| CINCINNATI – A Model 1903 Winchester Firearm that Buffalo Bill Cody presented to Aaron Sullivan (est. $15-20,000) is set to hit the auction block at Cowan’s Historical Firearms and Early Militaria auction on October 28-30. Sullivan was the owner of the Lincoln Horse Importing Co. in Lincoln, NE and had a special role in Cody’s success. He was the lead supplier of horses to the Wild West Shows. Another high profile item in the auction is a M1833 Texas Dragoon Officer’s Saber ($40-50,000) that is one of three known in existence and is the only one with its original scabbard. It is also in the best condition of the three known examples. The owner was Spruce McCoy Baird (1814-1872), who was involved in both the Mexican War and the western theater of the Civil War. A Confederate Richmond Sharps carbine, a Palmetto Arsenal pistol made by William Glaze & Co., and a Type III Confederate Morse carbine are a few outstanding Confederate Civil War weapons that will highlight the auction. There are 25 rare Confederate swords including one from the Nashville Plow Works. The auction will feature 250 fresh-to-the-market English, American, German and Australian Bowie knives. Many of the American knives are Confederate D-Guards. One of the largest collections of historic militaria from Rhode Island to come to market in one auction will be included in the sale. It features uniforms, arms and archives spanning the Mexican War through the Civil War. The American Sporting Firearms section of the sale will include more than 150 Colt single-action revolvers including first, second and third generation models. Most are factory engraved and in excellent condition. Single shot rifle enthusiasts will find two percussion target rifles in the sale. The auction further includes mor than 30 high-end sporting guns. As a follow-up to a sale of more than 150 spiked helmets in a May 2008 auction, 50 Imperial German and Russian headgear will be offered. Most of these selections are officer’s models and some of the finest militia helmets ever constructed. The European section of the sale will include a Belgian Target rifle by Lardinois and a selection of 30 pieces of Early Arms and Armour including an early English Stonebow by Sikes. Contact: (513) 231-5115 www.cowans.com |
