Julia October Gun Auction to Include the Extraordinary Wilson/Kenly Colt Walker A Company No. 210 Revolver

The Julia October 6th & 7th Firearms Auction is being touted as the firearms auction event of the year. One of the many significant reasons for this tout is the recent discovery of an extraordinary historic Colt Walker Revolver. For months now the firearms fraternity has been abuzz about this specific revolver. It is considered to be the most significant Colt discovery in many years. First of all it is a Colt Walker, the most highly esteemed and desirable of all Colt products. It was produced in a very limited quantity in 1847 at the onset of the Mexican War, the result of collaboration between famed Texas Ranger Captain Sam Walker and Samuel Colt. The revolver proved to be one of the most significant military developments of the time. First of all this massive revolver was the most powerful handgun in the world at the time (and continued to be for nearly a hundred years until the development of the 44 magnum of Dirty Harry Callahan fame. Second of all, it was a six shot revolver as opposed to the antiquated clumsy single shot muzzle loading pistols that most other combatants used. Finely, part of its technological genius was its interchangeable parts, till that time all guns were hand made. These were the first manufactured revolvers and thus meant that a cylinder or barrel or other part could easily be exchanged from one gun to another.

With the Wilson/Kenly Walker there is some specific attributes that make this example stand far above all others known. First of all its spectacular condition. The Walker was so revered during its period of use that one of the first actions that occurred as a Texas Ranger fell in battle, was the retrieval of his Walker pistol. The thousand martial Walker pistols originally produced saw a tremendous use in future years. Those few examples that have survived are almost all in extremely worn and well used condition. Very rarely is there even a hint of finish left on the revolver. It is not uncommon to find many or most of the markings worn off, parts replaced, etc. The Wilson/Kenly Revolver however, is in extraordinary condition. Retaining 40-60% of its original finish, and of equal importance, retaining all of the inspector marks, proof marks, and other fragile idiosyncrasies, almost never seen on other surviving Walkers. This resulting masterpiece literally makes it a reference study in what a real martial Walker looked like at the time of issue.

A second very appealing aspect of this important revolver is its impeccable provenance. The gun was originally issued to Samuel Wilson, a private in the Texas Rangers. Not only is it recorded that the Walkers were issued to his Company, Wilson also scratched his name on the brass trigger guard of this most prized of his possessions. Wilson unfortunately died in late 1847 or early 1848 at Jalapa and Major Kenly at that time, Jalapa’s Garrison Commandant and in charge of the hospital, obviously obtained the gun at Wilson’s demise. He kept this and other items he collected throughout the battle for his entire life, and passed them on down to his descendants. The consignor, an octogenarian from Libby, MT first saw the gun in 1941 when he and his Mother retrieved it along with the Walker Flask from the family homestead. It had been in the possession of his Mother’s Aunt (Kenly was a great Uncle to this Aunt). The Colt Walker A Company No. 210 has never been outside the family, nor ever offered for private sale before. October 7, 2008 will be the first time. The Walker will be offered with a $500,000 to $1,000,000 pre-sale estimate, but all bets in the gun fraternity at this time are that it will exceed the $1,000,000 mark. As rare as genuine Walkers are, this sale will actually include two fine specimens. The second Walker is complete and original retaining an honest old brown patina. Of particular note, D Company No. 13 has been handed down through the family of John Z. Lyendecker and carries tremendous history. Lyendecker, fought in the war with Mexico and later became a notable Confederate Officer. This honest original Walker with its great history is estimated at $100,000-$200,000. This sale will also include a fabulous array of other high condition and important Colts. A fantastic cased 1860 Fluted Army with matching stock and accessories, the finest example known, is like brand new with its brilliant case colors and full factory blue. This masterpiece which was one time in the Anderson collection comes to auction with a pre-sale estimate of $350,000-$400,000. An extraordinary engraved nickel and gold 1877 Lightning .38 cal revolver shipped to J.P. Lower, Denver carries a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-$75,000. Another unique Colt revolver is an actual prototype for the rare 1871-72. Open Top Revolver in superb condition, this carries a pre-sale estimate of $55,000-$65,000. An expansive array of other quality Colts are a pair of Colt DA38 cal revolvers, once owned and used by the most extraordinary hand gun shooter in the world, Ed McGivern, who could literally shoot buck shot pellets in the air. This rare brace of historic pistols carries a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$40,000.

The auction action will begin on Monday, October 6th. Featured on this first day, will be the esteemed Doug Smith collection of German Lugers and military. The Smith collection is regarded as one with the finest condition Lugers in the world. Doug Smith for much of his lifetime, has collected and dealt in rare Lugers, and unquestionably, handled more Lugers than any other living person today. His collection of Lugers not only includes some of the most extraordinary high condition Lugers, but also some rare and important historic Lugers. A cased presentation 1902 Luger Carbine is believed to have been presented to Hugo Borchardt from Georg Luger, and as such is the most significant presentation Luger in the world. This pristine Luger Carbine, complete in its original presentation case and all accessories, carries a pre-sale estimate of $150,000-$250,000. Another feature item is a spectacular engraved, gold inlaid Krieghoff Presentation Luger in case, estimated at $75,000-$125,000. A rare and important Stoeger cased 3 pistol set, two Lugers and a Walther Olympian, with 3 interchangeable barrels, carbine stock and scope in extraordinary condition is estimated to bring $80,000-$100,000. Of the vast array of other spectacular Lugers is an extraordinarily rare and highly important DWM Luger pistol, used and carried by Hitler’s personal elite body guards. These pistols have a special flashlight attachment at the end of the barrel that allowed the user to affectively shoot his gun at night, or in a darkened bunker. Only one other example is known to exist today. This one is estimated at $80,000-$100,000. The Smith Collection also includes, rare long arms, one of which is an extremely rare, mint cased J.P. Sauer Luftwaffe Drilling with all accessories. These guns were carried on board the German aircraft and used as survival guns in the event of a crash. This one was never used and in its original case with all accessories is expected to bring $30,000-$40,000.

Julia’s March 2008 auction featured the formidable Class III collection of the late Bruce Stern, it was the largest and finest offering of Class III weapons in many, many years and the tremendous response and successes resulted in a great number of quality consignments for the October sale. Featured are Colt Thompson machine guns, both model 1921AC and 1928 Navy, with their original FBI cases, drum magazines, etc. Pre-sale estimated at $25,000-$35. Also a very nice selection of WWI MGs including a Minty Maxim 1908 with sled mount estimated at $15,000-$20,000 and a Rare Benet-Mercie M1909 with a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-$20,000.

Offered in the afternoon of October 6th, will be an incredible selection of high grade sporting rifles and shotguns. In recent years Julia’s auctions have consistently presented some of the largest and finest groupings of high end quality sporting rifles and shotguns in the trade. However, this sale may very well exceed all previous offerings. The quality, condition, rarity and breadth, of this offering are extremely impressive. Included is a rare and superb cased Woodward Best Quality Sidelock 20 bore O/U 2 barrel set, with 28” and 32” barrels, carrying an estimate of $125,000-$150,000. Many Purdey guns including a fabulous Extra Finish 12 ga with deep relief engraving estimated at $60,00-$70,000. A rare, true pair, of Fabbri side by side 12 ga Pigeon guns engraved by Tomasini carries a pre-sale estimate of $150,000-$200,000. The engraving prowess of “Creative Art” is represented by a magnificent Fabbri Pinless Sidelock O/U 12 ga estimated at $100,000-$125,000. Double rifles are well represented by a Massive 8 bore percussion Elephant Rifle by John Dickson. This exceedingly rare offering is expected to bring $30,000-$40,000. Also, a splendid one of a kind Hoffman Arms 12 bore Paradox rifle with Kornbrath engraving could well exceed the $35,000-$45,000 estimate. The mastery of Rudolf Kornbrath is also featured on a truly spectacular R.G. Owen custom ‘03, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. A fine selection of Winchester M21’s is highlighted by a documented Grand American 20 ga, 2 barrel set in unfired condition with a $40,000-$50,000 estimate. Fabulous Fox shotguns abound with a superb DE 16 ga leading off at $20,000-$25,000. It’s monogram is thought to be that of H.H. Heiser holsters. Parker guns have always been a mainstay at Julia’s. This auction features, among many other quality offerings, a fine DHE .410 on an “000” frame estimated at $40,000-$50,000.
Over 500 lots will be offered on Monday, Tuesday’s sale will also include between 500-600 lots and in addition to the important Colts mentioned previously, day two will also bring a tremendous offering of very select Winchester rifles. Included will be approximately $2,000,0000 of rare and desirable Winchester rifles. Most notable is a spectacular relief engraved Winchester 1886 cal 45-70 with gold wire inlay, and intricate Ulrich signed engraving originally inscribed “Built for Benjamin Taft”. This piece d’ resistance is estimated to bring $175-$350,000. Of equal importance though not ornate is a highly desirable Winchester 1873 1st Model. The gun is in extremely fine condition, but more importantly carries the low Serial Number “13”!!. Pre-sale estimate is $135,000-$175,000. The first Winchester product after Oliver Winchester purchased the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. was the Henry rifle. In the initial development of the Henry, Winchester experimented with different models, each were adaptations of the original Volcanic Carbines. This sale includes one of these extraordinary rare prototypes. The prototype features both Henry and Volcanic attributes and comes from a highly esteemed Winchester collection and is in outstanding condition. Pre-sale estimate is $50,000-$90,000.

Other superb Winchesters include a beautiful factory engraved 1894 Lt. Wt. rifle in extremely fine original condition, $22,500-$37,500. A desirable 1876 Deluxe rifle with British proofs at $30,000-$50,000. How about a outstanding lettered ½ mag 1886 Deluxe, factory engraved rifle with Swiss Butt and numerous special features at $60,000-$90,000. For the rimfire enthusiast, a pristine 1890 2nd Model Deluxe case colored rifle at $15,000-$25,000.

Also included in day two will be the outstanding Marlin collection of the late Lee Clapp. The Clapp collection along with select Marlins from other important collections include a spectacular engraved gold plated 1889 “Presented to H.W. Chester by Marlin Firearms Co. ”Chicago Worlds Fair 1893”, with a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-$70,000. Along with an extremely rare special order Deluxe engraved M1881, small framed rifle. Pre-sale estimate of $55,000-$75,000. A fabulous consecutively serial numbered pair of M1889 Deluxe case colored rifles in near mint condition at $22,500-$27,500 estimate.
Another area in which Julia’s has excelled in recent years is rare Civil War and Confederate objects. Once again, the October sale will include some truly outstanding examples. Notable is the highest grade gold and silver cased presentation Tiffany sword, to Civil War General G. Fred Granger by …. “men of the 9th Maine Vet Vols….” This exquisite Eagle Pommel sword carries an estimate of $100,000-$150,000. Of equal importance is another spectacular high grade Tiffany gold and silver General Officers presentation sword to “General Forsyth”, General and later commander of the “Wounded Knee Massacre”. The sword with highly detailed spread wing eagle cross guard carries a pre-sale estimate of $100,000-$150,000. A fine Civil War Ordinance Rifle with carriage of the type used at Gettysburg, carries a pre-sale value of $40,000-$50,000. An ultra rare Dance confederate revolver with period Dance holster estimated at $25,000-$35,000. A rare 8 star Confederate National Flag “(the 8 star commemorates the entry of Virginia), were official for only one month in early 1861, thus extremely rare and carries a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000. Also included in this sale is the outstanding collection of the late Dr. Frank Miller of Long Island New York. An eclectic collection of quality arms, which includes numerous fine quality European rifles including a fabulous G&H Miniature Fraser Single shot stocked by Tom Shelhammer estimated at $17,000-18,000. In addition to numerous high quality shotguns and sporting rifles are a diverse selection of high condition early weapons. An exquisite cased French sporting percussion rifle by Devisme in superb condition carries a pre-sale estimate of$15000-$25,000. A very rare “ADALBERT” breech loading flint lock rifle is also part of the Miller collection and it is expected to bring $4,000-$6,000. Other early flint arms include a rare and desirable signed P. Moll Kentucky flintlock pistol having a raised carved stock and inlays. This is one of three fine Kentucky pistols in this auction. This one from the Miller collection estimated at $$10,000-$15,000. Of particular note, a magnificent and pristine silver mounted Henry Nock flintlock fowler bearing 1798 hallmarks, take down forearm features with gold embellishments, estimated$15,000-$25,000.

Percussion and flint weapons also include a very rare Elgin knife pistol with a presale estimate of $12,500-$17,500. Also offered are a good selection of early Bowie knifes. A rare and desirable Sheffield gold washed Bowie with ivory handle and carved ivory Pommel in the shape of a black man’s head. Consigned directly from the family and originally purchased by their ancestor in Louisiana where he regularly did business. This rare fine edge blade Bowie carries an estimate of $10,000-$15,000. Another offering is a fine and rare Henry Huber Bowie from Philadelphia with scabbard, estimated at $20,000-$25,000. One of the most unique Indian offerings is an extremely rare turn of the century 23 foot long wooden Makah whaling canoe from the Northwest coast complete with some carved detail and painted ornamentation, estimated pre-sale at $10,000-$25,000.

A small select grouping of rare Indian objects in this sale include an important ancient monolithic ceremonial stone Axe. Originally excavated in Elbert County, Georgia found by B.L. Dodge Hubbs. This important ceremonial axe carries a pre-sale estimate of “$50,000-$100,000. A wonderful ornate carved argillite motif form pipe, from the Haida tribe, estimated pre-sale value of $6,000-$8,000. A large selection of tomahawks and pipe tomahawks, many from the Frank Miller auction will be available ranging in price from $1,000-$5,000 each.

A great number of historic items are also included. One grouping consisting of a trunk, saddle bags, saddles and three firearms are purportedly the final possessions of the renowned outlaws, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. According to paperwork, these effects were acquired from a Bolivian police station some years back, and had been removed from the bodies of the infamous American outlaws after a shootout with the Bolivian military. This grouping carries a pre-sale estimate of $75,000-$150,000. A historically important Sharps rifle forensically proven to be at the battle of the “Little Big Horn” comes from the renowned Custer collection of Glen Swanson and carries an estimate of $150,000-$200,000. One of the most famous of all recent westerns, would undoubtedly have to be the Tom Selleck movie “Quigly Down Under”. This auction includes the Sharps rifle and other accessories used by Mr. Selleck in this iconic film. The estimate on this fabulous lot is unpublished, and interested parties can refer to the Firearms Division of Julia’s. Also included, what is termed by the auctioneers is a Texas Treasure, a very rare presentation Ames sword to “Capt. G.K. Lewis” by his company of Texas Rangers. Lewis was a Mexican War hero renowned Texas Ranger who served under Captain Walker and was also a founding partner with Richard King in the formation of the extraordinary King Ranch in Texas. This sword has recently come from a private family who has owned it for generations. It carries a presale estimate of $85,000-$125,000. Julia’s last sale included a very rare collection of slave badges from the early 20th century which resulted in the consignment of another important collection of well documented excavated Charleston slave badges from Dr. Harry. Hutchins. A comprehensive collection of some very rare examples, this grouping carries a pre-sale value of $120,000-160,000.

Another very popular collectible are objects relating to the San Francisco Gold Rush, this sale includes a number of genuine gold nuggets originally excavated in the 1849 Gold Rush. One such genuine nugget weighing over 6 oz. is estimated at pre-sale value of $125,000-$17,500. Also included are a number of California Gold Rush related images. One good 1/2 plate cira 1850’s Daguerreotype with 13 miners, carries a pre-sale estimate of $18,0000-$20,0000. Another documented ½ plate dag, of two brothers, one dressed in a top hat, the other in miners outfit with a pick axe, holding a large gold nugget, estimated at $15,000-$20,000. Included with these rare images is also a very rare ½ plate dag of General Winfield Scott in civilian attire carrying a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-$25,000. A select grouping of firearms advertising broad signs and memorabilia include two spectacular Winchester Repeating Arms Company cartridge boards. The first an 1888 Model in tremendous condition, carries a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000, the other Double W cartridge board, also in wonderful condition, with a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-25,000.

The sale will include between a 1,000-1,200 lots and currently has a pre-sale value of $11,000,000-$16,000,000. There will be a lavish color catalog available for both days of the auction, Monday October 6th, and Tuesday, October 7th. Each catalog will be available for purchase, $39.00 each, or $75.00 for both catalogs. More details, and later. the entire catalog can be observed at www.juliaauctions.com. A few days prior to the Julia auction, there will be a major 2,000+ lot auction conducted by Poulin Auction Co, (50 yards to the south of Julias). The Poulin Auction Co. will include the second phase of the renowned Bruce Stern collection of military firearms and military accessories. In addition to this, there are a number of other collections and offerings ranging from early flintlocks to 20th Century arms. Details regarding the Poulin Auction can be found at www.poulinantiques.com, or contacting them at 207-453-2114.

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