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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

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Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, Sep 9th10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, Sep 10th9 AMLots 1 through 688

SESSION IISaturday, Sep 11th9 AMLots 1000 through 1706

SESSION IIISunday, Sep 12th9 AMLots 3000 through 3670

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday Sept 9th
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, Sept 10th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 688
SESSION II - Saturday, Sept 11th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1706
SESSION III - Sunday, Sept 12th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3670

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company
7819 42 Street West
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, USA

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Toll-Free: 1-800-238-8022

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company - Rock Island

7819 42nd Street West

Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Page 1 of 4

Showing 1-50 of 181 results

Scarce Second Model Manville Gun 26.5mm Tear Gas Launcher

Second Model Manville Gun 26.5mm Tear Gas Launcher

Introduced in 1935 by Charles J. Manville, the "Manville Gun" was designed to fire flare, smoke, and riot gas shells from its 12 round clockwork drum. It was designed at the outset for crowd control/anti-riot work. The device is broken down and loaded by disengaging a single lever at the rear of the frame, separating the clockwork and trigger assembly from the drum and barrel assembly. Once loaded and reassembled, rotating the drum counter-clockwise winds the internal drive spring, which powers the mechanism, each trigger pull causing the mechanism to jump forward to the next chamber in the sequence; this style of operation can also be seen in later drum-fed small arms like the Street Sweeper/Striker shotgun and the MGL 40mm grenade launcher. A pair of "M" marked grip panels are installed on the foregrip, with a smooth wood rear grip and the Manville patent markings on top of the trigger assembly.

Caliber / Gauge: 26.5mm

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New Haven Arms Co./Volcanic Repeating Arms Advertising Poster

New Haven Arms Co./Volcanic Repeating Arms Advertising Poster

The headline of the poster reads "VOLCANIC/REPEATING FIRE ARMS,/MANUFACTURED BY THE/NEW HAVEN ARMS COMPANY,/NEW HAVEN, CONN./(PATENTED, 1854.) The advertisement praises Volcanic pistols and rifles for their modernity and expresses their superiority over cap and ball revolvers. It also shows a price list for the different models as well as two testimonials of Volcanic Arms in sea service. It is dated "October, 1859". The poster measures 12x18 1/2 inches and is stored between two sheets of plexiglass. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Volcanic Repeating Arms Advertising Poster

Volcanic Repeating Arms Advertising Poster

The poster shows a patent drawing of a Volcanic Pistol along with the company name at the top of the page. The body of the text explains how to load, fire, clean, and maintain the Volcanic Pistol and explain the new type of ammunition. The other side is listing reasons one should be interested in the pistol and singing the praise of the new action over traditional percussion revolvers as well as an ammunition price list. The back is also marked for James Carlton, an agent for Volcanic in Baltimore, MD. The poster measures some 10x12 inches and is between plexiglass. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Very Fine Desirable Winchester Single "W" Cartridge Display Board

Winchester Single "W" Cartridge Display Board

This Winchester Repeating Arms "W" cartridge board was manufactured around the 1890s and measures approximately 30 x 42 inches not counting the outer oak frame. The cartridges and components represented range from the tiny bb cap to the massive 4 gauge and total over 100 items not counting the individual caps. The most desirable cartridge on the board is the extremely rare 70-150 caliber that was intended for use in the Model 1887 shotgun, but never put into production. The main cartridge display forms a large "W" clearly signifying Winchester, and the background has attractive vignettes of a western hunter on the plains firing a Winchester while using his horse for cover and two hunters armed with Winchesters in a winter scene while the center has a brace of ducks suspended from the "H" trademark. The board has been installed in an outer non-factory replacement frame with an approximate total measurement: 40 x 53 1/4 inches.

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Two L.A. Huffman Related Group Portrait Prints

Two L.A. Huffman Related Group Portrait Prints

Both of these prints appear to have been done by famous Montana photographer L.A. Huffman. The larger of the two group portraits appears to include Huffman himself, as well as possibly other local notables. The back lists Huffman as one of the subjects as well as the names of the others (Huffman likely back row far left). The smaller photo is of Huffman's two young daughters, the front matting marked "HUFFMAN. MILES MONTANA." and back labelled "Bess Huffman/Ruth Huffman". The larger measures 10 x 12 inches including the matting, and the smaller is 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 including the matting. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Four Documents by or Related to L.A. Huffman

Four Documents Signed by or Related to L.A. Huffman

Included are four documents related to legendary Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931). 1) Not on Huffman letterhead describing the print "Sioux Chief Spotted Eagle's Village" and the situation in which the original photo was taken, possibly written by Huffman himself but unsigned. An example of this print is available in lot 3056. 2) Two-page letter on Huffman letterhead from L.A. Huffman to a Miss Snively regarding a decision she is making regarding a local school, dated 1900. 3) Note to Huffman from W.J. Johnston Jr. of the 10th Cavalry asking for a picture of him to be sent to a woman, dated 1894. 4) An example of Huffman postcard advertising a small image of his print "After the Buffalo Run, North Montana 1879". Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Historic Grouping of Mostly 19th Century Photographic Equipment and Personal Effects of L.A. Huffman: Photographer of the American West

Large Grouping of Photographic Equipment Attributed to Huffman

This grouping of cameras and photographic equipment is attributed to the legendary Montana photographer, Laton Alton Huffman, with some of the pieces being marked as such. This equipment is very likely some of that used by Huffman to take many of his famous photographs documenting life in the American west. Included are two wooden camera frames that look very similar to those manufactured by Eastman, two desirable Prosch Triplex shutters, a Korona folding studio stand, a Huffman marked leather portfolio, a Huffman labelled tin containing numerous Huffman post cards and some period photographs, a tube containing two maps of oil fields, a briefcase with camera equipment, and various other camera components including film holders. The lot looks every bit the part of a late-19th or early-20th century photographers kit. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Framed Self-Portrait Print by L.A. Huffman with Hat and Huffman Marked Leather Portfolio

Self-Portrait Print by L.A. Huffman with Hat and Portfolio

This grouping contains three very desirable pieces associated with the legendary Montana photographer, L.A. Huffman (1854-1931). Huffman is known for his photography portraying the changes in nature and lifestyle of the Montana frontier. The centerpiece of the lot is a self-portrait, almost certainly taken by Huffman himself, though no markings are visible. The portrait appears to have been taken later in his life, likely c. 1925-1931, and shows him wearing a pinstriped suit and a light colored wide brimmed hat. A very similar hat is included in the lot with John B. Stetson & Co. marked interior headband and a Jos. Sullivan Farm Implement and Heavy Hardware tag. Also included is a large leather photo portfolio marked "HUFFMAN PICTURES/MILES CITY 1878" and "THE INDIAN COWMAN/BUFFALO/SHEEPMAN PLOWMAN", a list of many of the subjects of his pictures. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Fabulous Pair of Historic and Beautifully Fashioned, Solid Gold and Enameled Sheriff and Under Sheriff Badges of James B. Hume, California Sheriff, Marshal and Head Detective of Wells Fargo and Company

James B. Hume's El Dorado County Under Sheriff & Sheriff Badges

These badges along with Hume's Henry rifle from the previous lot are shown on El Dorado County's website. In 1850, James Bunyon Hume (1827-1904) came to California with his brother John in search of gold. He started his career as a peace officer when he became a deputy tax collector in El Dorado County in 1860. In 1864, he was appointed the City Marshal of Placerville, California, and also hired as under sheriff of El Dorado County. He fought and killed members of the Confederate Bushwhackers known as the Ingram’s Rangers after they committed the Bullion Bend Robbery on June 30, 1864, and had also killed El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff Joseph Staples in a shootout at the Somerset House. In 1868, Hume was elected as El Dorado County sheriff. He was hired as a private detective by Wells, Fargo & Company in 1871, and worked for the company for the rest of his life with the exception of 11 months leave to serve as the deputy warden of the Nevada State Prison in Carson City after the warden was wounded when 29 inmates escaped. In 1873, Hume was promoted to Chief Special Officer and head detective of Wells, Fargo & Company and tasked with protecting their stages. Stage robberies were all too common despite the company's security measures. He employed state of the art techniques, including keeping an album of photos and detailed descriptions of robbers. The company offered $250 for the arrest and conviction of a robber in addition to 1/4 of the value of any valuables recovered. He became known as “the Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West” and continued to work for Wells Fargo until his death in 1904. By far Hume’s most famous case was his long pursuit of the famous stagecoach bandit Black Bart. During one of his robberies in 1880, Bart asked the stage driver to give James Hume his compliments. In 1882, he completed his 22nd holdup. During his 23rd, he was grazed by a shot fired by George Hackett, the man riding "shotgun." He kept on holding up stages nonetheless. On November 3, 1883, he held up the same stage, on the same route, at the same spot he had first robbed back in 1875. He watched Jimmy Rolleri exit the stage with a Henry rifle and then approached, demanded that stage driver Reason McConnell dismount and unhook the horses and take them over the hill. McConnell circled back and shot twice at Black Bart with Rolleri’s Henry, and Rolleri then took the rifle and hit Black Bart in the hand. Bart nonetheless escaped but left behind his derby hat, opera glasses, a belt, a razor, a bloodstained handkerchief filled with buckshot, three shirt cuffs, and two of the empty flour sacks he had been using to haul away the loot from his holdups. After a complete investigation, Hume noticed the handkerchief had a laundry mark. After over a week of visiting over 100 launderer’s in the area, the handkerchief led Hume and his special detective Harry Morse to Ferguson & Bigg's California Laundry. Launderer Thomas C. Ware identified the mark as for Charles E. Bolton. Ware took Detective Morse to meet Bolton who he had identified as a "semi-wealthy mining man." Ware was led to believe Morse was also a miner and wanted to talk business. Morse brought Bolton back to Hume's office at Wells Fargo for questioning. He had a tell-tale wounded hand but claimed he hurt it in an accident. Hume then brought Captain Appleton Stone of the San Francisco Police Department, and they searched Bolton's rooms. They found clothes that matched the robbery suspect, another handkerchief with the same laundry mark and scent, a letter in the same hand as Black Bart's taunting notes, and a Bible inscribed to Charles E. Boles. The recovered derby hat fit him perfectly. Bolton, now known to be Boles, jokingly offered to buy the hat. He later confessed to the earlier robberies but denied the more recent ones. He was sentenced to 6 years for his final robbery. He admitted to 29 robberies and being Black Bart once in prison at San Quentin. He had been wounded twice but had never fired a shot himself. He said he had never even loaded his shotgun because he didn't want to hurt anyone. He was released on January 21, 1888, and shortly thereafter, "Black Bart disappeared, but he remained a legend”; a Robin Hood of the West. The under sheriff badge is formed as an encircled star and is marked "JAMES B. HUME" at the top of the circle, "Under/Sheriff" on the star, and "El Dorado Co." on the bottom of the circle. It is border engraved and with light branch engraving at the star points. Has a large gold horizontal back-pin. The markings are highlighted by black enamel. The second or “sheriff badge” is of a convex shield shape and has "James B. Hume/SHERIFF/EL DORADO/COUNTY/CAL." on its face. “Sheriff” is engraved and highlighted with black enamel, and the other words are highlighted with blue enamel with additional border engraving and a large vertical back-pin of gold. RIA is very excited to offer these rare and elegant gold sheriffs badges. Identified western lawman badges of this quality are seldom offered for sale and are highly collectible. With their enameled embellishment over solid gold, these are virtually in a class by themselves, and only a few others of such quality and condition exist, with Pat Garret’s gold badge selling for 6 figures several years ago and others that have approached and even exceeded that figure in private sales known within this specialty area of western artifact collecting. Provenance: Greg Martin, Michael Simens, Private Collection

Documentation

"Rain-In-The-Face" Framed Colorized Portrait by L.A. Huffman

"Rain-In-The-Face" Framed Colorized Portrait by L.A. Huffman

This 18 3/4 x 10 3/4 inch colorized print is marked "(Etomo-Gozua) Rain-in-the face, Hunkapapa Sioux Nov. 1879/In Spotted Eagles Hostile Village Tongue River Valley Montana Territory/©LA Huffman Post Photog'r Ft. Keogh." along the bottom in black ink. Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931) is a legendary photographer of the American west, known for capturing photographs of its people, wildlife, and landscape. The print features the Lakota war chief Rain-in-the-Face (c. 1835-1905) wearing traditional clothing, including an eagle feather war bonnet. Chief Rain-in-the-Face was one of many chiefs leading warriors at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Including the frame it measures approximately 27 1/2 x 18 1/2 inches. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Four Prints of Native American Portraits by L.A. Huffman

Four Native American Portrait Prints by L.A. Huffman

These prints of photographs are by legendary Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931), all are singular portraits of Native Americans. 1) Girl in traditional dress labelled "#7./Crow Girl/1901" and Huffman stamped on the back. 2) Man in traditional dress with Huffman copyright on the front and Huffman stamped on the back. 3) Girl in traditional dress with Huffman copyright on the front. 4) Man in traditional dress with war club, Huffman copyright on the front, and labelled "Whitehawk-Cheyenne Brave" on the back. They range in size from 5 1/2 x 3 7/8 to 7 3/4 x 5 1/2. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Framed Colorized Print of "St. Mary's Lake" by L.A. Huffman

Framed Colorized Print of "St. Mary's Lake" by L.A. Huffman

This print of a photograph by legendary Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931) has been colorized using watercolor tinting and is unmarked on the front. The back is hand marked "354 St Marys lake near St Ignatius mission Mont, an original photo-graph, done in water colors and copyrighted by LA Huffman Miles Mont". The handwriting appears similar to other examples we believe to have been penned by Huffman. Pictured is a beautiful mountain lake landscape with a man in a boat on the lake and a small camp to the left, all lightly tinted with water colors. The image is 3 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches with a thick off-white matting boarder in a 11 5/8 x 19 5/8 inch frame. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Framed Colorized Print of "CK Rangers at Waterhole" by L.A. Huffman

Colorized Print of CK Rangers at Waterhole by L.A. Huffman

This print of a photograph by legendary Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931) has been colorized using water color tinting and is marked "CK Rangers at Waterhole North Montana 1900 L.A. Huffman Miles City, Montana" in black ink across the bottom. Pictured is a herd of ranging cattle at a small creek or waterhole with mountains in the background. The image is 10 1/2 x 14 3/4 inches with a thick off white matting boarder in a 16 1/4 x 23 inch frame. The paper backing on the frame is marked "Robt. Conway Print/From Miles City Saddlery" and "1319B/Written on Back/of print". Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Colorized Print of a Landscape by L.A. Huffman

Colorized Print of a Landscape by L.A. Huffman

This print of a landscape photograph by legendary Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931) is marked "©La Huffman Feby 1921" in black in the bottom left corner. The print shows a rocky hill landscape, possibly in the Badlands, is lightly tinted with what appears to be water colors, and measures 8 x 13 1/2 inches, 13 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches including the matting. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

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Desirable Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle Stock

Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle Stock

Offered here is a S&W walnut stock extension designed for use with S&W Model 320 Revolving Rifle. It has blued attaching hardware and a checkered S&W hard rubber buttplate.

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Outstanding Mexican-American War Era Militia Officer's Sword

Mexican-American War Era Militia Officer's Sword

Militia officer's light artillery or infantry officer's sword manufactured Joseph H. Lambert of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania c. 1840. The sword generally resembles the U.S. Model 1840 Light Artillery Saber with a lighter, shorter blade. The ricasso is inscribed "J.H. Lambert" on the obverse and "Philadelphia" on the reverse. "American Swords And Sword Makers" by Richard H. Bezdek lists J. (Joseph) H. Lambert as a Philadelphia sword maker from 1839. The sword has a 29-inch curved blade with a single stopped fuller and flat spine. Each side of the blade is decorated with three, simple, gold washed, dry needle etchings that feature a stand of arms, military trophies and a floral spray. The etchings are on a brilliant fire blue panel that extends from the ricasso to the mid-point of the blade. The obverse ricasso is stamped with an unidentified round mark that contains a squirrel (later associated with Eickhorn). The gold plated brass hilt has a Phrygian helmet style pommel cap, single branch knuckle bow and down-turned quillion with cast acanthus leaf decorations. The grip is leather covered and wrapped with a double strand of twisted brass wire. The scabbard has a black leather body with gold-plated brass throat, suspension band, drag and two suspension rings. Two sword belt hanger clips are attached to the suspension rings.

Caliber / Gauge: N/A

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Attractive Mounted Infantry Officer's Eagle Pommel Sword with Scabbard

Mounted Infantry Officer's Eagle Pommel Sword with Scabbard

Manufactured c. 1805-1810. This sword has an early, heavily curved, blade that measures around 27 inches and is decorated with nitre blue terminating in floral designs, with gilt accented etched floral and martial patterns. Eagle head pommel with a checkered bone grip. The brass scabbard is engraved with an eagle and floral borders. Hilt and scabbard both gilt finished.

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Fine Ames Militia Staff Sword with American Eagle Crossguard and Scabbard

Ames Militia Staff Sword with Eagle Crossguard and Scabbard

High quality Ames Militia Staff Sword with knight's helm pommel and eagle and shield crossguard produced circa 1850. The 31 inch blade is decorated with etched patriotic designs and has a 12 inch fullered narrow groove. The gilt finished hilt has a knight's helm pommel, spread winged eagle over shield guard, a double chain knuckle guard, and vertically grooved bone handle. The gilded brass scabbard has cast floral designs, three suspension rings, and is marked "AMES MFG. CO/CHICOPEE/MASS".

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Pre-Civil War Militia Staff Officer's Eagle Pommel Sword with Scabbard

Pre-Civil War Militia Staff Officer's Sword with Scabbard

This militia staff officer's sword with eagle pommel and silver finished brass scabbard was manufactured circa1840. The sword has a straight 30 1/2 inch blade with central fuller. The blade is acid-etched and dry needle engraved with a Federal Eagle with "E. Pluribus/Unum" on a ribbon along with floral and martial designs. The silver-plated brass hilt has a cast eagle and shield pommel, a chain guard extending from the pommel to the guard finial and shell-shaped languets. The grip has simple carved designs. The scabbard has two suspension bands with rings and a frog stud and is engraved with a federal eagle and shield and floral designs. The blade has no visible maker's marks or proof marks.

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Incredible Civil War 1863 Dated Henry N. Hooper & Co. Napoleon 12-Pounder U.S. Model 1857 Light Field Gun with Field Carriage and Caisson

Civil War 1863 Dated Napoleon 12-Pounder Model 1857 Cannon

Though weighing over 1,200 pounds, the 12-pounder Napoleon field guns or "gun-howitzers" were considered light artillery and were the most widely used artillery pieces of the Civil War. Approximately 1,157 of these U.S. Model 1857s were manufactured in the North on Federal contract by six different makers during the war, and Henry N. Hooper & Co. manufactured 370 of them (see page 91 of "Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War" by Hazlett). 36% of the Union artillery pieces at Gettysburg were Napoleons, and 130 Napoleons were used by the Union forces at Antietam. The Napoleon 12-pounders could fire solid shot or explosive shells nearly a mile (max range of 1,600+ yards) as well as shot for closer range engagements. They are also historically significant as the last cast bronze cannons used by the U.S. military. Post front sight and holder for a floating ladder rear sight, which is absent. The muzzle is marked "No. 207 H.N.H. Co. 1233 lbs./T.J.R. 1863" indicating this is the 207th gun made by Henry N. Hooper on contract, it weighs 1233 lbs., inspection initials of Ordnance Officer Thomas Jefferson Rodman, and dated 1863. The tube has "U.S." in ornate letters on top in between the trunnions, and marked "227" at the top edge of the right trunnion. Two cannon balls are currently wedged in the breech end of the barrel. Includes a later extensively restored carriage with a circular brass makers plaque that reads "PHELPS PARKE & CO./PITTSBURGH PA." around the date "1863", accoutrements, and caisson with wood chest and an extended pole at the front of the caisson for attaching to livestock painted "F. BANNERMAN/NEW YORK" in stencil. The copper lid of the chest contains a period paper label on the underside titled "TABLE OF FIRE. LIGHT 12-POUNDER GUN. MODEL 1857." and illustrating the different capabilities of ranges in yards with shell or shot at specified elevations.

Caliber / Gauge: Unknown

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Civil War W.H. Horstmann & Son's Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed for Confederate Brigadier General William H.F. Payne

Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed for General W.H.F. Payne

This is one of three swords inscribed for Confederate generals from Virginia in this sale from the same collection. Each of these swords includes a copy of the research paper "The Payne/Hunton Family Swords of Gen. William Henry Fitzhugh Payne, CSA & Gen. Eppa Hunton, CSA" by Nancy Dearing Rossbacher, the managing editor of "North South Trader's Civil War Magazine" and "The Civil War Collector's Price Guide." The paper covers all three swords and details how they are related. William Fitzhugh Payne (1830-1904) and Eppa Hunton (1822-1908) were related through the marriage of General Hunton's son Eppa Hunton Jr. (1855-1932) to first Minerva "Erva" Winston Payne (1861-1897) and later Virginia Semmes Payne (1867-1941), both daughters of General Payne. Rossbacher notes that the swords were passed down through the family. Both men were prominent Confederate generals from Virginia and saw action during the war, with Payne in particular being wounded and captured multiple times and then returning to the fight and never relenting in his dedication to the Confederate cause and his hatred of Yankees. The three would make an excellent display in a private or public Civil War collection. This sword appears to be the second sword mentioned by Confederate Brigadier General William H. F. Payne in "Payne's Letter of December 13, 1903 to the Alumni Association of Virginia Military Institute" reprinted in "I Am a Good Ol’ Rebel: A Biography and Civil War Account of Confederate Brigadier General William H. F. Payne" by Robert Houghtalen and in the included documentation. In the letter Payne wrote, "I have another sword of another Yankee officer captured by me at the First Battle of Manassas." Unfortunately he does not give as many details as he did for the other sword he captured. The sword has the post-war inscription: "Brig. Genl. W.H. Payne./Army of Northern Virginia/4th Va. Cavalry/CSA/1861-1864." The 31 1/2 inch lightly curved blade is decorated with etched floral, patriotic, and classical martial designs and has "W.H. Horstmann/& Sons/PHILADELPHIA" on the right. The gilt brass hilt has floral patterns and a wire wrapped shagreen grip. The leather scabbard has brass fittings, and the throat piece has "HORSTMANN/&/SONS/MAKERS/PHILADA" in raid letters on a scroll. Before the Civil War, William Payne studied at the University of Missouri, Virginia Military Institute, and the University of Virginia and practiced law in Virginia. Payne had originally enlisted as a private, served as a captain in the Black Horse Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart. In command of the Black Horse, Payne and his men were part of Stuart's operations on July 15, 1861, that tricked Union General Robert Patterson into thinking a force as large as 35,000 opposed him rather than less than 10,000. From July 18-21, the Black Horse were assigned to act as scouts and videttes along Bull Run, and they engaged the retreating Union forces on the 21st and captured sixteen pieces of artillery, even after the bridge collapsed, and helped cement the historic Confederate victory at First Manassas by running down and chasing off the routed Union troops. Captain Payne was invited to breakfast with President Jefferson Davis in response to his success. They were also assigned to be the personal scouts and bodyguards of General Joseph E. Johnston. Payne was promoted to major in the 4th Virginia Cavalry. At the Battle of Williamsburg during the Peninsula Campaign, he was captured by the Union for the first time after being left for dead on the battlefield after being shot in the face. Payne wrote,"...I was wounded - indeed reported by Gen. Stuart as killed; and his report has never been altered...I was left between the lines, and was almost drowning in my own blood. One man remained with me- Dr. Pendleton, of Louisiana, who, when he saw me fall, immediately sprang from his horse, and, being a physician, thrust his fingers into my mouth and caught the arteries that had been broken by the ball which had torn out my right upper teeth, glancing along through my tongue and passing out over the jugular veins." Payne was paroled and allow to go home to recover. He wore a rubber mask that a Union surgeon had made him to hold his jaw together and could only consume liquids. Given the serious nature of his wounds, Union officers no doubt did not expect to see him on the battlefield again, but shortly after he was exchanged, he wrote that he and another Confederate captured two videttes using a knife and a hatchet. After the affair, he fainted and fell from his horse having overtaxed himself. He was in command at Lynchburg and then returned to the 4th Virginia Cavalry as their commander. He fought in hand-to-hand combat with a Union officer at the Battle of Kelly's Ford. This is both noted in Payne's letter and in General Fitz Lee's reports. Payne then took command of the 2nd North Carolina Cavalry and led it through the Gettysburg Campaign. His horse was shot out from under him and suffered a saber wound and fell into a vat of tanning liquid at the battle of Hanover and was captured for the second time. This time, he was not paroled and sent home. Instead, he was shipped off to the prisoner of war depot on Johnson's Island. Once exchanged, he returned to command of his regiment in time for General Early's Valley Campaign in the fall of 1864 and fought at Third Battle of Winchester (September 19), Fisher's Hill (Sept. 21-22), and Cedar Creek (Oct. 19) and then participated in the New Creek raid after which he received the other sword, [LOT 1204]. He was wounded severely again from gunfire at the Battle of Five Forks (April 1, 1865) near Petersburg, this time suffering a shot to the leg. He was able to recover enough to lead a cavalry brigade at the end of the war near Richmond. He claims he was arrested in relation to the assassination attempted of Secretary of State William H. Seward as part of the grand plot that included Booth's assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Lewis Powell had operated under the alias Lewis Payne, and that had apparently led to suspicion that General Payne had been involved, but he was paroled after being held at Johnson's Island until June of 1865. Following the war, Payne returned home to Virginia and his law career, including as the general counsel for the Southern Railway Company and also served in the state legislature. He remained a dedicate Confederate well after the Confederate cause was lost. In the letter to the Virginia Military Institute, he wrote, "I am as true a Confederate to-day as when I first rode from Warrenton to Manassas. I have never ceased to regret the loss of the cause; I have never sought any favors for myself; I think that the greatest calamity that has ever befallen the country is the wreck of the Confederacy." A poem printed in the biography of Payne that was found among his papers and apparently written by his hand expressed even harsher views noting that he hated the Constitution, the republic, the Freedman's Bureau, the Declaration of Independence, and of course the Yankees who he noted he had "killed a chance of" and wished he could kills some more. Such lasting hatred may not be surprising from a man who survived a Yankee gunshot to the face, a saber blow, and another gunshot to the leg and then saw his home state occupied by the boys in blue. All combined, these wounds no doubt caused him discomfort the rest of his life.

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Civil War Robert Mole Birmingham Production Confederate Sword

Civil War Robert Mole Birmingham Production Confederate Sword

Primarily imported by George Tennant of South Carolina, swords manufactured by Robert Mole of Birmingham were brought into the Confederate States for use by both the Army and Navy. The chief feature separating the Confederate arms from Mole's English Government contract blades the brass guard fitted on the Confederate model. Measuring 36 inches overall, with a gently curved 30 1/2 inch single fuller blade, stamped "MOLE" on the square-backed spine. The stamping is repeated on the single branch brass guard, with a rounded pommel and steel backed checkered leather grips.

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Rare Documented Civil War Era 1861 Dated Phoenix Iron Co. Model 1855 Griffen 6-Pounder Wrought-Iron Cannon with Carriage

Civil War Phoenix 1855 Griffen 6-Pounder Cannon with Carriage

This is a rare example of a Civil War era 1861 dated Phoenix Iron Co. wrought-iron 6-pounder field gun, and one of approximately 18 manufactured in total with 13 reported surviving examples. The trunnions are marked "PATENTED/DEC. 25, 1855" (right) and "PHOENIX/1861/1030 Lbs" (left). The patent date is in reference to "Improved Manufacture of Wrought-Iron Cannon" patent number 13,984 by inventor James Griffen of Safe Harbor, Pennsylvania. Griffen’s method of manufacture used wrought iron rods bundled and heat-welded together before drilling out the bore. Griffen guns are described on pages 46-47 of the book “Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War” by James Hazlett, Edwin Olmstead, and M. Hume Parks, with this exact example photographed at the top of page 47. Pages 259-260 of the aforementioned book has a list of other observed surviving examples, with most residing within national historic sites/military parks. The consignor states this example is serial number 13. The serial number should be located on the base of the breech to the right of the knob, but is not currently visible underneath the thick layer of applied paint. Includes carriage.

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1862 Dated Civil War Phoenix Iron Company U.S. 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle with Carriage

Civil War Phoenix Iron Company U.S. 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle

This model, invented by John Griffen, was reported to be very accurate under a mile. Many of the roughly 350 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles extant lie within national historic sites/military parks. These were the second most common rifled field artillery pieces during the Civil War, and only one burst in action. This cannon was manufactured by the Phoenix Iron Company of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, just northwest of Philadelphia and inspected in 1861 by Union inspector Theodore Thaddeus Sobieski Laidley. The company produced most (around 1,000) of the 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles. These early rifles were made using John Griffen’s method which used wrought iron rods bundled and then heat-welded together before drilling out the bore. "T.T.S.L. No. 368 P.I. Co. 1862/816 lbs" marked on the muzzle, and "US" on top between the trunnions. Features seven-groove rifling and a pinched blade front sight. Includes a reproduction carriage by Historical Ordnance Works and accouterments.

Caliber / Gauge: 3 inch

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Spectacular Schuyler, Hartley and Graham Deluxe Presentation Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword with Silver Grip

Schuyler, Hartley and Graham Presentation Sword

Deluxe Civil War presentation Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword with W. Clauberg blade. The scabbard is inscribed "Presented to/CAPT./J. COSTINE/BY the/Wolf Tone/Guards". The sword has a regulation 31 1/2-inch nickel plated blade. The blade is decorated with an acid etched spread eagle clutching a ribbon inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and floral sprays on the obverse and "U.S." surrounded by floral sprays on the reverse. The back of the blade is etched "IRON PROOF". The reverse ricasso is stamped with the W. Clauberg trademark. The sword has no retailer's markings but is similar to mid-grade presentation swords sold by Schuyler, Hartley and Graham and assembled with Clauberg blades and components. The non-regulation hilt has a fancy gold-plated three-branch knuckle guard with "U.S." entwined with floral decorations, fancy gold-plated pommel and fluted silver grip with cast leaf decorations. The nickel-plated scabbard has pieced cast-brass gold-plated mountings. The upper carrying ring mount features a highly detailed relief-cast Roman soldier with oval gorgoneion shield. The lower carrying ring mount has a stand of military flags and trophies surrounded by pierced scrollwork. The pierced drag is engraved with floral designs. While multiple militia units were known as the Wolf (or Wolfe) Tone Guards, named for Irish rebel and politician Theobald Wolfe Tone, notes from a previous owner attribute this sword to Company G of the Nineth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, aka The Fighting Ninth. Staffed mainly with Irish-Americans, the Ninth was a components of V Corps, Army of the Potomac, suffered heavy casualties at the Battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill, participated in the Battles of Frederickburg and Chancellorsville, held the Big Round Top at Gettysburg , and fought in the Battle of The Wilderness and around Cold Harbor before mustering out on 24 June 1864.

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Inscribed Cane with Cast Brass Cannon Handle Attributed to Colonel James West, Philadelphia City Troop Civil War Veteran

Inscribed Cannon Cane Colonel James West Civil War Veteran

Cane with a miniature brass cannon handle that measures 4 1/8 inches long from the muzzle to the end of the knob and has an open vent with small bore measuring at .20 inches. "Col. James. West." inscribed in script around the base of the cannon handle with roped borders. A June 26th, 1915 dated newspaper obituary lists a Civil War veteran Colonel James West of Philadelphia who passed away at age 76, which would put his birth date in the year 1839. He originally enlisted in the Philadelphia City Troop in 1861 and saw service throughout the entire war, including the Battle of Fort Pulaski and the Battle of Gettysburg. Shaft made of walnut. 1 3/8 inch German silver ferrule at the base. 34 3/4 inch total length.

Caliber / Gauge: 20

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Rare and Historic Spanish-American War Era Colt U.S. Model 1895 Gatling Gun with Iron Carriage and Caisson

Spanish-American War Colt 1895 Gatling with Carriage and Caisson

This desirable Model 1895 Gatling Gun is mounted on an iron carriage, features a ten-barrel cluster, and is still chambered in it's original rimmed .30 Army (.30-40 Krag) caliber, with the majority of these rechambered for use with the later rimless .30-06. The top of the brass breech cover is hand engraved "GATLING GUN PATENTED/Manufactured by/Colt's Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." and "No 1028/Cal. 30/T.C.D./D.M.T." A forerunner to the modern machine gun, the Gatling gun platform was first used in combat in the American Civil War, but would not be officially adopted by the U.S. Army until 1866. Four ten-barrel Colt Model 1895 Gatling guns like this example were issued under Lt. John H. Parker's Gatling Gun Detachment of the 5th Army Corps and saw extensive combat, playing a significant role in Cuba during the Battle of San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898) through the Siege of Santiago (July 3, 1898-July 17, 1898) during the Spanish-American War. In the included book, "The Gatlings at Santiago," John Parker himself states on pages 259-260, "I was placed in charge of four guns, model 1895, cal. 30, and at once began the instruction of the detachment… On June 6th, I took my men and guns aboard the transport Cherokee… On June 25th I received verbal instruction from Gen. Shafter to disembark at once [for Cuba], select the necessary number of mules (two per gun), and get to the front as soon as possible…" On page 269 Parker states, "The efficiency of the work of my guns was attested to me by numerous Spanish officers and prisoners. Their favorite expression was: 'It was terrible when your guns opened, always. They went b-r-r-r-r, like a lawn mower cutting the grass over our trenches. We could not stick a finger up when you fired without getting it cut off-so!'" Pages 6-7 quotes Theodore Roosevelt, "If a troop of my regiment was sent off to guard some road or some break in the lines, we were almost certain to get Parker to send a Gatling along, and, whether the change was made by day or by night, the Gatling went... certainly, if I were to command either a regiment or a brigade, whether of cavalry or infantry, I would try to get a Gatling battery-under a good man-with me. I feel sure that the greatest possible assistance would be rendered, under almost all circumstances, by such a Gatling battery, if well handled; for I believe that it could be pushed fairly to the front of the firing-line. At any rate, this is the way that Lieut. Parker used his battery when he went into action at San Juan, and when he kept it in the trenches beside the Rough Riders before Santiago." This Model 1895 example is of the same configuration as the four in use by Parker's Gatling Gun Detachment. Features a notch front sight mounted on the right ahead of an adjustable V-notch rear sight. The right side of the cartridge hopper is engraved with an arrow pointing forward. This Model 1895 utilizes a Bruce feed system and comes with one magazine. It still retains some it's correct period olive drab green paint (an original feature of the Model 1895 Gatling!) underneath the breech casing and in protected areas underneath the cartridge hopper. Matching number "10" is marked on the front top flat of the frame, behind the front barrel retainer on top of all the barrels, front and rear barrel retainers, on the outside and inside of the cartridge hopper, ejector, top rear of all the bolts, underneath the breech casing, on the left rear surface of the breech cover, on the crank locking piece, and on the bolt plug. The black painted barrels are marked at the breech with numbers "1" through "10", "R.A.C." (Rinaldo A. Carr) inspection initials, and "V/P/eagle head" proofs. The bolts are also numbered "1" through "10" on the top front. Includes a separate caisson on Archibald wheels designed to carry extra ammunition. The caisson attaches to the yoke of the carriage by means of the towing hook. Also includes a resin portrait of Theodore Roosevelt titled "The Rough Rider" (14.5"x17.5"), empty shell casings, and reloading dies. The Gatling Gun revolutionized warfare, and with Gatling's engineering invention changed the way wars were fought forever; with the successful use of Model 1895s like this example solidifying the Gatling gun's legacy.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 ARMY (30-40)

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Extremely Rare U.S. Model 1902 Krag Bolo Bayonet with Scabbard

U.S. Model 1902 Krag Bolo Bayonet with Scabbard

Developed in the early 20th century, the 1902 Bolo Bayonet was one of the U.S. Army's attempts at a hybrid weapon that could reduce the loadout an individual soldier had to carry into the field. Intended for use in jungle environments, the bolo could serve as both a bayonet and a brush clearing tool, as well as being able to serve as an entrenching tool in a pinch. Noted as making the Krag front-heavy when mounted, the 1902 was generally found to be both a good brush knife and a functional bayonet. While generally more liked than prior hybrid weapons, development was halted with the introduction of the 1903 Springfield, with its ill-fated integral rod bayonet; while interest was expressed in keeping the 1902 Bolo as a dedicated brush knife, the Army opted to retire it in favor of then-issued standard machetes. 14 5/8 inches overall, with a 10 inch blade dated "1902" on the left ricasso and marked "US" on the right. Standard Krag style bayonet hilt, with bright hardware and smooth grip panels. With a blued steel sheath with a ball tip and 100 degree swiveling steel belt loop. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

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Scarce and Desirable U.S. Model 1900 Krag Bowie Bayonet with Scabbard

U.S. Model 1900 Krag Bowie Bayonet with Scabbard

Produced (and dated) for trial in 1900, as a replacement for the standard bayonet which could pull double duty as a brush knife. Measuring 13 1/2 inches overall, the 9 inch blade has a deep back clip and a 2 1/2 inch sharpened edge on the spine, with "US" on the right ricasso and "1900" on the left. All of the metal is bright, with a pair of smooth wood scales completing the grip. With a full metal sheath, which features the distinct ball tip and 100 degree belt swivel. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

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Rare Documented Tillotson Sheffield Patriotic "Gold Hunters Knife" Etched Bowie Knife with Pearl Grips and Sheath

Tillotson Sheffield Patriotic Gold Hunters Knife

Manufactured by Tillotson of Sheffield, England c. 1850s. The overall length is 14 7/8 inches with a 10 7/8 inch clip point blade that is etched on the left with "Gold Hunters Knife/E.PLURIBUS UNUM/PALO ALTO" along with a patriotic eagle, stand of arms, and floral motifs. The knife is an obvious attempt by a Sheffield knife maker to dip into a larger portion of the American market, targeting both gold hunters and Mexican-American War veterans. The grip has pearl scales, recurved German silver guard, and the German silver hilt featuring a high relief reclining lion. Includes a lightly tooled leather sheath with German silver fittings. Similar knives are pictured on p. 233 of "The Antique Bowie Knife Book" by Adams, Voyles, and Moss and on p. 102 of "The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing an American Legend" by Flayderman.

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Attractive and Exceptional Civil War Era George Beardshaw Sheffield Bowie Knife with Unique Warrior Chasing Buffalo Etched Blade and Buffalo Horn Grip

George Beardshaw Bowie Knife with Leather Sheath

Bowie knife manufactured circa 1850-1865 by George Beardshaw of Sheffield, England. Measures 15 inches overall (16 with sheath attached) with a 9 3/8 inch long blade. "V(crown)R/G. BEARDSHAW/CAST STEEL" marked on the left ricasso. The main blade bevel contains an attractive etched panel scene of a warrior carrying a lance on horseback chasing buffalo in a grass field. German silver hilt, buffalo horn grip, and German silver shell pommel. Sheffield-made knives were popular with the blade-hungry American market. Includes a red leather sheath with German silver ends (absent frog), and consignor research.

Documentation

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Gold U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Badge

Gold U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Badge

The front of the gold Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent badge has the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service seal when the agency was part of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1940 to 2003. Established in 1933, the INS was dissolved on March 1, 2003 as part of a major government reorganization effort following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The INS functions were absorbed into three newly created entities under the newly created Department of Homeland Security. The Chief Patrol Agent was a sector commander who oversaw operations in one state or multiple states depending on the sector size and importance. The back of the badge is marked, “WB10020/THIS BADGE CONVEYS/NO AUTHORITY/UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY/PROPER CREDENTIALS.” Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection

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Gold U.S. Border Patrol Inspector Badge

Gold U.S. Border Patrol Inspector Badge

The front of the gold Border Patrol Inspector badge has the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service seal when the agency was part of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1940 to 2003. Established in 1933, the INS was dissolved on March 1, 2003 as part of a major government reorganization effort following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The INS functions were absorbed into three newly created entities under the newly created Department of Homeland Security. The back of the badge is marked, “THIS BADGE CONVEYS/NO AUTHORITY/UNLESS ACCOMPANIED/BY/PROPER CREDENTIALS/5781”. Has a vertical pin back. Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection

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Antique Kansas City Marshal Badge

Antique Kansas City Marshal Badge

The iconic five-pointed law enforcement star design is silver plated, was worn by the marshal of a city (Kansas City) rich in cowboy heritage, and is marked “PETTIBONE Co. CINN.” on the back. The Pettibone Co. dates back to the Civil War era as a manufacturer of Union hats, uniforms and buttons. Around the turn of the century the company was said to be “the large establishment in which all kinds of paraphernalia for lodges, societies, schools, etc. are manufactured, and in which four hundred and fifty people are constantly employed.” Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection

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Case Knife Display Case with Collection of Knives

Case Knife Display Case with Collection of Knives

This Case wooden knife display case measures 12x24x19 3/4 inches. The front of the case is glass and the case has a plastic insert to display a variety of knives. The back of the case has a hinged panel that locks (key is not included). Included with this case is a collection of pocket knives (28 Case knives) and a Case XX oilstone. Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection

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Two Desirable Antique Glass Front Display Cases

Two Antique Glass Front Display Cases

1) R.J. Roberts Razor Cutlery case by Barley and Hoffman (Rochester, NY). Measures 16x24x10 1/2 inches. 2) Excelsior Show Case Works (Quincy, IL) case with key. Measures 20 1/2x21x11 inches. Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection

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Exceptional Small Brass National Cash Register Model 211

National Cash Register Model 211 Attributed to the YO Ranch

Model 211 "Candy Shop Model" manufactured circa 1908. The family of Bob Berryman attributes this cash register to the store owned by the famous YO Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. The YO Ranch served as a de facto headquarters for the Texas Rangers, as the family that owns it has Texas Ranger history themselves. It is also the most well known Texas Longhorn cattle ranch in the world. Today the ranch serves as one of the many scenic hunting ranches allowing anybody to hunt exotic game species without the trip to Africa. Originally nickel plated, this register has taken on an attractive patina showing years of use. The register features a fleur-de-lis pattern on the front, back, and sides with a floral scroll design on top of the drawer. The face of the drawer features a stylized "National" with the pull handle being a raised portion of the "N". The drawer is comprised of one long compartment at the rear and four smaller compartments at the front. This model of register was built by National Cash Register Company as a more affordable version of their famous registers. It features a full brass construction with a hardwood base rather than the brass and marble configurations of other models. It was also made more affordable by not letting customers customize the register with the name of their business. Provenance: Charles Schreiner III Collection, Robert B. "Bob" Berryman Estate Collection

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Desirable Silver and Gold King Ranch Security Badge

Silver and Gold King Ranch Security Badge

This King Ranch security badge was made by cutting and polishing an 1893 Mexican silver coin. The back of the badge clearly retains the original coin markings. The front of the badge features a gold King Ranch “Running W” cattle brand overlay in the center of the five-pointed star and “KING RANCH SECURITY” filled in with black enamel. Known as “the birthplace of American ranching,” the King Ranch was established in 1853 when Captain Richard King purchased land in south Texas. The ranch led some of the first cattle drives in the country and went on to develop champion breeds of cattle and horses. There was a time when official King Ranch security personal were commissioned as Special Texas Rangers. Nearly 170 years later, America’s largest ranch covers 825,000 acres, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island, and maintains agricultural interests in cattle ranching and farming as well as recreational hunting. Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection

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W. Watson and Sons Pneumatic Air Gun Cane with Pump and Key

W. Watson and Sons Pneumatic Air Gun Cane with Pump and Key

W. Watson & Sons cane that doubles as a pneumatic air rifle. All metal construction painted to look like wood. Functions by unscrewing the lower barrel section from the top section and screwing the included air pump in its place to fill the tank in a similar fashion to using a modern day bicycle tire pump. Once filled, the lower barrel section can be screwed back together with the top section and loaded from the muzzle end with a ball and patch. To cock, the included square-tipped key is inserted into the hole two inches down from the joining section and turned. When the button, located 1 1/2 inches from the key hole, is pushed, the air from the tank inside the top section is released into the barrel, which pushes the ball out of the barrel at a high speed. The barrel has the ability to switch between calibers by utilizing a removable brass rifled .32 caliber screw-in sleeve, and has a brass smoothbore .43 caliber outer section. Screw-in brass tipped ferrule doubles as a wood ramming rod for loading. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32

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French 17th Century Malacca Shaft Sword Cane

French 17th Century Malacca Shaft Sword Cane

French 17th century Malacca shaft sword cane with partially engraved 28 1/2 inch triangular blade. Gilded decorations on either end of the handle depicting Greek columns, branches, and flowers. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection

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Early 19th Century French "Demi Solde" Sword Cane

Early 19th Century French "Demi Solde" Sword Cane

After Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo, the restored French king removed the officers who had rebelled against him in order to support Napoleon's return to power. They were retired from military service, disarmed, put on half-pay (Demi Solde) and their freedom of movement in the country was highly restricted. The sword in this cane is almost certainly the sword a French officer used in Napoleon's battles. Against the rules, the officer decided to keep his sword, with flax yarn woven around it and brass nails added to give a better grip... the former officer got away with his ruse and was able to parade his battle sword and Imperial Eagle around town right under the noses of authorities. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection

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Mid-19th Century Japanese Sword Bamboo Cane

Mid-19th Century Japanese Sword Bamboo Cane

Japanese sword with a 25 inch curved blade turned into a cane. Surrounded by carved wood to appear like bamboo with a metal ferrule on bottom and a pearl on top of the handle. The tang shows two mekugi-ana, one at the very end which was cut in half when the blade was shortened, 9 notches cut into the lower right side of the spine, and a 5-symbol signature on the left. Provenance: The Larry Mattson Collection

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Exceptional Gilt Presentation Sword with Scabbard Inscribed to Captain Diedrich Niemeyer by the New York Schuetzen Corps in 1912

Diedrich Niemeyer Gilt Presentation Sword with Scabbard

The 32 inch straight blade is decorated with gilded etching that includes a motif based on the Great Seal of the United States on one side, intertwined "US" on the other side, and "FRANCE" and an unclear maker's mark on one ricasso. The gilt brass hilt has eagle, lion, and floral motifs, pearl grip with gilt wire wrap, and gilt sword knot. The nickel scabbard has brass fittings. The folding languet is inscribed "PRESENTED TO/Capt Diedrich Niemeyer/New York City Schuetzen Corps/JANUARY 9TH 1912." An obituary in The Herald Statesman from 1963 indicates he was a German born restaurateur who ran Niemeyer's Restaurant on Central Park Avenue and a Mason. Before the U.S. became involved in World War I, Schuetzen clubs were major parts of German-American culture, and many still remain active today.

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Stunning and Rare World War I U.S. Air Service “Flying Mercury” Insignia of the 139th Aero Squadron on Aircraft Fabric

WWI USAS 139th Aero Squadron Mercury Aircraft Fabric Insignia

Offered here is a stellar piece of rare World War I fuselage fabric insignia from a 139th Aero Squadron SPAD. Per the accompanying framed provenance citation, “This piece of fabric [was] taken from the SPAD of the Commanding Officer Major L.C. Angstrom by Master Signal Electrician Jack V. Jeffers shortly after the end of hostilities in December 1918.” The section of fabric is housed in a 39 ¼ x 29 ¼ inch frame for preservation and display and is painted with a large, undeniable 139th Aero Squadron “flying Mercury” insignia while also commemorating the squadron’s total number of aerial WWI victories (34 iron crosses) and losses (6 U.S. roundels), all on a camouflage background. The 139th was an American pursuit squadron that operated over the skies of the Western Front during World War I, saw intense aerial combat and had seven aces including Lieutenant David E. Putnam who is credited with 13 aerial victories but is believed to have downed more than 30 enemy aircraft throughout the war while serving with both the French Air Service and U.S. Air Service, scoring his last victories with the 139th before being killed in action by German ace Georg von Hantelmann. The squadron demoblized in June 1919 after returning to the United States. In “Wings of Honor: American Airmen in World War I,” author James Sloan identified Major Laurence C. Angstrom as an American citizen who joined the RFC in 1916 prior to America’s entry into World War I and in 1917 initially joined the USAS as an instructor for American cadets training in Canada before commanding the 139th. He obtained his pilot certificate on a Wright biplane at Stinson School in San Antonio, Texas. Comes with a photograph of a 139th Aero Squadron SPAD clearly featuring the "flying Mercury" on the fuselage, a photograph of an illustration of Mercury and a rare WWI 139th Aero Squadron, AEF patch. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

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Historically Significant and Spectacular World War I U.S. Air Service “Snarling Wolf” Insignia of the 49th Aero Squadron on Aircraft Fabric Along with Squadron Pilot Lt. David Backus’ Beret

WWI USAS 49th Aero Squadron Snarling Wolf Aircraft Fabric

This fantastic piece of rare World War I aeronautical memorabilia is the fuselage fabric insignia from a 49th Aero Squadron SPAD. The circular section of fabric measures nearly 19 inches in diameter and is painted with the unmistakable menacing “snarling wolf” logo used by the 49th Aero Squadron. The 49th was an American pursuit squadron that operated over the skies of the Western Front during World War I and shot down a total of 24 enemy aircraft. One of the squadron’s most notable pilots was St. Paul, Minnesota, native Lieutenant David H. Backus who had a score of 4 aerial victories and was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster. The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to him for being in “beyond danger” when he alone turned around to save a comrade being attacked by nine enemy planes and in the process destroyed one. The Oak Leaf Cluster was for his unshaken heroism in preventing an assault by “an enemy formation of superior number” and the engagement ended with him shooting downing three enemy aircraft. Includes a collection of fifteen 49th Aero Squadron photos (copies) with Backus in several of these images and Bakus' original beret. The beret is hand marked "CASSWALL ST/NAPA" and "David H. Bakus" on the leather band. Prior to receiving his wings, Backus was a Red Cross ambulance driver before the U.S. entered the war and for his service was awarded the Fourragere of the Medalle Militaire from the French government. He earned his flying rating in November 1917. During World War II he served as an intelligence officer for the USAAF. David Backus’ papers are housed at the Minnesota Historical Society with many of those papers available online. The lineage of the 49th Aero Squadron can be traced to the USAAF 49th Bombardment Squadron, which used a similar wolf’s head emblem in World War II, and today’s USAF 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Documentation

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Outstanding OSS Stiletto with "Spatula" Pattern Sheath

OSS Stiletto with "Spatula" Pattern Sheath

One of the wartime alterations of the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife, with the addition of a unique "spatula" or "pancake flipper" sheath that allowed for greater versatility in wear and concealment than a conventional leather hanger equipped sheath. One of the signature edged weapons of the Allied Powers, the F-S cast aside all notion of pulling double-duty as a utility knife, as it's fine, hollow ground edges and needle point were optimized to cut one thing and one thing only; the enemy. Measuring 11 1/2 inches overall, with a 6 3/4 inch double edged blade, finished in full blue and mounted with a full length tang with round pommel nut. The cross guard is also blue steel in a flat oval configuration, with a knurled and blackened brass grip in the traditional contoured profile. No proof marks or manufacturer's stamps are present, which is appropriate for this style. The sheath is the signature OSS "spatula" design with a stitched brown leather sheath riveted to a green steel frame, which fully supports the back, protects the tip and ends with a wide hanger with four mounting slots and a hooked segment for a rubber o-ring to retain the stiletto; the o-ring is damaged and partially absent. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

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Very Scarce World War II Carlson Ordered Period Copy of the Collins Number 18 "Gung Ho" Marine Raider Knife with Sheath

Period Copy of the Collins #18 "Gung Ho" Marine Raider Knife

This Camilus Number 18 knife comes with a photocopy of a page from an unidentified book which shows Colonel Evans C. Carlson, son of Brigadier General Evans F. Carlson of Carson's Raiders fame, holding an identical knife. Carlson, who was himself a platoon leader of 3 Company, 2nd Raiders, reportedly ordered 1000 of these knives from a maker in New Zealand for the 1st Battalion, 21st Marines, where they were fabricated from a combination of Australian carbon steel and die cast aluminum. The knife measures 14 inches overall, with a 9 inch long and quarter inch thick clip point blade and a one-piece cast aluminum hilt. The sheath is brown leather, with tooled decoration and Collins Legitimus markings. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

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Historic Third Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger with Sheath, Identified to an American University Professor and Football Coach

3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger with Sheath

According to an included note, this F-S knife, sheath and dog tag set were the property of Doctor Friedrich "Fritz" Febel, an Assistant Professor of health, physical education and recreation at the University of Buffalo as well as a football coach for the Buffalo Bulls (sic, not the Buffalo Bills, assistant 1936-1942, head 1952-1954). Measuring 11 1/2 inches overall with a 6 3/4 inch spear point blade with a diamond cross section and short triangular ricasso flats. The guard is blued steel in a flat oval pattern, with "(broad arrow) B2" stamped on the underside, and the hilt is darkened ribbed brass with "3" cast into the side. The brass-tipped leather sheath has had the belt hanger removed, with a dog tag wrapped around the center marked "FRIEDRICH FEBEL/36756192 T43 44 O"; this combination of markings would indicate an enlisted draftee from the Sixth Corps Area (Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, parts of Missouri). Included with the dagger are two German propaganda leaflets, one titled "Nettuno ...Bloody Shit" (addressed to British troopers at the Nettuno landing site during the Battle of Anzio, implying that their American allies had left them holding the bag; a hand-written note indicates the same note with the wording reversed was dropped on American units in Anzio) and another titled "Mail Call" (framed as a U.S. POW reporting that neither Churchill or Roosevelt cared about the Atlantic Charter, and all other agreements were potentially moot), both with a general theme of "surrender now, ride out the war in a POW camp, and (for "Bloody Shit") bring a blanket and some extra underwear". A third propaganda leaflet, untranslated, features a Tojo caricature with a bloody sword, women and children haunted by a specter of death and overrun with snakes and other vermin in his wake. A pair of pictures of a man, one in civilian garb and one in a Staff Sergeant's uniform, are included, one marked on back to identifying the man as Fritz Febel. Finally, an October 1943 award document for the German Cross in Silver to an Oberst (Colonel) Ulrich Dorn. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

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Historic U.S. 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment Pennant

U.S. 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment Pennant

This 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment pennant is made of silk with gold fringe on the edges and measures roughly 19 ¾ x 28 ¼ inches. The 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment has a long and proud history since becoming the first airborne unit designated in the U.S. military when it was activated in November 1942. Attached to the famous 101st Airborne Division, the 501st played a crucial role in the development and deployment of airborne units. In fact, the U.S. Army proclaims the 501st as “the prime ancestor of all American Parachute Units.” During World War II, the 501st was part of the famous night drop into Normandy and ran into fierce resistance battling their way behind enemy lines. The regiment lost 898 men killed, wounded, missing or captured before returning to their base in England in mid-July. Intensive training followed in preparation for the ill-fated airborne drop in the Netherlands codenamed Operation Market Garden. Then, came the Battle of the Bulge where once again the 501st suffered a high casualty rate. The 501st remains an active unit to this day, having gone on to see combat in the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Very Rare Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for the Alamo Scouts of World War II, with Documentation to Decorated Scout William Blaise

SSI Patch for the World War II Alamo Scouts

Per an included photocopied notarized letter from Russ Blaise, son of William F. Blaise, this shoulder patch, one of approximately 440 made total, was the service-worn patch of Sergeant William Blaise. Organized by General Walter Krueger of the Sixth Army, the Alamo Scouts were an all-volunteer elite unit formed due to recurring issues with faulty intelligence reports, giving the 6th an organic reconnaissance and raiding element capable of going deep behind enemy lines. In addition to recon, the Scouts also provided a unique search and rescue function, being able to go ashore on unsecured islands for captured Allied troops; in New Guinea in particular they would be credited for liberating 197 prisoners, and would play a major role in the "Great Raid" on the Cabanatuan POW Camp. In some cases, the recon job took on a more aggressive tone, with Scout units receiving orders to hunt down and ID specific Japanese officers, and if possible capture or kill them. Blaise graduated from the 6th's Alamo Scout Training Center in 1944 and was attached to "Sumner Team", a small unit headed by Lieutenant Robert "Red" Sumner. While most Scout operations would consist of short 2-3 day patrols out past the lines to insure gathered intel remained timely and up to date, two missions documented in the supplied papers stand out. One was a raid on Pegun Island in August of 1944, in search of three enlisted men; these enlisted men, part of a PT boat crew (ironically) tasked for search and rescue, had gone ashore on the island while their boat proceeded to assist an Australian Beaufighter, but when they returned two men were missing and the third was gunned down while trying to wave off the boat from approaching any closer. Slipping onto the island pre-dawn, Sumner Team failed to locate any of the men, and ended up having to shoot their way out, exchanging fire with two Japanese units while advancing through the surf to meet their extraction boat, with no injuries. Later, it would be verified that both of the missing men had been summarily executed. The members of Sumner Team would receive the Bronze Star for their attempt. In April/May of 1945 Sumner Team would spend nearly a month sneaking about Mount Pinatubo in Zambales Province in Central Luzon hunting for a General Tsukda (commander of IJA forces in Zambales) and Vice Admiral Kondo (commander of Naval Air Station San Marcelino). During this patrol, they would come across numerous abandoned Japanese camps (often with men who died from fever or starvation left where they fell), engaged multiple Japanese patrols, and eventually determined that the area they were patrolling was no longer home to a Japanese command post. For a specific incident during the Mount Pinatubo patrol Blaise received a Silver Star (oak leaf cluster), getting into a shootout with 3 Japanese soldiers, killing 2 and capturing the third for interrogation. Blaise remained in service until 1947, and (as is often seen with prestigious/elite formations) continued to wear his Alamo Scouts patch for the duration. In 1988, the Scouts would be retroactively recognized as part of the traditions and heritage of U.S. Army Special Forces, with all members awarded the Special Forces Tab. The patch measures about 2 5/8 inches in diameter, with a red abd blue border surrounding "ALAMO SCOUTS/SIXTH ARMY" in green embroidery, with a Native American in profile backed by a wall of the Alamo in the center. Additional scanned and photocopied documents related to Blaise and the Scouts are included, as well as a photo of Sumner Team on New Year's Day, 1945. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

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