Cowan’s Auctions tops $1.6M in historic firearms sale

“We were pleased with the results of this sale,” noted Jack Lewis, director of firearms. “This sale was particularly interesting because it had a range of offerings for everyone from collectors to amateur sportsmen.”

The highest selling lot was a pair of Nimschke-style engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 revolvers inscribed for D.B. Dyer, which realized $28,750. These guns were engraved by the shop of superlative firearms engraver Louis D. Nimschke and illustrate the perfect symmetry of his distinctive scrollwork design.

A number of powder horns did particularly well in the sale. An engraved powder horn inscribed to Moses Walcut sold for $25,850. An early American Tansel powder horn realized $18,800. A French and Indian war map horn highlighting the Forbes Trail to Fort Pitt sold for $12,650.

A U.S. Army infantry Mexican war shell jacket by Edward O’Brien surpassed its estimate of $7,000-$9,000, and realized $16,100. This jacket was on the Antiques Roadshow and came straight from the great-great grandson of Edward O’Brien, who wore this jacket in the Civil War with the 134th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Pistols and revolvers also performed well in the auction. A Webley Fosbery pistol sold for $17,825. A Remington Beals Navy percussion revolver in the original cardboard box realized $11,500. A Colt Model 1860 fluted cylinder percussion revolver sold for $12,650.

Additional noteworthy lots in the sale were a Civil War 15th Army Corps Forty Rounds headquarters guidon, which realized $21,850, and a U.S. Model 1875 Springfield officer’s rifle, which realized $12,650. A First Model Henry rifle hammered down at $28,750. An American-style long rifle by Grice of Birmingham, dated circa 1760-1790, also sold for $16,100.

“This auction affirmed Cowan’s role as a leader in the antique and collectible firearms industry,” said Wes Cowan, president and principal auctioneer. “Jack Lewis and his staff continue to organize strong offerings of fresh-to-the-market merchandise that finds an ample and growing number of ready bidders and buyers from around the globe.”

To learn more about Cowan’s and this auction visit cowans.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.