offered.

Nicklas kept a log that identified every stock he worked on. He even repaired a shotgun once owned by President John Kennedy. Nicklas said Washington Senators first basemen, Mike Epstein, had “the biggest hands I ever saw,” but that did not cause him any concern making the custom stock. He was fortunate in that he enjoyed working on all firearms and said he “always enjoyed working on guns”.

Elwyn Brandt conducted the auction.

Each firearm offered had a number tag with description and the auction provided a corresponding catalog. The first firearm on the block was a classic Springfield Model 94 single shot shotgun in 16 gauge bringing $130. The premier firearm was a Parker V.H. 12 gauge made in 1927. This piece had 85 to 90 percent case colors and excellent original blue color. The make, age and condition enabled it to obtain a high bid of $2,500. Also at $2,500 was a Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle, which had been rechambered to .257 Roberts caliber.

There was a pair of vintage Winchester Model 37 single barrel shotguns. Both were in 20 gauge and the first sold at $200 while the second, with a custom stock by Nicklas was an impressive $625.

The popular Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, a bolt action in .270 caliber, had Williams rings and a 2x7 Red Field Tracker scope attached. Subject to spirited bidding, Brandt announced the winner at $1,900. Another Winchester, a Model 1895 lever action rifle in the powerful .405 WCF caliber with an added recoil pad, was just a bit more at $1,950.

A red bullet trap for test firing and target shooting was $90.

There were more than just firearms at the auction. For $10, one winning bidder got a four-way lug wrench, bow saw and threeplace gun rack group. Later the bow saw traded to another bidder for a cold can of Diet Pepsi. A large railroad light with red and green lenses was $125 to the winner.

A select amount of antique furniture, glassware and pottery was offered. Two pie safe cabinets were available with the first, without doors, selling at $60 and the second with the doors and screen intact, doubling the bid call at $120. A wardrobe cabinet, including the hunting clothes inside all set for next season, was a bit more at $130.

Attendees enjoyed spirited bidding between two parties who both wanted a 1376 speckled pink double-handled Red Wing vase. It sold for $40.

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