Arms and Armor: Live Auction
Arms and Armor: Live Auction
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Description
While the entire sale is indeed a showcase of rare and desirable items, several lots showcased in the May sale are of special interest to advanced collectors of fine arms. Specially featured is an incredibly rare #5 Holster Model “Texas” Paterson Revolver (Lot 48). These revolvers are rare to find in any condition and not only does this example retain some of its original finish, it also has the added bonus of showing matching serial numbers, even on the spare cylinder.
Also featured in this sale are several one-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including a prohibitively rare Third Model Cofer Revolver (Lot 110), a unique Southern Percussion Revolver By V.G.H. Libeau (Lot 375), a remarkable double cased pair of silver and gilt Colt 1860 Army Revolvers, (Lot 376) and a factory engraved Winchester Big .50 Deluxe 1876 Short Rifle made especially for Sultan (later King) Fouad I of Egypt (Lot 295). This unique assembly of... Show more
US Springfield Model 1795 Type III Musket
Lot # 26 (Sale Order: 26 of 282)
Condition: Good. Metal with a moderately oxidized brown patina, bright under the bands. Metal mostly smooth with some scattered surface roughness and moderate pitting at the breech. Metal markings remain legible as does cartouche. Lock expertly reconverted to flint from an apparent drum bolster percussion alteration. Stock cleaned and lightly sanded, but retaining good edges and showings scattered bumps, dings and bruises.
EST $ 1500 - 3000
British Board of Ordnance Canadian Indian Chief's Presentation Rifle by Henry Tatham Inscribed
Lot # 27 (Sale Order: 27 of 282)
24 Bore (.58 caliber), 30.625" wedge-retained octagonal barrel, S/N 32. Browned and blued finish, figured walnut stock with checkered wrist and raised cheek rest. Flat beveled flint lock with rounded, fenced and bridled water proof pan, roller frizzen and flat beveled swan neck cock. Lock with sliding safety at rear, platinum lined touchhole. Lock with lightly engraved decorations and further engraved Tatham in script under the pan. Lock and barrel remain in original flint configuration. Barrel with {crown}{broad arrow} and {opposed broad arrows} markings and a silver plaque set into the top of the breech engraved J Brant in script, with platinum bands on either side. Stock with same {crown}{broad arrow} and {opposed broad arrows} markings forward of patchbox, as well as what appears to be the number 32. Large blued Baker rifle-style patchbox in obverse stock engraved with panoplies of arms and geometric borders. Triggerguard with extended scroll to the rear, bow engraved with panoplies of arms, with additional fine engraving at the scroll and rear of plate. An engraved pineapple finial is present at the front terminus. Buttplate engraved with panoplies of arms and foliage themes as well. Barrel wedges surrounded by German silver escutcheons, with an additional lozenge shaped escutcheon at the wrist. Three-leaf rear sight with 200- and 300-yard folding leaves, blade front sight, horn forend tip, two blued steel thimbles and an entry pipe secure a horn tipped wooden ramrod with a ball puller at the end.
Henry Tatham (1770-1835) was a London gunmaker initially working at Firth Street and moving to 37 Charing Cross ca1800, where the firm remained until 1833, where he also worked in partnership with Joseph Egg ca1801-1814. He was listed as Sword Cutler & Beltmaker-in-Ordinary to King George III in 1798 and Gunmaker to the Prince of Wales in 1799. (Blackmore) He is probably most famous for producing presentation rifles for the British Board of Ordnance in 1816 for distribution to Canadian Indian Chiefs. Most of the remaining examples of these scarce and important presentation rifles are in the Royal Armories Museum as they were never distributed. Tatham also made lesser grade Indian presentation rifles for the Board of Ordnance as well.
This example has a silver plaque engraved "J Brant”. That would suggest the famous Mohawk chief Joseph Brant (1743-1807), who died in 1807. His son John Brant (1794-1832) fought on behalf of the English at the battle of Queenston Heights and other battles during the War of 1812, serving as a Lieutenant in the British Indian Department. We have determined that the plaque in the breech is a more recent addition likely added to enhance its historical importance and though well executed is incorrect. The rifle is a genuine Tatham Board of Ordnance Indian Rifle intended for Canadian Indian allies, the attribution and presentation are later additions.
Condition: Good to very good. Barrel cleaned to bright with some traces of brown underneath where it has been protected by the stock. Scattered minor surface oxidation and discoloration is present on the barrel. Markings on metal remain extremely clear and sharp. Lock in fine mechanical condition with some traces of niter blue on the hammer. Patchbox with some on of the bright blue remaining and crisp engraving. Bore fine, with deep 11-groove rifling with sharp edges, showing some scattered oxidation and light pitting. Missing the lower barrel wedge. Stock with old added varnish and a poorly executed repair to cracks running from the lower wedge escutcheon on the obverse to the barrel channel, with a piece of chipped wood reset along the barrel line at the top edge of the stock. A competent wood repairman could significantly improve the appearance of this damage. Otherwise the stock shows only scattered bumps, dings and mars.
EST $ 15000 - 25000
US Springfield Model 1807 Indian Carbine
Lot # 28 (Sale Order: 28 of 282)
Condition: Good. Barrel slightly short of full-length, with a mottled and oxidized brown and gray patina with some surface roughness, light pitting and moderate discoloration. Mechanically functional lock, most markings legible with the Eagle on the lock very weak. Bore evenly oxidized with some pitting. Stock with wear, a clear "US" on the counterpane and with splintering and loss along the forend with an 11" piece missing on the reverse, repaired cracks, added finish and possible some filler along the obverse, as well as a repaired crack at the entry pipe. A couple of the barrel pins relocated and replaced, old pin holes present and oversized.
EST $ 3000 - 6000
J Henry Single-Shot Flintlock Martial Pistol
Lot # 29 (Sale Order: 29 of 282)
Condition: Good. Metal cleaned to bright, leaving markings weak. Barrel with scattered surface oxidation and some minor roughness, lock with moderate pitting. Reconverted lock mechanically functional, bore moderately oxidized with some pitting. Stock refinished with a repair at the tang, a couple of small repaired cracks at the tail of the lock mortise and on the obverse at the front stock pin.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
British Pattern 1796 New Land Pattern Pistol
Lot # 30 (Sale Order: 30 of 282)
Condition: Very good. Retains some brown with clear markings throughout. Mechanically functional, good bore with moderate oxidation and some pitting. Stock crisp with a repaired crack at the ramrod entry with some added finish.
EST $ 2500 - 4000
Early US Springfield Model 1795 Type I Musket Dated 1802
Lot # 31 (Sale Order: 31 of 282)
Condition: Good. Metal mottled, oxidized, stained and pitted with markings somewhat weak. Mechanically functional lock, heavily oxidized and lightly rusted bore. Stock worn, sanded and with cracks and repairs, with cracks at counterpane, repairs around the rear of the lock mortise, as well as chips missing around the lock. Forend with splintering chips missing along the upper reverse edge.
EST $ 3000 - 6000
US Model 1841 Rifle by Robbins, Lawrence & Kendall
Lot # 32 (Sale Order: 32 of 282)
Condition: Good. An untouched attic gun with traces of original bright brown lacquer under the barrel bands but with the exposed metal showing heavy brown surface oxidation and moderate to deep pitting at the breech and barrel area from percussion erosion. Markings clear on lock, not visible on barrel. Brass with an untouched dark golden patina. Mechanically functional, fair bore with visible 7-groove rifling that is heavily oxidized and moderately pitted. Stock with wear, a ding above the wrist from the hammer of another rifle and some rounding of the edges due to wear. Also showing scattered bumps, dings and mars.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
Hall's Patent Breechloading Military Rifle with Bayonet
Lot # 33 (Sale Order: 33 of 282)
Condition: Fine. Retains much of the thinning browned finish with some loss due to fading and wear. Clear and crisp markings, mechanically functional, fine bore. Stock fine and crisp with a feathery texture. Bayonet fine as well.
EST $ 3000 - 5000
Remington Jenks Naval Carbine
Lot # 34 (Sale Order: 34 of 282)
Condition: Good. Barrel with a heavily oxidized patina with moderate surface roughness and pinpricking over most of its surfaces. Brass with a golden patina. Markings mostly legible, soft cartouche. Mechanically functional, good bore with strong rifling and scattered pitting. Stock with wear, scattered bumps and dings and various handling marks.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Percussion Altered US Model 1803 (M1814) Harpers Ferry Rifle
Lot # 35 (Sale Order: 35 of 282)
Condition: Good. Metal with a combination of old brown finish and oxidized patina, lock, breech and bolster with pitting. Lock markings legible, mechanically functional, weak mainspring. Smooth bore heavily oxidized and moderately pitted. Stock lightly sanded with scattered bumps and dings.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
US Springfield Standard Model of 1815 Type II Musket with Socket Bayonet
Lot # 36 (Sale Order: 36 of 282)
Condition: Good. Metal cleaned to bright, toning down with scattered surface oxidation and discoloration. Marks in metal legible, mechanically functional, heavily oxidized bore. Stock very good, cleaned and possibly lightly sanded with scattered bumps and dings. Bayonet about good.
EST $ 1500 - 3000
US Model 1840 Springfield Flintlock Musket
Lot # 37 (Sale Order: 37 of 282)
Condition: Good. Barrel with dull gray patina and some oxizded discoloration as well as additional discoloration that appears to be the result of old, dried oil. Markings in metal remain legible, no markings in wood. Reconverted flint lock mechanism functional, bore moderately oxidized with some pitting. Stock with wear, lightly sanded, rounded edges and scattered surface marks and mars.
EST $ 1500 - 3000
US Springfield Model 1822 (1816 Type II) Flintlock Musket
Lot # 38 (Sale Order: 38 of 282)
Condition: Very fine. Retains much of the arsenal browned finish, with some thinning and loss, most notably on the barrel bands. Lock with a dark mottled deep brown patina, pan deeply oxidized with some verdigris. Mechanically functional, very good bore with some scattered oxidation. Stock fine, crisp with fine cartouches, showing some scattered bumps and dings a couple of minor surface finish chips in the wood and a grain crack at the upper rear of the lock that is starting to lift slightly and should be attended to. Overall a really wonderful original flint M1822 musket with lots of original finish.
EST $ 3500 - 6000
US Springfield Standard Musket of 1815 Type III
Lot # 39 (Sale Order: 39 of 282)
Condition: Fine. Metal lightly cleaned to bright, with some scattered minor surface oxidation and age discoloration. All markings remains clear and sharp. Mechanically functional, good bore with scattered oxidation and some light pitting. Stock crisp with a feathery texture, showing some handling marks, dings and mars and a 1.75" chip out of the stock at the left side of the tang.
EST $ 2000 - 3500
Springfield US Model 1840 Flintlock Musket
Lot # 40 (Sale Order: 40 of 282)
Condition: Good. Metal with a moderately oxidized patina and some areas of light to moderate pitting. Barrel and lock reconverted to flint, apparently from a drum conversion. Mechanically functional, fair bore that is moderately oxidized with scattered pitting. Stock sanded with scattered bumps and dings.
EST $ 1000 - 2000
US Springfield Model 1828 (M1816 Type III) Conversion Musket
Lot # 41 (Sale Order: 41 of 282)
Condition: Fine. Metal lightly cleaned to bright, with clear markings. Lock with some muted case color, richer on hammer. Mechanically functional, fine bore, stock crisp with fine cartouches and showing scattered bumps and dings from handling and use.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
US Model 1819 2nd Production Hall Rifle
Lot # 42 (Sale Order: 42 of 282)
Condition: Fine. Retains much of the lacquer browned finish with some scuffing, thinning, wear and loss. Crisp markings on breech, mechanically functional, fine bore is mostly bright with some lightly scattered oxidation. Stock crisp with a feathery texture and showing some scattered bumps, dings and mars.
EST $ 3000 - 5000
Model 1840 Springfield Flintlock Musket
Lot # 43 (Sale Order: 43 of 282)
Condition: Fine. Metal lightly cleaned to bright with some light surface scratches and minor marks on the barrel. Markings remain clear and crisp throughout. Lock in original flint, barrel appears to be as well with a nicely oxidized, correctly tapered touchhole that is well centered in the pan. Mechanically functional, bore with scattered oxidation and some light pitting. Stock fine with crisp edges, a fine cartouche and some scattered bumps, dings and mars.
EST $ 4000 - 8500
US Model 1830 Springfield Cadet Musket
Lot # 44 (Sale Order: 44 of 282)
Condition: Good to very good. Metal with a dulling pewter patina showing scattered flecks of surface oxidation and age discoloration. Some light pitting is present around the breech area. Markings remain clear in the metal, wood without any markings. Reconverted flint lock functional with a moderately oxidized and pitted smooth bore. Stock relatively crisp with good edges and scattered minor bumps, dings and mars.
EST $ 3500 - 7000
Pair Philadelphia Percussion Deringer By Henry Deringer
Lot # 45 (Sale Order: 45 of 282)
Condition: Barrels have a faded brown finish with some mars. Locks and hammers still retain some of the case hardened finish. Stocks are in good condition with overvarnish. Overall nice pair.
EST $ 2000 - 4000
Model 1836 R.Johnston Flintlock Pistol
Lot # 46 (Sale Order: 46 of 282)
Condition: Barrel is polished bright over minor pitting. Lockplate is fine, possibly retaining faded case colors. Hammer and frizzen varnished over old minor pitting. Triggerguard and backstrap polished bright. Stock with some wear to visible cartouches. No cracks or losses. Action is good. Small parts are original. Bore is good. An acceptable example of the last U.S. flintlock martial pistol. Cock screw is replaced.
EST $ 1000 - 1200
An Extremely Rare Colt Civilian Walker Revolver
Lot # 47 (Sale Order: 47 of 282)
Condition: Gun has been cleaned, none of the usual markings other than serial numbers remain. Grips, hammer and plunger are replaced as well as other minor replacements. Bore is poor, but rifling is clearly visible. Action is crisp and functions properly. Cylinder has strong traces of original cylinder scene with a Dragoon firing a Colt revolver at fleeing Indians. There are many Walkers that are better, but many more that are in much worse condition. With replacements as noted, serial number 1102 remains a good example of Colt's most desirable model. Accompanied by original letters attesting to the authenticity of this Walker.
EST $ 30000 - 50000
A Fine #5 Holster Model 'Texas' Colt Paterson with Extra Cylinder Serial Number 23
Lot # 48 (Sale Order: 48 of 282)
Condition: Octagonal barrel retains considerable original blued finish especially towards the muzzle and no pitting, just staining. Wedge is un-numbered, but appears to be an original Paterson wedge. Barrel lug numbered 23. Bore is excellent for a Paterson with crisp multi-groove rifling. Frame retains some original blue, mostly on left side where it is quite strong. Back strap mostly smooth gray metal with traces of blue where strap meets frame. Recoil shield with traces of blue. Hammer with traces of case hardening. Cylinders are mostly grey metal with good scene. All nipples appear to be genuine and original. Action is crisp and functions properly. Figured grips retain considerable original varnish with flaking and very minor marks. A full dimensioned and very attractive Texas Paterson with early serial number.
EST $ 125000 - 175000
19th Century American Militia Officer's Sword
Lot # 49 (Sale Order: 49 of 282)
Condition: Good. Blade is mostly bright with some scattered oxidation. Etching is in good condition with sharp details showing some wear. Some wear and darkening to brass with some loss of wash.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Engraved Tansel Powder Horn Dated 1843
Lot # 50 (Sale Order: 50 of 282)
Condition: Very good to excellent overall condition on this Tansel engraved powder horn with typical scenes. Retains some of the polychrome on the eagle blending to a yellow patina throughout the horn proper. The wood base, throat and spout wit a light brown patina. The engraving is sharp and crisp.
EST $ 4000 - 6000