
Arms and Armor
Arms and Armor
See Special Terms for additional fees
Description
Cowan’s cannot guarantee items paid for after November 25 will arrive before December 25. For expedited shipping, we recommend using a third-party shipper.
Factory Cartridge Conversion of Early Remington-Rider Double Action Belt Revolver
Lot # 54 (Sale Order: 51 of 192)
Condition: Fair. Most of the original blued finish has worn away leaving behind a gunmetal gray coloration. Grips how some minor handling wear but are free of major cracks, splits, and other major damage. Mechanically fine. Bore shows some old dust and grime along with visible edges to rifling.
EST $ 650 - 1000
Composite Springfield Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine
Lot # 55 (Sale Order: 52 of 192)
Condition: Good. Retains no finish with a mottled brownish-gray patina and weak markings. Metal with some pitting, mechanically functional, poor bore with moderate pitting throughout. Stock worn and sanded with some dings and mars as well as some minor splintering and grain cracks around the tip of the forend.
EST $ 600 - 800
Model 1865 Spencer Carbine Attributed to Kit Carson
Lot # 56 (Sale Order: 53 of 192)
According to a document dated July 24, 1946, this carbine was placed on loan to Bent Lodge No. 42, Free and Accepted Masons, by Mrs. C.D. Weimer (nee Elsa Gusdorf) shortly before the death of her mother Bertha on August 30, 1946. The document specifies that the carbine is to be held "In Trust for Melvin B. Weimer" Elsa's son.
Bent Lodge served as the caretakers of the Carson Property after its initial acquisition by the Lodge in 1910. In 1937, under the care of Lodge member Floyd Morrow, the house was first used as a museum, with the lodge charging a small fee for tours. Recognizing it's significance, we assume that Bertha Gusdorf instructed Elsa to place the carbine on loan to the Museum. In 1949, the Kit Carson Memorial Fund Inc. was chartered to ensure the perpetual care of the site as a museum.
Although the history of the carbine is lost to the ages, the Gusdorf's held a prominent place in Taos history. Elsa Gusdorf (1898-1946) was the daughter of Alexander (1848-1923) and Bertha Gusdorf (1858-1946) who came to the Taos area in the mid to late 1870s. Together with his half brother, Alexander established a flour mill, a hardware store, opened the Don Fernando Hotel and was the President of the First State Bank of Taos. At his death in 1923, the Gusdorf estate consisted of more than 12,000 acres of ranch and mining lands, along with other real estate holdings. Bertha became responsible for the family fortunes, and became the first woman to serve as president of the bank. The couple had two daughters, Elsa (Weimer) and Corine (Wylie)
Elsa lived most of her younger years in Taos, before marrying C. D Weimer of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was through Elsa that the carbine has descended.
Though the document from Bent Lodge states that this piece was "Kit Carson's Rifle", the possibility of its use by the western hero is unclear, as Carson passed away at Fort Lyon, Colorado on May 23, 1868. By this time in his life Carson had been retired from active military service since 1867. The first military US Model 1865 carbines did not arrive in the Colorado Territory until 1868, at which time 500 were issued. Though rare, these carbines are easily distinguished by a brand on the observe side of the buttstock reading "U.S./COL. TER." in addition to the typical military cartouches. However, the gun may have been acquired by Carson on his late 1867 trip to Washington, in which he accompanied several Chiefs of the Ute nation to assist them in their lobbying of the U.S. Federal Government for aid. In any case, the carbine has for many years been labeled as his carbine, even being the subject of a published picture in the 1978 Time-Life publication The Scouts (page 33). The lot is further accompanied by a Polaroid photograph dated 10/7/98 showing the carbine on display with other rifles at the Carson Museum.
The lot additional includes a beaded buckskin rifle scabbard (which was almost certainly not made for the carbine) from the early 20th century, as well as a copy of the original loan documents from the Bent Lodge, the Polaroid photograph showing the gun on exhibit, and a copy of the Time Life series book in which the carbine and scabbard are illustrated.
Condition: Carbine shows wear typical of Indian use. Barrel has a mixed gunmetal patination with some streaks of rust around receiver along with some darkening to a chocolate coloration. Some patches of bright steel remaining on receiver as well as triggerguard. Markings on lockplate obliterated, with receiver markings partially legible. Some loss of tacks with stabler cut-off mechanism missing. Stock shows some marks and blemishes consistent with age and use as well as some drying and stable cracks, especially on wrist. Some sections of missing wood typical with a well-used gun of this age. Sling bar missing. Action is fine and very tight. Bore is dark with scattered old pitting and some visible rifling. A well-used carbine with western provenance
EST $50,000 - 75,000
Engraved Early 3rd Model Winchester 1866 Rifle
Lot # 57 (Sale Order: 54 of 192)
Condition: Good. Barrel and magazine tube with a moderately oxidized plum brown patina, retaining legible markings on the barrel. Engraving remains clear and crisp on receiver. Mechanically functional, fair bore with strong rifling and moderate pitting along its length. Trigger spring replaced. Rear sight replaced as noted. Wood with scattered bumps, dings and bruises and a crack around the upper tang on the obverse.
EST $ 3000 - 5000
Winchester Late 2nd Model 1873 Rifle
Lot # 58 (Sale Order: 55 of 192)
Condition: Fair. Retains no finish with a combination of thickly oxidized brown patina over gray and a layer of thick blackish patina typical of smoke and grease developing on a gun long hanging on a wall near fire. Mechanically functional, fair bore with rifling and moderate even pitting along its length. Stock worn and lightly sanded with bumps and dings and added folk art decorations.
EST $ 800 - 1200
Third Type Winchester Model 1873 Rifle
Lot # 59 (Sale Order: 56 of 192)
Condition: Good to very good. Barrel and frame have a mixed oxidation with some thinning on sharp edges. Stock shows some handling marks and dents but no major cracks, splits, or other damage. Mechanically fine with bore showing some old scratching and pitting along with visible rifling.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Third Type Winchester Model 1873 Rifle
Lot # 60 (Sale Order: 57 of 192)
Condition: Good to very good. Overall dark untouched patina with some thinning on sharp edges. Some dents and blemishes to stock including some deep gouges on right side of butt, but no serious cracks, splits, or other damage. Mechanically fine, bore shows some old pitting and scratches with visible but worn rifling.
EST $ 600 - 800
Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver
Lot # 61 (Sale Order: 58 of 192)
Condition: Good. Retains no finish with a mottled and oxidized gray patina. Markings remain mostly clear and legible. Cylinder may be re-numbered. Mechanically functional, good bore with moderate oxidation. Grips replaced with wear, bumps, dings and chips.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
Colt Model 1878 Revolver
Lot # 62 (Sale Order: 59 of 192)
Condition: Fair. Retains traces of nickel with moderate oxidation and some scattered pitting and wear. Action loose, but functional with poor timing and indexing. Poor bore is heavily oxidized with visible rifling and some moderate pitting. Grips with wear and chipping.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Remington Model 1875 Revolver
Lot # 63 (Sale Order: 60 of 192)
Condition: Good. Retains much of an old re-nickel over some pitting. Legible markings, mechanically functional, with soft action that suggests the hammer notches may be well worn as half cock does not always engage. Good bore with strong rifling and even light pitting. Grips old replacements that show age and moderate wear with some loss.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
**Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army
Lot # 64 (Sale Order: 61 of 192)
**C&R or FFL required
Condition: Fine. Retains most of the nickel finish with some flaking and loss on the hammer, high edges of the cylinder, at the muzzle and contact points of the backstrap and gripstrap. Mechanically functional, fine bore, clear markings and crisp engraving. Grips very good although they show less than perfect fit, mostly notably being proud of the grip strap. They also show some light minor handling marks.
EST $ 30000 - 40000
Smith & Wesson Model 3 American First Model Single Action Revolver
Lot # 65 (Sale Order: 62 of 192)
Condition: Barrel address is legible and readable. Barrel has some pitting with traces of blue in the most protected areas. Cylinder is very sharp and crisp with traces of blue blending with plum. The frame is sharp and crisp with some light traces of original blue finish. Overall a very good example.
EST $ 1500 - 2000
Smith & Wesson 2nd Model Schofield Revolver
Lot # 66 (Sale Order: 63 of 192)
Condition: Good. Retains some blue on the frame with hints on the barrel, which is mostly a smooth brownish-gray patina. Mechanically functional, good bore with moderate oxidation, strong rifling and scattered pitting. Grips replaced, with wear and chips, dings, mars and marks.
EST $ 2000 - 3500
Scarce Remington Model 1890 Revolver
Lot # 67 (Sale Order: 64 of 192)
Condition: Good. Most of the nickel finish remains with some moderate loss on cylinder with dark gunmetal coloration to exposed area. Grips are in good condition with expected wear from age and use along with minor chip on bottom of left grip. Mechanically fine with a slightly dark bore showing good edges to rifling. A good example of one of the most desirable Remington revolvers.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
Artifacts Purportedly from the Gunfight at the OK Corral
Lot # 68 (Sale Order: 65 of 192)
According to the documentation accompanying these artifacts they were originally found in Tombstone by Joe Seubbing in 1966. Seubbing reportedly removed the slug from the window frame of the Addie Bourland Dress Shop, which formed the backdrop for the Earp's during the fight. At the time, Seubbing speculated that it was fired by Billy Clanton.
The shell casing was found on the South Side of Fremont street where the gunfight took place.
Seubbing subsequently sold the relics to Mike Moorman who displayed them in a private museum until they were acquired by the present owner. Includes a copy of a July 20, 1992 typed note from Steubbing, with an inked addendum from Mike Moorman
Condition: EST $ 1000 - 1500
Billy Royal Saddle
Lot # 69 (Sale Order: 66 of 192)
Condition: EST $ 800 - 1000
Leather Western Saddle
Lot # 70 (Sale Order: 67 of 192)
Provenance: From the Collection of Dorothy "Bunny" Whitaker
Condition: Saddle is in near excellent condition.
EST $ 800 - 1200
Eagle And Snake Pommel Bowie Knife with Red Leather Sheath
Lot # 71 (Sale Order: 68 of 192)
Provenance: Ex: Norm Flayderman
Condition: Blade has been lightly cleaned. Left handle has an old crack near the pommel on both sides. Leather scabbard is in good condition.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
Buck Brothers Bowie Knife
Lot # 72 (Sale Order: 69 of 192)
Condition: Knife has a gunmetal patination with some scattered oxidation. Markings show some wear and loss of definition consistent with age and use. Some verdigris on fittings with grip showing excellent condition and only minor blemishes. Verdigris on copper rivets.
EST $ 1200 - 1500
Bowie Knife By Joseph Rodgers, Verified Royal Warrent
Lot # 73 (Sale Order: 70 of 192)
Condition: The blade is very good, gunmetal grey with some staining. Edge has been sharpened. Leather scabbard is excellent.
EST $ 800 - 1200
Contemporary Wostenholme Bowie Knife with Horse Head
Lot # 74 (Sale Order: 71 of 192)
Condition: EST $ 1000 - 1500
Massive Presentation Clipped Point Bowie knife
Lot # 75 (Sale Order: 72 of 192)
Provenance: The Art Gerber Collection
Condition: Excellent
EST $ 800 - 1200
Stag Handle Bowie Knife
Lot # 76 (Sale Order: 73 of 192)
Condition: In fair to good condition consistent with age and use. Sheath has two torn pieces at the tip.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
Rare Eagle Head Bowie Knife by Clarenbach and Herder of Philadelphia
Lot # 77 (Sale Order: 74 of 192)
Condition: Item is in fair condition with wear consistent with age and use.
EST $ 4000 - 6000
Unmarked Sheffield Bowie Knife
Lot # 78 (Sale Order: 75 of 192)
Condition: Fair condition consistent with age and use.
EST $ 3000 - 5000