Historic Firearms & Early Militaria
Historic Firearms & Early Militaria
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Description
Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver
Lot # 52 (Sale Order: 51 of 370)
Condition: Fair. No finish, metal cleaned to a dull gray with scattered light to moderate pitting. No barrel or cylinder marks, frame mark only partially legible. Safety pins worn, battered or missing. Mechanically functional, good bore with scattered pitting that is worst at the muzzle. Grip with large spliced repair on both sides at frame junction, chips at sharp edges and with numerous dings and mars. Screws show moderate slot wear, hammer screw replaced.
EST $1000 - 2000
Martial Marked Star Model 1858 Army Double Action Revolver
Lot # 53 (Sale Order: 52 of 370)
Condition: Very good. Retains some strong traces of blue finish with an evenly oxidized plum patina. Clear markings, mechanically functional, good bore with moderate oxidation, grips with some wear and scattered marks.
EST $800 - 1200
Starr Model 1863 Single Action Army Percussion Revolver
Lot # 54 (Sale Order: 53 of 370)
Condition: Good. Retains no finish with an oxidized mottled brownish patina with some scattered pitting and discoloration. Markings mostly legible. Mechanically functional, bore about good with scattered pitting and oxidation. Grips sanded and refinished, with bumps, dings and wear, minor chips, a small whole in the butt and the initial "T" carved in the obverse.
EST $1000 - 1500
Rare Perrin Model 1859 Type I Revolver
Lot # 55 (Sale Order: 54 of 370)
Condition: Very good. Metal with a thinly developing oxidized brown patina over a dull gray gun metal color. Markings remain clear, revolver is mechanically functional and the bore is about good, with scattered oxidation and pitting. The ejector rod is a high quality old replacement. Grips remain in good condition with light wear to the checkering and some scattered bumps and bruises. A solid example of a scarce revolver.
EST $1500 - 2500
Starr Model 1858 Double Action Army .44 Percussion Revolver
Lot # 56 (Sale Order: 55 of 370)
Condition: Good. Retains traces of blued finish in protected areas, with a moderately oxidized brownish patina over dull gray metal. Markings remain clear, with the exception of the cartouche. Mechanically functional, good bore showing dirt and oxidation. Grips with wear, scattered dings and mars.
EST $1000 - 1500
Remington New Model Army Percussion Revolver
Lot # 57 (Sale Order: 56 of 370)
Condition: Very good. Retains some traces of blue, primarily on the barrel with the balance of the metal a dull pewter patina with some lightly oxidized brownish toning. Markings mostly legible, mechanically functional, very good bore with some lightly scattered oxidation and minor pitting. A couple of the nipples appear to be old replacements that do not seat completely in the rear of the cylinder. Grips with some wear, lightly sanded and mostly legible cartouche.
EST $1000 - 1500
Martial Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver
Lot # 58 (Sale Order: 57 of 370)
Condition: Very good. Barrel with some traces of blue and soft markings, frame with traces of case color, cylinder with traces of blue as well. Cylinder and frame markings clear, cartouches clear. Mechanically functional, very good bore with moderate oxidation. Grip very good to fine. A solid and attractive 1860 Army that is only marred by some mismatched parts.
EST $1200 - 1600
Cased R. Adams London Import Revolver
Lot # 59 (Sale Order: 58 of 370)
Condition: The revolver retains most of the bright original blue finish. A small nick in the corner of the cylinder. Overall very sharp and crisp retaining a lot of the original blue finish. The case is very good, having its original lining, label "R. Adams" and accessories.
EST $1500 - 2500
B.F. Joslyn Percussion Army Revolver
Lot # 60 (Sale Order: 59 of 370)
Condition: Fine. Retains much of the blued finish, with loss primarily from flaking and fading. Clear markings on barrel, mechanically functional, but the trigger spring needs to be repaired in order for the hammer to lock at half or full cock. Action works correctly when the trigger is pushed forward and forced to engage the hammer notches. All matching except the triggerguard. Fine bore that needs to be cleaned. Grips with a moderate number of scattered bumps and dings.
EST $3000 - 5000
Model 1842 Palmetto Pistol Engraved to T.W. Radcliffe
Lot # 61 (Sale Order: 60 of 370)
A search of the Confederate soldier database available at www.civilwardata.com and available Civil War service records on www.fold3.com reveal that at least two possible T.W. Radcliffe's could have been the owner of the gun, assuming the added letters after the initials TWR are truly the last name of the man who owned or carried the pistol. The first was sergeant Thomas W. Radcliffe who served in Company C of the 2nd South Carolina Cavalry. The other is Captain (later Major) Thomas W. Radcliffe who initially served as the Captain of Company A of the 15th South Carolina Infantry Regiment and was subsequently promoted to Major to serve in the Quartermaster Department. It is the belief the consignor that this is the Radcliffe referenced by the initials on the pistol. If this attribution is true, then this is a very special Palmetto Pistol. T.W. Radcliffe was a jeweler and fancy goods retailer in Columbia, SC who was also a partner with William Glaze circa 1848-1851, during the period immediately prior to Glaze entering the "arms" business and contracting with the state of South Carolina to provide muskets, rifles, sabers and pistols. No matter who the initials actually belong to, this is a solid and authentic example of a scarce and desirable Palmetto pistol with very nice markings on the lock.
Provenance: From the Collection of Don F.Hamilton
Condition: Very good, showing expected wear and use. Metal cleaned to bright with the barrel showing some scattered light pitting that is more severe at the breech and bolster. As noted no date remains visible on the breech plug tang. The Palmetto Tree is partially visible, the V and P are clear and the WM Glaze & CO mark is mostly legible with the "& CO" portion weak. The lock markings remain quite clear and crisp with top part of the circular PALMETTO ARMORY mark weak, with the second "T" and "O" in "Palmetto" very weak and the "A" in "Armory" soft. Pistol remains mechanically functional with with a good bore that shows moderate oxidation and some pitting. Brass with a nice golden patina, likely cleaned long ago and toning down. Wood shows numerous minor handling marks and dings, but retains sharp edges and shows only a small crack at the rear lock screw. A very nice, well above average example of a scarce and desirable South Carolina Palmetto pistol.
EST $6000 - 8000
Clauberg Import U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Officers Sword
Lot # 63 (Sale Order: 61 of 370)
Condition: Fair. Most of the original gold wash remains with some thinning. Overall scattered oxidation and spots of old dark rust, though engravings still show a good amount of detail and fine work. Brass has a dull luster with some minor verdigris.
EST $1500 - 3000
Collins & Company Presentation U.S. Model 1860 Cavalry Officer's Saber Col. Nelson Viall
Lot # 64 (Sale Order: 62 of 370)
34" etched blade with floral and military motifs including a "U.S." and a standing officer looking through field glasses. Retailer marked in a shield on the reverse above the ricasso "MILLER / & Co. / NEW YORK." Ricasso maker marked and dated "COLLINS & Co / HARTFORD / CONN." Hilt has brass deluxe floral engraved three-branch guard and Pythian helmet pommel cap embossed the acanthus leaves, brass grip cast in a fish scale pattern with faux twist wire wrap. Nickel-plated metal scabbard has brass mounts and drag pierced with floral elements. The reverse of the top mount has an oval plaque with engraved presentation inscription "COL. NELSON VIALL / From Officers of / the 4th R.I.M."
Nelson Viall (1827-1903) saw service during the Mexican War. At the beginning of the Civil War he joined the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia (30 days) as a 1st Lieutenant. He was then commissioned as the Captain of Co. D, 4th R.I. Vol. Inf. fighting at 1st Bull Run in 1861 were he was promoted first to Major, then to Lt. Colonel. He assumed command of the regiment at Fredericksburg in 1862 and received a battlefield commission to Colonel. Viall resigned in 1863 to accept a commission in the newly formed 14th R.I. Heavy Artillery (Colored), later renamed the 11th US Colored Heavy Artillery. He was largely personally responsible for the recruitment and training of this unit and was said to have had great faith in the ability of African-American soldiers. This unit formed part of the garrison of New Orleans until mustered out in Oct. 1865. At the war's end he was brevetted a Brigadier General of Volunteers. He served as the Chief of Police in Providence until 1867 and as the Warden of the R.I. State Prison until his death. The sword offered here was most likely given to Viall in honor of his commission to the 14th R.I. Heavy Artillery.
Condition: Good overall. Blade shows some oxidation and light pitting with brass mountings taking a dull luster.
EST $1500 - 2500
French Import U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword Presented to D.D. Neal, Sumner Home Guard
Lot # 65 (Sale Order: 63 of 370)
Sumner Home Guard was initially formed August 1861, by fourteen members of the First Congregational Church of San Francisco for the purpose of "...[defending] themselves against the assaults of foreign and domestic foes...". Its ranks rapidly filling, the members of the company secured Turn Verin Hall as their armory and drill hall, where D.D. Neal served as their first drill master. The company was officially recognized by the state of California in October 1861, under the command of Captain Thomas B. Ludlum. As was the case with many frontier militia units, they saw little in the way of action and spent their time guarding railroads and other strategic assets.
Benjamin E. Lloyd's 1876 work Lights and Shades in San Francisco describes D.D. Neal as a "...gentleman of varied acquirements, who has since achieved quite a reputation as an artist in Germany." American artist David Dahlhoff Neal (1838-1915) was present in San Francisco during the formation of the company, having just arrived in 1857 at the age of 19. His time in the "Sumners" would have been incredibly short, as by January 1862 had arrived in Munich, Germany, having spent only four years in California. If this sword was indeed presented to the same "D.D. Neal," it is likely that he chose not to complete the official California state mustering with the rest of the company. Neal would indeed achieve a good deal of fame in Germany, taking his studies at the Royal Academy under famed glass artist Max Emanuel Ainmiller. Among his achievements were appointments to paint the interior of St. Marks Basilica in Venice and Westminster Abbey in England, as well as being the first American Recipient of the Great Medal of the Bavarian Academy of Art. Though Neal spent many years traveling between the United States and Germany, he found himself trapped in Munich during the outbreak of the First World War, where he died in May 1915.
Condition: Very good overall. Blade is still mostly bright with etchings showing some wear and loss of detail with no major imperfections to cutting edge. Guard has a mixed brass and bronzed patina with some remnants of leather washer. Grip is of good condition with all wire present and only minor handling marks. Scabbard shows some minor dulling of bronze with a quite even brown patination remaining. Only very minor dents to edge of scabbard. A curious and intriguing commentary on the arts of war and peace.
EST $1000 - 3000
German Import U.S. Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword Presented to Captain Andrew Graff
Lot # 66 (Sale Order: 64 of 370)
33" spearpoint blade with 22.5" fuller, 1" wide at ricasso. Cast brass guard with rewrapped shagreen grip. Blade etched with American eagle, floral sprays, "US" and martial trophies. Spine marked "PD LUNEGESCLOSS SOLINGEN" with additional manufacturer's marking on obverse ricasso. Browned steel scabbard with engraved brass fittings, top panel engraved in script "Presented to/Capt. A Graff/by the members/of C Co 65th Regt/N.G.N.Y.S./Aug 15th 1867."
Andrew Graff enlisted in the 65th Regiment New York National Guard as a 30-day volunteer and was commissioned a First Lieutenant in Company B. He appears to have mustered out with the rest of the regiment in July of that year, with very little information available as to the remainder of his military career. The date and rank stated on the presentation implies he may have remained in the army for some time.
Condition: Blade has some scattered oxidation with some light pitting from age and wear to etchings. Guard has a dull luster with pommel likely being replaced due to inconsistent peening of tang. Some scratching to finish on scabbard.
EST $2000 - 3000
Scarce U.S. Inspected Ames Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword
Lot # 67 (Sale Order: 65 of 370)
US contract, martially inspected pre-Civil War Ames Model 1850 Staff & Field sabers are exceptionally rare with only 72 delivered in 1851 and an additional 78 delivered in 1852. An additional 229 were delivered early during the Civil War, with 59 in 1861 and 119 in 1862. Rarely do US inspected Ames Staff & Field swords appear for sale and this is wonderful example to add to your collection.
Condition: Fine. Blade retains most of the original bright polish and etched panel decorations, with some surface dirt, oxidation and dried grease that would probably clean off with little effort. All markings and etched patterns remains clear and crisp. Hilt with strong traces of gilt and moderate surface oxidation. Original wrap with lower right seam in fine condition with some light wear, twisted gilt wire remains intact. Tang peen is moderately oxidized and undisturbed. Scabbard in very good, untouched condition with moderate surface oxidation showing some minor surface roughness and minute traces of brown. Upper mounts retains much of the gilt finish with clear margins, throat, middle mound and drag with less gilding present. A really lovely example of a very scarce, early production Ames M1850 Staff & Field Officer's sword, fully inspected and rarely seen for sale.
EST $2000 - 3000
Confederate Boyle & Gamble Foot Officer's Sword
Lot # 68 (Sale Order: 66 of 370)
Condition: Fair. Blade cleaned to a dully pewter color with scattered light pitting and oxidized discoloration in the pits. Guard with a lovely, untouched bronze patina. Wrap with moderate flaked finish loss but retaining what appears to be the original wire. Original thin leather throat washer in place. Reproduction scabbard good.
EST $3000 - 4000
Kenansville Arsenal Artillery Cutlass
Lot # 69 (Sale Order: 67 of 370)
Condition: Good. Knife with a thick, untouched, heavily oxidized patina, possibly an early battlefield pick up or barn find. Blade with numerous small nicks and chips along the edges, grip with a 1.75" - 2.75" cracks and a slightly rough and dry appearance.
EST $2000 - 4000
Civil War Bowie Knife
Lot # 70 (Sale Order: 68 of 370)
Condition: Good. Metal with a deeply oxidized mottled brown and gray patina, brass hilt with a deep, uncleaned patina. Scabbard with wear, dents and oxidation.
EST $800 - 1200
Confederate Knife
Lot # 71 (Sale Order: 69 of 370)
Condition: Good. Metal evenly oxidized with a medium brown and gray patina. Metal with some scattered surface roughness and light scale. Grip with handling marks and some minor surface drying cracks.
EST $1000 - 1500
Kenansville Artillery Cutlass
Lot # 72 (Sale Order: 70 of 370)
Condition: Very good. Metal cleaned to a dull pewter color with scattered surface oxidation, discoloration and some light pitting. Grip with scattered wear, bumps and dings and some minor surface grain drying cracks, primarily around the pommel cap. Remnants of scabbard fair, with leather showing evidence of red rot and significant finish loss. Sheet iron throat moderately oxidized.
EST $2500 - 4000
Confederate Georgia Arsenal Type IV D-Guard Bowie Knife
Lot # 73 (Sale Order: 71 of 370)
Condition: Good. Blade approximately 2"-2.25", possibly during the period of use. Metal with a mostly even, heavily oxided brown patina that shows some light cleaning near the tip. Grip very good with some handling marks. Overall a solid and authentic example of a desirable Georgia Arsenal produced Confederate bowie knife.
EST $2500 - 4000
Pair of Confederate Leech & Rigdon "CS" Spurs
Lot # 74 (Sale Order: 72 of 370)
Condition: Fine. Brass with a medium golden patina and some older age discoloration, primarily in the recesses. Solid and complete with rowels, a very nice displaying set of CS marked Confederate spurs.
EST $2000 - 4000
Blakeslee Cartridge Box
Lot # 75 (Sale Order: 73 of 370)
Condition: Very good overall, some very minute scuffing. Markings are sharp and crisp.
EST $2000 - 4000
Confederate Wood Canteen Carved JCC
Lot # 76 (Sale Order: 74 of 370)
Condition: Very good. Canteen remains solid but shows good age and wear. As noted in the accompanying letter, the spout may be an old replacement as it does not quite show the age and wear of the balance of the canteen. Overall a solid example of a Confederate wood canteen that is absolutely authentic.
EST $2000 - 3000
U.S. 2nd Lieutenant Frock Coat with Officer's Sword and Accouterments Attributed to Lieut. Sayford
Lot # 77 (Sale Order: 75 of 370)
Chest 18", sleeve 23.75" 8" at widest point., 39.25" long. Dark blue broadcloth with padded lining and buckram collar stiffener. Front fitted with eight U.S. general service buttons and one Scovill button along with four block "I" cuff buttons on non-functional cuff. 2.75" Second Lieutenant shoulder straps. Includes maroon officer's sash, gauntlets, and officers sword belt. Also includes Clauberg import officer's sword with 32" blade featuring a unique guard depicting a seated liberty with American shield and foliate motifs.
The 194th Pennsylvania was raised in July, 1864 as a "100 day" unit. Enlisting in Company E, the "Curtin Fencibles" drawn from men in Schuylkill and Dauphin Counties, Sayford was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. The regiment did not see combat, and spent its time in service at provost duty around Baltimore, Maryland until it mustered out in November of that year.
Condition: Frock coat shows some discoloration and staining from age with some surface mildew. Some fraying of edges around hems with collar showing fraying and loosening of stitching exposing buckram stiffener. Some insect holes present. Sash shows some tearing and fragility with belt showing some tearing and crazing of finish. Sword has a salt and pepper patination with scattered oxidation and bronzing of hilt along with a few minor dents to scabbard.
EST $3500 - 5000