Historic Firearms & Early Militaria: Day 1
Historic Firearms & Early Militaria: Day 1
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Description
Powder Horn Belonging to John Snyder, Dated 1691, with Docs.
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 733)
The 1680s-1691 were turbulent years in the New York Colony with Indian attacks and political upheavals, culminating in the Jacob Leisler revolt and execution in 1691. The date on this horn likely relates it to those events. Includes large file on this horn with references and articles of Jacob Leisler revolt, along with genealogical information on Snyder family in N.Y.
This horn was illustrated in a line drawing in American Engraved Powder Horns: A Study Based On The J.H. Grenville Gilbert Collection by Stephen V. Grangsay, Ray Riling Arms Book Co., Philadelphia, 1965, No. 795, page 68.
Provenance: Ex James and Carolyn Dresslar Collection
Condition: Very good.
EST $ 8000 - 10000
Exceptionally Carved Antler Powder Horn
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 733)
EST $ 1000 - 2000
Engraved William Henry Harrison 1840 Campaign Powder Horn by Tansel
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 733)
Condition: Very good condition with an untouched yellowing patina retaining the polychrome.
EST $ 3000 - 5000
Wilson R. McKinney Naval Collection, with Dress Uniform, Sword, Telescope, Trunk, Journal, & More
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 733)
Other articles of clothing include a Lieutenant's gold embroidered standing collar removed from the Model 1841 officer's dress coat, a braided hair queue, a white patterned silk bow, white kid gloves and a pair of white kid straight last dress shoes. McKinney's sword is a non-regulation pattern popular in the late 1840s, 26.5" feather blade, finely etched in floral, naval and patriotic motifs, inscribed "United States Navy," Horstmann & Sons marked, but probably English or German made. Hilt has a gilt brass multi-branch pierced guard with eagle and anchor emblem, acorn finial, eagle head pommel and back strap, grip wrapped in shagreen and brass wire. Black leather-covered wood scabbard has gilded brass mountings engraved with stars, anchor and acorn motifs. The black leather Model 1841 sword belt has a brass spoon and wreath buckle embossed with an eagle and anchor in bold relief and sword hangers with brass fittings. Personal effects include a wooden fishing kit with cork floats, a paper of hooks, pasteboard box and line, some pieces dated "April 27th 1850" and inscribed with the subject's name and "U.S.Frigate Constitution;" a brass two-pull telescope engraved "Dollond / London / Imp'd Day or Night," optics clouded; a map-maker's drafting set with brass and steel tools in a velvet lined wood case. Of special note is a Swiss-made key-wound lady's pocket watch with an 18 karat gold case engraved on the interior of the rear cover with a presentation "From W. R. McKinney / to / Lucy K. Carson."
The archive comes with a number of documents and related items including an handwritten journal, bound in marbleized paper covered boards, titled, "Journal of a Cruise in the U. States Ship St. Louis of 24 Guns, Thomas Paine, Esq. Commander. West India Station 1836 & 37 by Wilson Reed McKinney, U.S.N. of Alabama.", approximately 175 pages with daily accounts, roster of ship's officers, ports of call and a few doodles. Two promotion documents with presidential signatures of Andrew Jackson and Martin van Buren, each housed in 23" x 14.5" contemporary frames with period lithograph portraits of the respective presidents. Also present are 14 letters, notes, orders and drawings relating to McKinney's career, a leather portfolio named to the owner, three quill pins and blotting paper.
The wood and canvas covered sea chest in which the archive was stored measures 35' x 14' x 10", lid stenciled "Effects of the late Lieut / W.R. McKenney. / care of / COMMANDANT of the Navy Yard. / N. YORK," and retains a linen bag inscribed with the subject's name. A very complete and well documented group from a Mexican War era officer.
Condition: Overall the group is well preserved showing only light age and service wear. However, several items have suffered from poor display mounting, especially the inappropriate use of adhesives. The coat has a minor moth damage that does not detract, all buttons present, the tail lining has a damaged area where adhesives have shredded the silk. The gloves have strips of double stick tape that needs to be professionally removed. One of the shoes has a large hole worn on the side. The drafting set box has two screw holes drilled through the bottom. The sword blade has minor age spots and the scabbard fittings are loose but present. The journal binding has been restored using a mix of original and contemporary materials. Most documents have tack holes at the corners. Most of the leather straps on the sea chest cover are broken.
EST $ 8000 - 10000
US Revolutionary War Iron Mounted Horseman Sword
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 733)
Condition: Very good.
EST $ 1000 - 2000
Early 1800’s British “Smoke Hawk” Trade Tomahawk
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 733)
Condition: This classic trade pipe-style tomahawk is in overall very good condition showing a beautiful dark patina to the head and to the wooden shaft. There are no visible “touch marks” or proofs on the head of the piece.
A desirable and un-cleaned example of an early trade tomahawk.
EST $ 6000 - 12000
French Flintlock Horseman's Size Pistol
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 733)
Condition: Good to very good overall showing a brown patina on the barrel and in its original flintlock configuration. The wood is also very good with just normal aging and minor imperfections. An impressive and early example of a Horseman size flintlock pistol.
EST $ 2200 - 4400
Flintlock Kentucky Pistol
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 733)
Condition: The bore has some slight pitting. The barrel has a mottled grey and plum patina. The stock has been skinned and has some cracks and a repair near the front of the lockplate and by the brass ferrule.
EST $ 1000 - 1500
English Tap Action Three-Barrel Flint Pistol
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 733)
Condition: The bores are pitted. The barrels have a nice gunmetal patina, fading to a plum. The frame has a greyish silver patina. The grip has a repair to the left side. Mechanically fine.
EST $ 2000 - 3000
Flintlock Pistol, Marked Anton Pauly a Buckeburg
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 733)
Condition: This attractive flintlock pistol is in overall fine condition showing a dark patina on the barrel and lighter grey on the lockplate, action, hammer and mounts. The action is crisp and the markings sharp. The bore is fine and the wood is near fine with beautiful raised carving. The entire gun shows an old coating of light varnish that was a practice with some of the early collectors to protect finish, etc.
EST $ 1250 - 2500
European Made For Mid-Eastern Trade Flintlock
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 733)
Condition: Some minor cleaning and some losses of wire inlay into stock. Generally good to very good overall. Ornate and decent quality.
EST $ 1200 - 2400
Pair of English Cannon Barrel Center Hammer Flintlock Pistols by Griffin of Bond St., London
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 733)
Condition: Light to moderate scattered pitting and erosion with some rubbing to the engraving. The stocks are lightly refinished and left side of each frame show small 2 holes for belt hooks that are missing. Original flintlock but top jaws are excellent restoration. Pistols are circa about 1750 and many of this type were used in French and Indian Wars and American Revolution.
EST $ 2100 - 4200
Late 18th Century English Flintlock Pistol
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 733)
Condition: All original flintlock parts with some light cleaning to metal and light to moderate pitting on the barrel. The lock is nicely signed and fully legible. The stock shows minor repair and restoration that is well done. The wood ramrod is a “stick” type replacement. A big and beefy Wogdon that aims and balances perfectly.
EST $ 1500 - 3000
French Flintlock Pistol signed Manafac’ de Versailles
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 14 of 733)
Condition: The metal surfaces are an original bright polish and the overall condition is fine to excellent. Probably the simplest and least expensive pistol made at Versailles, but shows impeccable quality and high condition.
EST $ 1500 - 3000
Early Flintlock Pennsylvania-Made Rifle
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 15 of 733)
Provenance: Dressler to
Condition: Barrel has been lightly cleaned leaving traces of some very light staining. Lock has a very nice untouched brown patina with clear markings. Brass hardware and patchbox have a nice untouched tarnish patina. Stock has some repairs that are contemporary to the rifle. A small piece behind the hammer was replaced along with two small pieces on the forward part of the triggerguard. Then the last 16.5" of the fore end has been professionally replaced by an expert, as it is very hard to see. This is a very nice early rifle that was stocked by an early maker using a British barrel and lock.
EST $ 10000 - 15000
Early Raised Carved Kentucky Flintlock Rifle by H. Mauger with Engraved Horn
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 16 of 733)
Henry Mauger worked in Douglas Township Eastern Burks County, PA. Circa 1770-1777. This is a very early rifle. 7" horn engraved with piewheels and initials JTR.
Condition: This rifle is in fine condition with lots of untouched patina. Stock is excellent and the metal with nice untouched dark brown patina. There are three splinters of wood have been replaced along the barrel channel. One on the right side running 11" from the nose cap and about 0.25" wide. On the left side about 4" from the nose cap 1/4" wide to 0.06" wide. Another on the left side 5" long by 0.25" wide in the area of the notched rear barrel sight. These have been expertly done. The rifle is pretty much in the black and untouched and fresh to the market.
EST $ 40000 - 60000
Early Long Land Pattern Brown Bess Musket
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 17 of 733)
Condition: Barrel has some pitting around the touch hole and spreading onto the barrel the barrel begins to smooth out with a nice dark patina that is untouched. Then the forward section between the middle ferrule and front ferrule has been cleaned lightly. Lock and hammer are grey and pitted. Brass has been cleaned and began to age. The front nosecap is a replacement. Stock has a dry look with a section that has been replaced in the front, between the middle ferrule and the nosecap. Stock has some nicks and dings. Overall this is a very rare pre-Revolutionary War military long arm that seldom is seen and for sale. Great French and Indian War item.
EST $ 5000 - 6000
Percussion Hudson Valley Fowler Altered for Military Use
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 18 of 733)
Provenance: Ex Bill Guthman
Condition: Good; bore dark with moderate pitting, has a small hole next to the front sight blade, heavy pitting around the nipple, nipple flattened, one lock screw lacking, minor water stain on the reverse buttstock and repaired wood chipping on the heel.
EST $ 8000 - 12000
British Officer's Flintlock Fusil
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 19 of 733)
Condition: Barrel is smooth and grey with light pitting. Lock is sharp and grey with some pitting. Brass has been cleaned to bright. Stock is excellent with sharp lines and nice untouched patina.
EST $ 3000 - 4000
Revolutionary War Era or Earlier Flintlock Musket
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 20 of 733)
Condition: The metal surfaces show a light natural patina with minor pitting and aging. The flintlock parts are original except top-jaw is an old replacement. The stock is very good with normal aging, scratches, small losses and just minor imperfections. . From a west coast collector whose inventory mentioned “American Revolutionary" - see Neumann’s book on Revolutionary Arms.
EST $ 1250 - 2500
Germanic Matchlock Musket
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 21 of 733)
Condition: The overall condition is very good plus showing slight surface pitting and an uncleaned grey to brown patina finish. The stock shows minor imperfections, small loses and just normal aging. A correct style ramrod is retained and the action is working well. A very decorative European matchlock which would serve well in an early ignition display.
EST $ 4000 - 8000
Flintlock Hudson Valley Fowler
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 22 of 733)
Condition: Good; bore dark but will improve with cleaning, stock has an almost invisible repaired crack at the wrist.
EST $ 15000 - 20000
Flintlock Hudson Valley Fowler with US Cartridge Co. Markings
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 23 of 733)
Condition: Good; bore dark but smooth and will improve with cleaning. Stock cracked along the upper ramrod channel and forearm, behind the sideplate. Wood chipping to the rear of the lockplate and the heel of the buttstock.
EST $ 8000 - 12000
Flintlock Fowler Belonging to Anthony Van Schaik with Docs
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 24 of 733)
This piece was made by Penterman of Utrecht, Holland ca 1720 and has his name engraved on the barrel. This firearm was used in the Hudson Valley during a period of conflict between the French, English and the Indians. Anthony Van Schaick was a captain in the New York Militia (sixth regiment of Albany County) and was a prisoner of the French in Canada for two years.
The Van Schaick family were wealthy brewers from Utrecht, Holland and immigrated to America in the mid-17th century, settling in Albany, New York. Anthony, was a son of one of the Van Schaick. The consignor has found some correspondence from the 15 volumes of Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New York and in the 14 volumes of Sir William Johnson Papers. These documents have various spellings of the family name (i.e. Van Schaak, Van Schaick and Van Scoike).
The Van Schaick family was undoubtedly involved in the Indian trade and Anthony was conversant in the Iroquois language. The correspondence from him to Governor Clinton of New York and to Sir William Johnson, the British agent in charge of the Indian affairs in North America, and to him from the above, as well as letters from the Governor of Quebec and minutes of the prisoner exchange in what he was involved takes place over a two-year period, 1749-1750.
Anthony and his cousin, David Abeel, and several Iroquois allies had been held prisoner in Quebec by the family for two years. In his letter Anthony strongly pleads for clothing and blankets from the Indians who were prisoners, and for as speedy as possible exchange of French prisoners held by the British for Van Schaick and Abeel, and the Indian allies. Minutes of the conference held to instrument the release and exchange, letters to and from the French ministers regarding the poor treatment of the English prisoners and their allies, and finally the return of British prisoners "detained by the government of New France" in 1750. Anthony is listed on the list as, "Captain of the militia of government of New York."
In 1755 Anthony was sent on a peace mission with a string of wampum to the Mohawks (July 26 and November 23). He and his company were deployed as engineers to survey the lands between Fort Edward and South Bay as well as between the fort and the falls at Wood Creek.
In 1770 Anthony is listed as a Justice of the Peace for the County of Albany. In February and in March he is listed as a judge for the city and county of Albany.
The album includes excerpts from the above cited books as well as a 1999 dated newspaper clipping with a photograph and text relating to the sale of the Anthony Van Schaick mansion of Cohoes, New York. The home was built by Anthony and it served as the capital of New York state for four days during the Revolutionary War. The home was also headquarters for various generals during the French and Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War. Benedict Arnold, Paul Revere (1756 as a second lieutenant with Gridley's Massachusetts Regiment) and George Washington twice.
Lot further includes book entitled Goose Van Schaick of Albany 1736-1789 The Continental Army's Senior Colonel by T.W. Egly, Jr. published in 1992.
Provenance: Ex Bill Guthman: Ex Glode Requa
Condition: This Hudson Bay fowler is in attic mint condition and untouched. The stock with an untouched patina. The lock and barrel with nice untouched patina. The lines of the metal are very sharp and crisp.
EST $ 40000 - 60000
Flintlock Hudson Valley Region Fowler
Lot # 26 (Sale Order: 25 of 733)
Condition: Good; bore dark but will clean to better, hammer does not hold at full cock, stock edges soft with some wood loss along the barrel channel and lock, edge damage and minor loss to the ramrod pipes, buttplate dented with nailed repairs.
EST $ 15000 - 20000