Premier Firearms Auction #88

May 19, 2023 to May 21, 2023

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #88

May 19, 2023 to May 21, 2023

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-50 of 256 results

Very Scarce Winchester Model 1894 Reloading Tool for the Desirable .50-110 Express Caliber

Lot 3

Winchester Model 1894 Reloading Tool for the .50-110 Express

Patented in 1894 by William Mason, who also designed the swing-out cylinder for Colt, the Model 1894 Winchester reloading tool combined all of the necessary tools/functions for reloading cartridges into one small hand-held tool. These tools are fairly rare and desirable in any caliber, but this example is a true scarcity being for the .50-110 Winchester Express caliber, the largest cartridge available for Winchester's lever guns. It is marked with the four-line Winchester address, and patent marking on the side of the body, and "50-110 EX." is marked on the bullet seating die portion.

Price Realized:

Outstanding and Desirable Winchester Repeating Arms Co. "Double W" Cartridge Display Bullet Board

Lot 14

Winchester Repeating Arms Co. "Double W" Cartridge Bullet Board

This is a very desirable Winchester bullet board showing the iconic "Double W" pattern of cartridges. These cartridge boards would have been an eye-catching advertisement used by Winchester to grab the attention of customers in sporting goods stores around the country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is one of the finest examples of these desirable Winchester advertising pieces we have had the pleasure of offering here at Rock Island Auction Company. A gold painted border is mounted around the green board which measures approximately 49 inches by 31 1/2 inches and a wood frame outside that. The board displays a dark green background, red and white lettering and vignettes of a duck, bear hunting scene, and a moose bust (see photograph). The display consists of a multitude of different cartridges and shotgun shells and nine containers of primers, each described below in white lettering. The back has the standard "With compliments of" Winchester Repeating Arms Co. label, is stamped "No. 498" in black ink, and has an additional note added stating it was acquired from a New Hampshire gun collection in 1947. It remains mounted in the original oak outer frame which measures 40 1/4 x 57 1/2 inches overall. Provenance: Eldon Owens, Property of a Gentleman

Price Realized:

Desirable Framed Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Marked Henry R. Poore "Bear Dogs" Advertising Print

Lot 21

Framed Winchester Repeating Arms Co. "Bear Dogs" Print

This Winchester print was used in a variety of Winchester advertisements and depicts a barn setting with white "bear dogs" in the foreground and two large brown dogs that may be bloodhounds in the background. These dogs were reportedly part of the Winchester family hunting pack. The lower left corner is signed by the artist "H. R. Poore/Philadelphia". The bottom of the image is marked "COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO." The oak frame measures approximately 41 1/2 inches in width and 31 3/4 inches in height overall.

Price Realized:

Lot 32

Framed U.S. Cartridge Company "Clean as a Whistle" Advertisement

This vintage advertisement touts how cleanly the then newly released "Self Cleaning" line of U.S. Cartridge Company ammunition was. The top of the piece has the U.S. Cartridge Company logo at the left next to "SELF CLEANING/CARTRIDGES" The advertisement depicts a man inspecting the chamber and throat of his rifle for fouling. The tagline "Clean as a Whistle" is seen near his arm in a pistachio green circle. Next to the circle is one box each of .22 short, long, and long rifle cartridges. The lower left corner of the advertisement reads "No more fouled,/rusted or pitted barrels". The advertisement is housed in a wooden frame measuring 23x32 1/2 inches.

Price Realized:

Attractive Mexican Vaquero Coin Decorated Silver Mounted Holster and Belt Rig For A Colt Single Action Army

Lot 35

Mexican Silver Mounted Holster and Belt Rig

The early 20th century era single loop holster and belt have extensive silver accents, including the symbols of the four different suits of cards and five Mexican coin conchos. The holster also has punched designs, and the belt has twelve cartridge loops. The belt is 49 1/4 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide, and has buff backing and a massive silver buckle.

Lot 59

Framed 1950s Grain Belt Beer/Winchester Advertisement

This vintage 1950's advertisement perfectly combines two of this country's favorite pastimes, drinking beer with friends and firearms. This ad for Grain Belt beer shows three friends inside one of their gun rooms on the wall behind them is quite the impressive collection of predominantly Winchester firearms (which includes a Henry lever action rifle!) with the ever iconic Double "W" bullet board in the center. From the map spread out on the table, we can assume the trio is planning a hunting trip. At the center of the table is a wooden serving platter with two bottles of Grain Belt beer. The man in the center, likely the collector of the fine Winchester collection, stands with his hunting rifle in one hand and a pint in the other. The bottom left corner reads "Premium /Compliments of /Grain Belt". The work is mounted in a wooden frame that measures 36x30 1/2 inches.

Price Realized:

Rare Theodore Roosevelt Themed Metal Schlitz Beer Self Framed Tin Advertising Sign

Lot 60

Theodore Roosevelt Themed Metal Schlitz Beer Sign

The Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company was at one time the biggest brewery in the United States. Their tag line "The beer that made Milwaukee famous." could be found on advertisements across the country as the beer of choice for many people of all walks of life. Schlitz is most famous, however, for being the beer taken by former president Theodore Roosevelt on his historic Smithsonian-Roosevelt Expedition. This metal advertisement shows a younger Spanish American War Rough Rider Roosevelt standing in military uniform with a bottle of Schlitz beer in his left hand and a full glass as to give a toast in his right. Below him the advertisement reads ""Hits/The Mark"/Schlitz/THE BEER/THAT MADE MILWAUKEE FAMOUS". The raised edge of the sign is painted to give the appearance of a wooden frame. The sign measures 9 1/2x21 1/2 inches.

Price Realized:

Exceptional Woodhead & Hartley Sheffield Etched Blade Half Horse, Half Alligator "American Bowie Knife" with Pearl Grips and Scabbard

Lot 112

Woodhead & Hartley Sheffield Etched Blade Bowie Knife

Manufactured c. 1841-1849 by Woodhead & Hartley of Sheffield, England. Many of the knives manufactured by the firm, including this example, displayed patriotic American themes in an attempt to tap into the seemingly endless appetite for large knives in the booming American market. It measures 13 3/8 inches overall, with a 9 inch clip point blade with a long false edge and etched on the left with an American eagle and patriotic slogans including: "THE UNITED STATES, THE LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE/PROTECTED BY HER NOBLE AND BRAVE VOLUNTEERS" and "CALIFORNIA./GOLD AT THE DIGGINGS." The left ricasso is marked with "WOODHEAD & HARTLEY/36 HOWARD STREET/SHEFFIELD". It is fitted with an elliptical German silver guard and coffin shaped pommel with a relief half horse, half alligator on each side. The grip scales are smooth pearl with a blank German silver escutcheon on the left. Includes a leather wrapped scabbard with gilt floral tooling and German silver fitting. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Price Realized:

Lot 118

Etched Blade Bowie Knife with Sheath

With scabbard. Likely manufactured in the mid-19th century, this attractive Bowie knife bears no maker's marks but certainly shows attributes of the Sheffield trade. It measures 13 1/4 inches overall with an 8 5/8 inch drop point blade that has a large etched panel on the left featuring floral motifs. The German silver guard and pommel both show floral motifs and it is fitted with smooth grip scales that appear to be ebony, the left side having a German silver escutcheon. The included sheath is of red leather with gold borders and floral design, as well as German silver fittings.

Price Realized:

Desirable R. Bunting & Son, Sheffield Half-Horse, Half-Alligator Bowie Knife with Sheath

Lot 119

R. Bunting & Son Half-Horse, Half-Alligator Bowie Knife

Made by R. Bunting & Son of Sheffield, England c. 1856-1865 during the short time Richard was in business with his son Henry. Richard was the son of Robert Bunting, who originally began business as a knifemaker in 1822. It measures 13 7/8 inches overall with a 8 5/8 inch drop point blade. The left side of the blade is marked "R. BUNTING/& SON/SHEFFIELD". The coffin shaped hilt has a full visible tang, German silver floral guard, and a German silver half-horse, half-alligator pommel. It is fitted with smooth pearl grip scales. The included sheath is red leather with gilt accents and German silver fittings.

Price Realized:

Lot 120

Etched Blade Eyre, Ward & Co. Sheffield Bowie Knife

Manufactured from 1850 to 1857 by Eyre, Ward & Co. at their Sheaf Works in Sheffield, England. It measures 13 inches overall, with a 8 1/16 inch clip point blade with American patriotic slogans, an eagle, and floral scroll etched on the left. The marker's mark is stamped on the left ricasso, part of which was misstamped, cutting off the top of the mark. It is fitted with an oval German silver guard and a flatware-style silvered grip with floral motifs. Includes an orange leather scabbard with German silver fitting.

Price Realized:

George Wostenholm & Son Sheffield I-XL "The Hunters Companion" Bowie Knife with Sheath

Lot 121

Wostenholm & Son I-XL "The Hunters Companion" Bowie Knife

Manufactured in the mid-late 1800s by the George Wostenholm firm of Sheffield, England. The Wostenholm company moved into their huge Washington Works facility, perfectly positioning them to deal with the demands of the American market during the period of western expansion. It measures 11 1/4 inches overall, with a 6 7/8 inch drop point blade. The maker's markings and trademarks are all on the left side of the blade and ricasso. It has a German silver elliptical guard and is fitted with smooth pearl grips with a German silver escutcheon on the left. The included sheath is black leather with gilt accents and German silver fitting.

Price Realized:

Lot 127

John Nicholson & Sons Sheffield Bowie Knife with Sheath

Manufactured c. 1841-1856 by John Nicholson & Sons of Sheffield, England. As with most other Sheffield knife making firms, Nicholson & Sons took full advantage of the appetite for large Bowie knives in the American market. This example measures 14 3/4 inches overall with a 10 3/8 inch clip point blade. The maker's marks are on the left ricasso. The hilt is German silver with a serpentine guard, lion couchant pommel, and smooth pearl grip scales with a German silver escutcheon on the left. The brown leather sheath has gilt accents including an eagle and "CALIFORNIA/GOLD FINDER", and German silver and iron fittings. Includes a soft bag.

Price Realized:

J. Davis Marked Sheffield Style Bowie Lion Head Knife with Sheath

Lot 128

J. Davis Marked Sheffield Style Bowie Knife with Pearl Grips

It measures 12 inches overall, with a 7 1/2 inch clip point blade that is marked "J.DAVIS/69 LEADENHALL ST" on the left. The scalloped guard is of German silver, as is the ornate lion face pommel. It is fitted with a pair of smooth grip scales. Includes a leather wrapped sheath with German silver fittings and some old, faint ink marked numbers on the leather.

Price Realized:

Civil War Era Manson Sheffield American Patriotic Etched Blade Bowie Knife with Scabbard

Lot 129

Manson Sheffield Etched Blade Bowie Knife with Scabbard

Likely manufactured in the mid-19th century, Manson was one of many firms located in Sheffield, England that produced knives intended for the booming American market around and during the Civil War. It measures 10 1/2 inches overall with a 6 3/8 inch clip point blade with American patriotic etching on the left featuring "O.K." and the slogan "Americans ask for nothing but what is right and will submit to nothing wrong" in two blocks. The left ricasso is marked "MANSON/SHEFFIELD". It has a German silver oval guard ("KO21" collection marked in removable black paint) and coffin shaped pommel with a lion couchant, and it is fitted with checkered hardwood grips. Includes a lightly tooled leather wrapped scabbard with German silver fittings.

Price Realized:

Lot 130

Joseph Elliot & Sons Sheffield Wavy Blade Dagger with Sheath

Manufactured c. the mid-19th century by Joseph Elliot & Sons of Sheffield, England. It measures 10 3/8 inches overall with a 5 7/8 inch spear point blade with asymmetrical wavy edges and a deep fuller down the center on each side. One side of the blade is marked with the image of a Native American warrior and "TRADEMARK/SELF DEFENCE" and the other side features the maker's mark. It has a scalloped silvered guard and a fluted pearl grip with floral motif silver ferrules at the top and on the pommel. The sheath is brown leather with a nickeled brass tip (loose).

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Package of Colt Revolving Rifle Combustible Cartridges and a Colt Retailer Price List

Lot 148

Colt Revolving Rifle Combustible Cartridges and Retailer List

Developed in 1855 and manufactured until 1864, the Colt "New Model Revolving Rifle" introduced a nearly unprecedented rate of fire for a long gun in a world still dominated by single shot muzzleloaders. These revolving rifles saw limited military use, including initially with Berdan's sharpshooters before they were later issued with Sharpes rifles. The revolving rifles had their issues, including an excessive reload time after the discharge of six shots, as well as occasionally discharging all six shots at once which was problematic considering the position of the shooters forehand. This lot includes a very scarce, factory sealed package of five combustible cartridges for the revolving rifle that are wrapped in brown paper with clear Colt labeling in black ink. Also included is a blue paper 1861 pricing list marked in black ink that states that it is for merchants and dealers. The list includes pricing for all of the models available from Colt in 1861 (including the revolving rifles and shotguns) as well as pricing for engraving and accessories.

Price Realized:

Historic Grouping of Six Colt Related Documents, One Addressed to Samuel Colt

Lot 149

The grouping includes six documents total, all of which pertain to the Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. The first letter, dated 9 August 1859, is from the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography (U.S. Navy), and is a request for 100 of Colt's rifles to be sent to the Washington navy yard that are "similar in all respects to the one recently tested by a Board of Officers at that yard." This letter is addressed to Col. Samuel Colt, and is undoubtedly a reference to the Model 1855 revolving rifle. Two of the letters, dated 1874 and 1876, are correspondence on Colt letterhead with Adams Nickel Plating & Mfg. Co. of South Windham, Connecticut, that appear to pertain to the outsourcing of nickel plating firearms parts by Colt. Another document appears to be a brief note on shipping. Another letter on Colt letterhead, dated 12 October 1861, is addressed to James Savage Esq. of the U.S. Commissary Department, and is a reply to a note by him that appears to be requesting Colt rifles that can accept a bayonet, which may be the Model 1861 Special rifle-musket produced by the company. Also included is a Colt advertisement pamphlet from around the same period as the other documents, which is printed on blue paper.

Price Realized:

Lot 173

Holster and Belt Rig for a Confederate LeMat Percussion Revolver

Original accessories for LeMat percussion revolvers are extremely hard to find and pair excellently with LeMat revolvers in Civil War arms collections. The unmarked black leather holster has the distinctive shape to accommodate the LeMat revolver's "Grape Shot" barrel, a flap with retention loop, and a belt loop. The unmarked black leather sword belt has a "CS" buckle and suspension straps for a sword/saber. An unmarked black leather cap box is also included. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Price Realized:

Lot 174

Bullet and Buckshot Mold for a LeMat Revolver

This distinctive mold was produced to make ammunition for the Civil War era LeMat percussion revolvers famously used by the Confederacy. It is constructed primarily from brass/bronze and has an iron sprue cutter. It has a cavity for a .41 caliber conical bullet with single groove and approximately .29 caliber buckshot (between #1 and #2 buckshot) The iron sprue cutter has three pour holes. This mold cases a bullet with a blunter nose like the example on page 72 of "The Confederate LeMat Revolver" by Adams. Some other original examples cast a more pointed bullet; all are very scarce. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Price Realized:

Lot 175

Historic Civil War Battle of Gettysburg Inscribed Cane

This unique Civil War presentation cane has a large silver coin inlaid in the top of the grip that has been engraved and inscribed. The inscription reads "Gettysburg/Battle field/July 3rd 1863./D.M. Vance/M.D." This inscription may be to Duncan M. Vance, who was captain of Company B of the 11th U.S. Infantry, which took part in the Battle of Gettysburg. Vance appears to have been captain of the company for most of 1862 and 1863, when the regiment took part in many major battles including Mechanicsville, Gaines’ Mill, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. The cane is made of a knobbed branch, which may have been collected at the battlefield, with a large bulbous grip area with the coin inset as previously stated, and is tipped with iron. It measures 36 1/2 inches overall.

Price Realized:

Historic Political Presentation Gilt Handled Cane Inscribed to Civil War General William Cogswell of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry

Lot 176

Political Presentation Cane Inscribed to General Cogswell

This interesting late-19th century cane is inscribed "Presented to/Gen. Wm. Cogswell/by the/Salem Republican/Flambeau Club" on top of the gilt grip. On of the side facets of the grip the date "Oct. 12, '87" is inscribed. William Cogswell (1838-1895) was elected to congress as a representative for Massachusetts in 1887, and served in that role until his death in 1895. This cane is likely a congratulatory gift from a Republican club in the town in which he opened his first law practice in 1861. On 19 April 1861, news reached Salem that the 6th Massachusetts, while on their way to protect Washington D.C. had been attacked in Baltimore. Upon hearing this, Cogswell had immediately turned his Salem law practice into a recruiting station, and in only 24 hours he had recruited a whole company, the first in the country raised for the war. Cogswell was commissioned as captain of the company, which later became Company C of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. Another notable captain in this regiment was Robert Gould Shaw, who was wounded at Antietam with the regiment and would later go on to become the colonel of the 54th Massachusetts, the most famous African American regiment to take part in the war. Cogswell was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 23 October 1862, and to colonel on 25 June 1863. The 2nd Massachusetts was involved in many of the most major engagements of the war including the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, the Atlanta Campaign, Siege of Savannah, the Campaign of the Carolinas, and were present for the surrender of Johnston's army on 26 April 1865. By the end of the 2nd Massachusetts had suffered 14 officers and 176 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded, and two officers and 96 enlisted men by disease. Cogswell was made brevet brigadier general and mustered out of service on 24 July 1865. Besides the inscriptions, the knob-shaped gilt grip of the cane has floral motifs throughout and is fitted to a smooth ebonized shaft tipped with German silver and iron.

Price Realized:

Attractive Civil War Presentation Gilt Handled Cane Inscribed to Captain Charles B. Hill from the Rochester Union Grays

Lot 177

Civil War Presentation Cane Inscribed to Captain Charles B. Hill

This is a very interesting Civil War presentation cane, mostly due to it not being a standard military presentation. The top of the grip of the cane is inscribed "Capt. Chas. B. Hill/from/Rochester Union Grays/Feby. 3rd 1863." Charles B. Hill was selected as the first captain of an independent military organization in Rochester, New York called the "Union Cadets" which was formed in May of 1861. It appears to have been made up of primarily students at the university in Rochester, something like an early form of ROTC. As the Civil War continued on, the Union Cadets changed their name to the "Union Blues", and were tasked with forming an honor guard for military units leaving for battle, as well as honor guards at the funerals of the fallen. Interestingly, another independent military organization in Rochester called the "Union Grays" appears to have been made up of more "adult" members, and was eventually mustered into federal service as Battery L, 1st New York Light Artillery, serving in most of the major battles of the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. A chronicle of the history of the Union Blues states that on 13 January 1863, captain Charles Hill presented a lecture in Corinthian Hall in Rochester for the benefit of the Union Grays, who "manifested their appreciation of the kindness by giving Captain Hill a handsome gold headed cane on February 4th." The Union Blues are also noted as being present as an honor guard for the body of slain President Abraham Lincoln when his funeral train passed through Rochester. Apart from the inscription, the gilt knob grip of the cane has extensive floral motifs and is fitted to an ebonized shaft which was once fitted with a ferrule (now absent). It measures 35 1/2 inches overall.

Pair of Two Incredibly Rare Dahlgren 12-Pounder Bronze Boat Howitzers with Iron Field Carriages

Lot 183

Two Dahlgren 12-Pound Bronze Boat Howitzers with Iron Carriages

Very few of these cannons are in private hands today, and they hardly ever come up for sale. Offered here is two examples. Most surviving examples reside at historic sites, battlefields, and museums. They were designed by Lt. John A. Dahlgren of the U.S. Navy following the Mexican-American War after investigating the potential use of the Army's field howitzers by the Navy for mastheads, launches, and Marine landing parties. Previously a mix of weapons were used which were logistically an issue. These were used with a few versions of carriages designed by Dahlgren including this light cast iron carriage for use in the field and could be fitted with a naval carriage when used on frigate's launches. These light carriages were designed to be able to be pulled by the gun's crew after landing, and reports suggest the gun could be mounted in less than four minutes. There are also photographs from the period of them mounted to their lightweight field carriages while onboard the ships, including multiple images of the monitor U.S.S. Lehigh. The guns were formidable and period reports claim an experienced crew could get off 10 shots in a minute. Another example of one of these Boat Howitzers with the iron field carriage can be seen on page 143 of "Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War" by Hazlett, Olmstead and Parks. Both of these howitzers likely had model, date, inspector, and weight markings on top of the tube, but they are no longer visible due to age related wear. Both of the howitzers have smooth bores 55 inches in length with a 4 5/8 inch diameter, tubes 64 inches in overall length from muzzle to tip of the cascabel, with the carriage wheels standing at 49 inches tall, approximately 11 feet in overall length from muzzle to the end of the carriage and 5 feet width. A) A diamond surrounding letters "LU" is visible at the bottom of the face of the muzzle. Restamped "NO 339 OF 574" on the front of the carriage, with combination brush/ram rod and rod with claw. B) Restamped "NO 332 OF 571" (the second number differs from the number on the other carriage) on the front of the carriage, with half ram rod. Includes four modern wooden ammunition crates for mounting on the carriages with stencil painted letters "12LBS-BORE HOWITZER/GOSPORT NAVY YARD/GUN-1" on the side, and one of the crates contains a rope and two pairs of modern heavy duty gloves.

Caliber / Gauge: 12

Price Realized:

Desirable 1864 Dated Civil War Phoenix Iron Co. Model 1861 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle with Carriage

Lot 184

1864 Dated Civil War Phoenix Iron Co. 1861 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle

The Model 1861 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles were among the best and most widely used field artillery pieces of the Civil War and continued to be used into the late 19th century Indian Wars. Many of the roughly 350 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles extant lie within national historic sites/military parks. They were designed by John Griffen, the superintendent of the Phoenix Iron Co. of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, who created a new technique that produced stronger and lighter artillery by using multiple layers of wrought iron strips welded together and using a rolling press. Only one reportedly failed in use, and it had been double charged. A one-pound charge can fire a 9.5 lbs. solid projectile 1,830 yards (over one mile!). They were very accurate and lighter than some of the comparable rifled artillery of the period such as the Parrott rifles. This example has a pinched front sight post and is marked "J.H.V.F. No 693 PICo. 1864/816 lbs" on the muzzle (initials of the proving officer, no. 693, manufactured by Phoenix Iron Co. in 1864, and 816 pound weight). "US" marked on top between the trunnions. The original rear sight base for the Pendulum Hausse sight (not included) is present. It is mounted on a green painted carriage.

Caliber / Gauge: 3 inch

Price Realized:

Lot 185

Scale Percussion Replica U.S. Model 1841 Mountain Howitzer

This a detailed functional scale model of a U.S. Model 1841 12-pounder Mountain Howitzer. It measures approximately 20 inches from muzzle to fixed cascabel, with a 16 inch smooth bore with 2 inch diameter, and uses a standard musket sized percussion system with a manual hammer. The cannon is unmarked. The carriage is wood with iron mounts and measures approximately 36 inches overall from the tail to the front of the wheels, and has 19 inch diameter wood wheels. Includes a ramming rod and steering stick on the carriage.

Caliber / Gauge: 2 inch

Price Realized:

Barney Gun Works 3/4 Scale Smoothbore Reproduction Civil War 20-Pounder Parrott Rifle with Carriage

Lot 186

Barney Gun Works 3/4 Scale Smoothbore 20-Pounder Parrott Rifle

This 3/4 scale Parrot Rifle was cast by Barney Gun Works in South Bend, Indiana in the 1960's, reportedly for the Centennial. The Parrott Rifle was invented by Captain Robert Parker Parrott in 1860 and produced at the West Point Foundry where he was the superintendent in multiple sizes, including 10-pounders and 20-pounders. Some Parrott Rifles were ordered by the State of Virginia just before the war, and they were also copied by the Confederacy. They are cast iron and have large reinforcing bands in the breech section. This 3/4 scale reproduction example has raised letters "US" on top between the trunnions, "M" on the left trunnion, "62" on the right trunnion. It includes a carriage with grease bucket, water bucket, bore rods, and, and a limber box with 2nd Illinois Battery insignia painted on the lid and containing a pendulum rear sight, ball mold and small accessories.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 2 1/4 inch

Price Realized:

Incredible Historic Civil War Relief Carved Hardwood Cane Inscribed for A.N. White of the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry

Lot 187

Civil War Relief Carved Hardwood 165th N.Y. Infantry Cane

This very interesting Civil War cane has been expertly relief carved, possibly by the original owner, with the bust of a fez-clad Zouave making up the ball shaped grip, a "2/DZ" marked knapsack, cartridge box, and corps emblem on the back, and a pair of stacked muskets and a canteen on the front, all just below the bust. There are also multiple inscriptions carved throughout including "A.N. WHITE", "1862 1865", Co. A/165/N.Y. VOL.", and "2 DIV./2 BRIG." The 165th New York Infantry was organized in New York in 1862 as a sister regiment to the 5th New York Infantry. Both regiments the flamboyant and iconic Zouave style uniforms in the field, with the uniforms of both being nearly identical. The regiment was transferred to Louisiana in December of 1862, and in January of 1863 became part of 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, XIX Army Corps, Dept. of the Gulf. It was around this time that the owner of this cane joined the regiment. 23 year old Albert White enlisted as a private for three years at Carrollton, Louisiana, and would have been with the regiment during the siege of and assaults on Port Hudson in the spring of 1863, when the regiment suffered their highest casualties. White was promoted to corporal in October of 1863. In early 1864 the regiment was involved in the Red River Campaign which included the battles of Sabine Cross Roads and Pleasant Hill on 8-9 April. During the action at Pleasant Hill, White was captured, and 25 other men from the regiment were listed as missing. It is believed that most of the Union prisoners taken at this battle were transferred to Camp Ford, a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp in Tyler, Texas. On 5 January 1865, White was exchanged at Galveston, Texas, and 20 May 1865 was promoted to sergeant just before the regiment took part in the Grand Review in Washington D.C. On 1 September 1865 he mustered out with the remainder of the his company in Charleston, South Carolina. It is unclear if, or when, the 165th was attached to 2nd Division 2nd Brigade as inscribed on the cane, but it was likely for only a short time during the war. Apart from the relief carved grip as described above, the remained of the cane is smooth, tapering to the tip that has a brass ferrule. It measures 32 inches overall.

Price Realized:

Attractive Gilt Handled Presentation Cane Inscribed to General Thomas M. Hite from Colonel R.A. Hawkins

Lot 188

Gilt Handled Presentation Cane Inscribed to General Hite

The gilt grip of this beautiful presentation cane is inscribed "Presented to/Genl. Thomas M. Hite/by Col. R.A./Hawkins,/of East Tennessee. At the time of writing, little information could be found about either of these individuals, though it is likely from the Civil War era. It appears that a Thomas M. Kite was attending the Kentucky Military Institute in 1851. The sides of the grip has extensive floral motifs on a stippled background. The smooth hardwood shaft is tipped with iron. It measures 35 1/2 inches overall.

Ornate Relief Carved Antique Ivory Patriotic American Eagle Cane Inscribed to P.D. Wright

Lot 189

Relief Carved and Inscribed Antique Ivory American Eagle Cane

Beginning in approximately the 16th century, canes gradually became more popular among the upper echelons of society, reaching its pinnacle around the late-19th to early-20th centuries. They became far more than just an accessory to assist with mobility, and more of a symbol of ones status and wealth. The bulbous grip of this cane has been relief carved with an American eagle perched on a shield, with the shield inscribed "P.D. Wright". The identity of Wright is unknown at this time. The grip is joined to the shaft with a brass band. The shaft is a dark hardwood with a contrasting tip protected by a modern removable rubber cover. It measures 35 inches overall.

Price Realized:

Historic Civil War Clauberg Officer's Gilt Presentation Staff & Field Officer's Sword and Scabbard Inscribed to a Captain Archibald Ellis of Company C of the 5th Iowa Infantry with Additional Personal Artifacts and Extensive Research Documentation

Lot 203

Presentation Officer's Sword & Scabbard Inscribed to Capt. Ellis

This extremely high quality officer's presentation sword was manufactured by Solingen cutler W. Clauberg. Many of their swords were sold through Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City during the Civil War. The sword features a silver plated brass grip with a highly detailed image of Columbia (very similar in design to the Statue of Freedom) in raised relief on the obverse below thirteen stars and floral patterns on the reverse surrounding an escutcheon inscribed "AE." The gilt hilt features a eagle head finial with red stone eyes, "US" flanking a detailed design of an eagle representing the Union killing a snake representing the Confederacy, and a spread wing eagle pommel cap. The lightly curved, 32 inch blade is acid etched and has dry needle engraving and gold wash. The obverse features classical martial trophies and "We never surrender." The reverse of the blade is etched martial trophies, scrollwork, "US" over a spread wing eagle and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner, and "W. CLAUBERG/knight/SOLINGEN" on the ricasso. The scabbard has an browned body and gilt brass fittings with floral designs, an angel on the drag, a classical warrior bust on the middle band, and "AE" inscribed on the upper band. The reverse of the upper band has "Presented to Capt. A. Ellis,/by Co. C/5th Iowa Infty/Mar. 1st 1864," and the lower has the battle honors "New Madrid./Iuka./Corinth 3rd & 4th Oct. 1862./Jackson./Champion Hill./Vicksburg./Mission Ridge." The sword is accompanied by a portrait identified as of Captain Albert G. Ellis and his wife Alice E. Nichols in an agricultural themed case, a large framed print of the same portrait, a framed "Society of the Sons of the American Revolution" membership certificate for Albert Ellis, a Grand Army of the Republic "CO. G./5/IOWA/VOL. CAV." "ladder pin" with small gilt sword knot and "A ELLIS" lightly hand marked on the back, a copy of "With Fire and Sword" by Major S.H.M. Byers, a copy of "Centennial History of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, 1889-1989," 5th Iowa Infantry Regiment unit histories which provide details of the battles noted on the scabbard, and a full binder of information on Captain Albert Ellis of Company G of the 5th Iowa Volunteer Cavalry and Company C of the 5th Iowa Infantry. As detailed in the binder, the sword and other artifacts were kept by the Ellis family until being sold by descendant Michael S. Gray who had owned them for close to 75 years. He is listed as the last descendant of Captain Ellis and sold the items when he moved from Oregon to California. They were purchased by Glenn Mattox of Antique Gun Shoppe in Post Falls, Idaho, from whom the consignor purchased the set. Captain Albert Gallatin Ellis (1835-1918) was born in Ohio and then moved to Louisa County, Iowa Territory, in 1847 where his family homesteaded. He enlisted as a private in the 5th Iowa Infantry on July 16, 1861. The 5th Iowa saw serious combat in the western theater of the war, fighting in Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He was promoted to 2nd and then 1st lieutenant and finally to captain on March 22, 1863. He was lightly wounded in the side at the Battle of Iuka and became seriously ill during the Siege of Vicksburg from contaminated water and poor nutrition, including scurvy, but continued to serve. In the winter of 1863-1864, he served as a recruiting officer for the regiment. Most of the unit would have been stationed at Huntsville, Alabama, on the date of the sword's inscription (March 1, 1864). The 5th Iowa returned to Iowa on April 7, 1864, and began veteran furlough the next day. When his enlistment was up in July 1864, Ellis and 200 men re-enlisted and were consolidated into Companies I and G and were transferred to the 5th Iowa Cavalry under Ellis's command due to both the 5th Infantry and 5th Cavalry not having sufficient men. By November, he was too ill to continue to serve, so he was forced to resign. He received a disability pension for the rest of his life. Though he never fully recovered from the effects of his illness, in April 1864 while on veteran furlough, he married Alice E. Nichols, and they had five children together. He was elected as Louisa County sheriff three times in 1877-1881 and was also twice elected to serve as county supervisor. He also farmed and raised livestock. Sometime later, the family moved to Lost Springs, Kansas, where he is buried. Captain Ellis's brother Harvey served in Company K of the 8th Iowa Infantry and died from disease in 1862. Provenance: The Ellis Family Collection; Glenn Mattox's Antique Gun Shoppe; The Greg Lampe Collection

Documentation

Price Realized:

Lot 207

Cooper of New York U.S. Mounted Officer's Sabre with Scabbard

Manufactured c. 1819-1825. This bird head pommel saber has a 1 1/2 inch wide and roughly 32 inch long (measured straight) blade with broad fullers, bright nitre blue panels terminating in scroll patterns, gilded floral and martial etching in elaborate patterns, panels of bright etching between the gilt sections, an eagle and shield motif with "E PLURIBUS/UNUM" banner on the right, and "COOPER" and "NEW YORK" above and below a dragoon officer firing a pistol on the left. The hilt is iron, and the grip is wrapped with leather and braided wire. The iron scabbard has thin suspension bands and slight reinforcement ribs on the drag.

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Unique and Rare Late 18th Century Grip Reservoir Repeating Air Pistol by Nicolas Bouillet of Paris, France

Lot 221

18th Century Repeating Air Pistol by Nicolas Bouillet of Paris

Nicolas Bouillet is listed as an active gunmaker between 1776-1800 out of Paris, France, and is said to have worked at La Manufacture d'armes de Versailles, then opened business with a brother (name unknown) and became known for making air guns. This impressive air pistol has repeating capability with a tube magazine located beneath the barrel for use with lead balls, a ball shaped grip reservoir, and features a trigger that flips out automatically upon pulling the hammer back to the full cock position, and the trigger automatically retracts after it is pulled. It loads out of the tube magazine by pulling the lever down that is located on the left beneath the breech and pushing up on a spring loading button located on the bottom of the magazine tube. The smoothbore barrel measures at approximately .43 caliber/11 mm and has a blade front sight and notch rear sight. The lockplate is signed "BOUILLET/A PARIS/INVENIT." in fancy lettering. Light border engraving on the action, and floral engraving on the hammer. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/465" hanging from the ring on the right of the forend. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 11 mm

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Engraved 18th Century Liverpool Marked English Ball Reservoir Screw Barrel Air Pistol

Lot 222

18th Century Liverpool Marked English Ball Reservoir Air Pistol

This exact air pistol is pictured and described on page 169 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition" in which it states that bottom ball pattern air pistols, like this example, are considered extremely rare. The smoothbore screw barrel is able to be loaded from the breech end with lead ball, measures at approximately .33 caliber/8.5 mm, and has a wrench lug/blade front sight and is marked "LIVERPOOL" on top. Floral scroll engraving on the breech, upper tang, sideplates and hammer. Checkered walnut grip. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 8.5 mm

Price Realized:

Rare and Desirable Documented Presentation Quality Engraved and Relief Carved Girardoni System Austrian Repeating Grip Reservoir Air Pistol

Lot 223

Engraved Girardoni System Austrian Repeating Air Pistol

This impressive embellished air pistol utilizes the Girardoni repeating system, and this exact example is pictured and described on page 598 of the book "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition" where it indicates it was manufactured circa 1810-1820. The Girardoni (sometimes spelled "Girandoni") is easily the most famous early air rifle (pistol in this case) or windbuchse largely thanks to the fact that for many years it has been associated with Lewis & Clark and their famous Corps of Discovery Expedition. It is widely believed that they either had a Girardoni or a very similar design by Isaiah Lukens of Philadelphia. The Girardoni was designed by Bartolomeo Girardoni around 1779 and is also significant as one of the first widely used repeating martial arms, with a magazine tube on the right side of the barrel for use with lead balls and a breech block that is able to be pressed sideways against spring pressure for loading/repeating capability. The rifles were notably used by Austrian sharpshooters from 1787-1815. Because the air tanks took around 30 minutes of pumping by hand to bring to full pressure, the riflemen had assistants that repressurized the reservoirs initially and later also had more efficient wagon mounted pumps. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. "JC" and "in Wien" signed on the right lock, and "JC" also signed on the left sideplate. This attractive example is chambered in approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mm and features an octagon barrel with fine twelve-groove rifling, dovetail mounted blade front sight, a walnut stock and a red leather wrapped metal stock reservoir. Features attractive high quality engraving covering the gold finished brass frame depicting a large shield containing a bird with a shield and weaponry, and floral and border engraving with martial motifs on the iron and gold finished brass components. Floral relief carving on the bottom of the walnut stock. More information on Girardoni air guns can be found on pages 598-601 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition". Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 9.5 mm

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Unmarked American Half Stock Ball Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Rifle with Horse Head Patchbox

Lot 224

Unmarked American Half Stock Ball Reservoir Air Rifle

This American muzzleloading air rifle dates to around the mid-19th century. It features an octagon barrel chambered in .40 caliber with five-groove rifling, dovetail mounted German silver bead front sight and dovetail mounted notch rear sight, a bar hammer style lock with external mainspring, double set triggers, half length walnut stock with checkered forend and wrist, brass furniture including a horse head patchbox with engraving, and a large brass ball reservoir. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they produced quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 40

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Unique 18th Century Engraved and Relief Carved English "Flintlock" Ball Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun by Edward Bate of London

Lot 225

"Flintlock" Ball Reservoir Air Gun by Edward Bate of London

Edward Bate (1743-1810) was one of the most talented late 18th century air gun makers and was active in London. He was also among the few who produced high quality air pistols. Though this example offered looks like a flintlock long arm, it is actually a muzzleloading air gun with a copper ball reservoir, and the "flint" is a piece of walnut. Ball reservoirs were in use since the late 17th century and had the added advantage of being easily swapped out. The smoothbore part octagon barrel measures at approximately .50 caliber/13 mm with a swamped muzzle. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder like the flintlocks that this example is modeled after. The barrel has a blade front sight, notch rear sight, "BATE BROWNLOW STREET/LONG ACRE LONDON" marked in a box on top of the barrel, and floral and border engraving on the breech and fittings. The flat beveled step tailed lock is marked "BATE" at the center, with a ring neck cock. The well-figured walnut full stock is carved in relief with a shell at the barrel tang and at the tail of each flat. Floral engraving on the octagon end of the barrel, barrel tang, trigger guard, sideplate and buttplate tang. Includes a brass tipped wooden ramrod. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/444" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 13 mm

Price Realized:

Exceptional Engraved and Relief Carved 19th Century Crank Handle Tip-Up Barrel Gallery Air Gun by Anton Sebert of Carlsbad, Czechoslovakia

Lot 226

Engraved 19th Century Czech Crank Air Gun by Anton Sebert

"ANTON SEBERT/IN CARLSBAD" marked on the top of the frame. Anton Sebert of Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic) was active circa 1850. Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and they also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This gallery air gun has a tip-up octagon barrel that loads from the breech, chambered in approximately .28 caliber/7 mm with a smooth bore, dovetail mounted blade front sight, dovetail mounted adjustable notch rear sight, and is mounted with a walnut stock with high quality floral relief carvings. Flourishes of high quality floral scroll engraving on the barrel at the breech, small fittings, frame, trigger guard and buttplate. It functions through the use of a crank handle (not included) that is inserted in the right side for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir with air, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 7 mm

Price Realized:

Documented Relief Carved 18th Century Unmarked German Top Ball Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun

Lot 227

18th Century Austrian Ball Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun

This unmarked muzzleloading air gun dates to circa 1760 and is attributed as German origin. This exact air gun is pictured and described on page 170 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition". It features a smoothbore round barrel chambered in approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mm, a large brass ball reservoir located on the lockplate placed off center of the line of sight (this is a lesser seen configuration as opposed to others typically having the ball reservoir located on the bottom of the stock), and a half length hardwood stock with brass forend cap, floral relief carvings and a sliding patchbox. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2914" hanging from the trigger guard. Absent sights. Includes a wooden ramrod with horn tip. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 9.5 mm

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Lot 228

18th Century Austrian Stock Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun

This Austrian air gun dates to around the late 1700s and is marked with a maker name on top of the barrel that appears to read either "STIRTIA IN WIEN" (Vienna) or "TIRTIA IN WIEN" due to slight age related fading of the marking, with no related information found on either of the possible maker names. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This example is chambered in approximately .42 caliber/10.5 mm and features a leather wrapped round barrel with a smooth bore, a notch rear sight mounted on the brass frame, an iron stock reservoir, and a walnut stock. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2079" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 10.5 mm

Price Realized:

Attractive Documented 19th Century Exhibition Quality Relief Engraved and Gold Inlaid European Girardoni Style Stock Reservoir Double Barrel Combination Air Gun/Percussion Shotgun

Lot 229

Engraved and Gold Inlaid Stock Reservoir Air Rifle/Shotgun

This European double barrel combination air gun/percussion shotgun features extremely high quality deep relief cut floral engraving and gold inlaid borders on the breech, hammers, action and locks, with fancy gold inlaid initials "J.H." on top of the action. Both of the smooth bores are chambered in approximately .46 caliber/11.5 mm, with the left barrel using a muzzleloading percussion system, and the right barrel being a breech loading air gun with a rising breech block similar to the Girardoni (sometimes spelled "Girandoni") system although single loading as opposed to the Girardoni being a repeater. Pushing forward on the front lever in the trigger guard causes a breech block to rise up out of the top of the receiver for easy loading, and the left lock has a four-position selector for different air power settings. The Girardoni is easily the most famous type of early air gun largely thanks to the fact that for many years it has been associated with Lewis & Clark and their famous Corps of Discovery Expedition. It is widely believed that they either had a Girardoni repeating air rifle (different style of air gun than this example offered, although using a similar system) or a very similar design by Isaiah Lukens of Philadelphia. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting, with this extremely high quality engraved example made for an individual of very high status, possibly even for an emperor based on the level of detail and workmanship. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. German silver bead front sight on the matted rib. No maker markings visible. Leather wrapped iron stock air reservoir. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/460" hanging from the trigger guard. This exact gun is pictured below the caption, "THE PINNACLE OF AUSTRIAN AIR GUNS" in figure 42 of the online article at https://www.beemans.net/Austrian%20airguns.htm with the article stating, "The key feature of the genius of the Girandoni system, a sliding breech block with a ball socket, has here evolved into a concealed, vertically moving breech block with a similar ball socket. The firepower of the long magazine has been replaced with the combination of firepower and dependability of a double-barrel gun with two completely different power sources." Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 11.5 mm

Price Realized:

Panel Scene Engraved 19th Century Stock Reservoir Tip-Up Barrel Sporting Air Gun by Joseph Schembor of Vienna, Austria

Lot 230

Engraved Tip-Up Barrel Air Gun by Joseph Schembor of Vienna

"Joseph Schembor" marked on top of the barrel flat at the breech, "IN WIEN" marked on the lock. Joseph Schembor (1777-1851) of Vienna, Austria is listed as an active "wind" gun maker circa 1808-1848, and was known to have also made some examples of Girardoni (sometimes spelled "Girandoni") system repeating air guns similar to what was used on the Lewis and Clark expedition and notably used by Austrian martial sharpshooters from 1787-1815. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This attractive tip-up barrel example is chambered in approximately .42 caliber/10.5 mm and features a flat top round barrel with a smooth bore, German silver bead front sight, hardwood stock, an iron stock reservoir, and features high quality attractive engraving including a game scene on the left sideplate, floral and border engraving on the brass frame, lock and hammer with a dragon head, and a martial scene on the trigger guard. The breech loading tip-up barrel has a release on bottom ahead of the trigger guard. "1557" and a small circled Austrian double headed eagle symbol marked on the face of the stock reservoir locking ring (possibly an Austrian military/Girardoni stock reservoir?). Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2907" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 10.5 mm

Price Realized:

Game Panel Scene Engraved Early 19th Century Stock Reservoir Air Rifle by Edward James Bond of London

Lot 231

Engraved Early 19th Century Stock Reservoir Air Rifle by E. Bond

"E.BOND, 45, CORN HILL LONDON" marked on the top flat at the breech. Edward James Bond is listed as active under this name at 45 Cornhill between 1816-1825 during the time this air rifle was made, and would be active as "Edward & William Bond" circa 1826-1847. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting, with this high quality engraved example being of the type used by an individual with wealth and status. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This air rifle is chambered in approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mmm and features an octagon barrel with shallow fine-groove rifling, German silver bead front sight and fixed notch rear sight, a rotating faucet breech that loads from the top, and a leather wrapped iron stock air reservoir. Features high quality engraving consisting of line and floral borders surrounding game scenes containing dogs and game birds on the top of the action and on both sideplates, floral and border engraving on the hammer, trigger guard and sides of the faucet breech, and border engraving on the breech. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 9.5 mm

Price Realized:

Unique Documented 19th Century Relief Carved Unmarked Germanic Bellows Crank Handle Tip-Up Barrel Air Gun

Lot 232

19th Century Germanic Bellows Crank Handle Tip-Up Barrel Air Gun

These bellows air guns were generally made in the late 1700s to mid-1800s and were used primarily for indoor target shooting. This exact example is pictured and described on pages 212-213 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition" in which the book states, "Their basic feature is a conical bellows hidden in the hollowed-out wooden buttstock." These air guns use darts that typically have a hair tail. This bellows air gun has a tip-up octagon barrel measuring at approximately .33 caliber/8.5 mm (possibly for use with 8 mm darts with a hair tail) with a smooth bore that loads from the breech and releases with a lever that protrudes through the bottom of the stock ahead of the trigger guard, dovetail mounted blade front and notch rear sights on the barrel, brass peep sight with glass insert mounted on the tang, and is mounted with a walnut stock with a checkered forend and wrist, deeply cut floral relief carvings and ornate brass inlays and furniture. Includes an ebony tipped wooden ramrod and crank handle. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 8.5 mm

Price Realized:

Unique 19th Century Relief Carved, Engraved and Silver Inlaid Bellows Crank Handle Tip-Up Barrel Air Gun by P. Volkmann of Vienna, Austria

Lot 233

Carved and Engraved Bellows Air Gun by P. Volkmann of Vienna

"P. VOLKMANN IN WIEN" silver inlaid on top of the barrel at the breech. These bellows air guns were generally made in the late 1700s to mid-1800s, and were used primarily for indoor target shooting. Information related to these can be found on pages 212-213 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition". These air guns have a conical bellows hidden in the hollowed-out wooden buttstock and use darts that typically have a hair tail. This bellows air gun has a tip-up octagon barrel measuring at approximately .30 caliber/7.5 mm (possibly for use with 7 mm darts with a hair tail) with a smooth bore that loads from the breech and releases with a lever that protrudes through the bottom of the stock ahead of the trigger guard, dovetail mounted blade front and notch rear sights on the barrel, tang mounting point for a peep sight (absent), and is mounted with a walnut stock with a checkered forend and deeply cut floral relief carvings. Floral and scroll pattern engraving on the barrel tang and various brass fittings. Includes crank handle. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 7.5mm

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Lot 234

Unmarked Germanic Ball Reservoir Muzzleloading Jaeger Air Rifle

This unmarked Germanic muzzleloading jaeger air rifle dates to around the late 18th-early 19th century. It features an octagon barrel chambered in approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mm with deep six-groove rifling, a large brass ball reservoir, a lock with external mainspring and double set triggers, and a full length hardwood stock with horn end cap and sliding patchbox. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2093" hanging from the trigger guard. Absent sights. Includes a wooden ramrod (slightly short). Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 9.5 mm

Price Realized:

19th Century Side Lever Gallery Air Gun by Joseph Tonks of Boston, Massachusetts

Lot 235

19th Century Side Lever Air Gun by Joseph Tonks of Boston, Mass

Joseph Tonks was active c. 1860-1868 at 49 Union St., and 1 Marshall St., Boston, Massachusetts. "J. TONKS, MAKER/BOSTON, MS." marked on the top flat at the breech. Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and they also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This gallery air gun is chambered in .22 caliber/5.5 mm with a smooth bore, and has a German silver bead front sight, dovetail mounted notch rear sight and is mounted with a walnut stock. It functions through the use of a right side mounted lever that is pulled back for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 22

Price Realized:

19th Century Crank Handle Gallery Air Gun by Joseph Lurch of New York

Lot 236

19th Century Crank Handle Gallery Air Gun by Joseph Lurch of NY

Brothers David and Joseph Lurch were listed as gallery gun makers in New York as early as 1863. "JOS. LURCH, N.Y." marked on the top flat at the breech. Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. This gallery air gun has a swivel breech, octagon barrel chambered in approximately .30 caliber/7.5 mm with a smooth bore, dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight and notch rear sight, and is mounted with a walnut forend and buttstock with a checkered wrist. It functions through the use of hand crank (not included) that is inserted in the right side for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/792" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 30

Price Realized:

Engraved 19th Century Crank Handle Gallery Air Gun by Joseph Lurch of New York

Lot 237

19th Century Crank Handle Gallery Air Gun by Joseph Lurch of NY

Brothers David and Joseph Lurch were listed as gallery gun makers in New York as early as 1863. "JOS. LURCH, N.Y." marked on the top flat at the breech. Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. This gallery air gun has a swivel breech, octagon barrel chambered in approximately .28 caliber/7 mm with a smooth bore, dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight and notch rear sight, and is mounted with a walnut forend and buttstock with a checkered wrist. Flourishes of floral scroll engraving on the breech, frame and trigger guard. It functions through the use of an included hand crank that is inserted in the right side for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/793" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 28

Price Realized:

Lot 238

19th Century Unmarked Side Lever Gallery Air Gun

Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and they also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This gallery air gun is chambered in approximately .28 caliber/7 mm with a smooth bore, dovetail mounted blade and notch sights and is mounted with a walnut forend and buttstock. It functions through the use of a right side mounted lever that is pulled back for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Caliber / Gauge: 7 mm

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