Showdown Over Historic Firearm at Kaminski Auction
(Beverly, MA) – Kaminski Auctions’ Early Summer Estates Auction, which took place August 22-23, 2009, attracted bidders both locally in Massachusetts and internationally via phone and live online bidding. The auction featured general antiques and fine art alongside a large selection of nautical collectibles. Consignments hailed from estates spanning Massachusetts to Kaminski’s second location in California. (All prices reflect a 15% buyers premium).
Highlighting the sale was a historic rifle originally owned by White Man Runs Him, General George A. Custer’s famous Crow scout at the Battle of Little Big Horn (June 25, 1876). Custer’s scout adorned the rifle with cultural symbols and regarded it as sacred, often using it in tribal ceremonies. This unique firearm measures 47 inches in length. Rapid fire bidding for the rifle shot up to an impressive $21,850 at the auction.
Maritime antiques and memorabilia was also in demand at this two-day auction. Among a fleet of antique model ships, a cased model of the U.S.S. Constitution was most coveted. The highly detailed model features a copper-sheathed hull, a full suit of sails with intricate rigging, carriage-mounted cannons, a long boat and powder casks. The 46 inch model is mounted in a freestanding mahogany display case with marquetry inlay. Bidders were eager to own this faithful tribute to the famed vessel, driving its final price to $6,325.
The auction also offered a diverse array of early American furniture, including an 18th Century Queen Anne highboy. The piece boasts fine brass hardware, walnut construction and cabriole legs on pad feet. Towering at 81.5 inches, the highboy sold at an equally prodigious $9,200.
Fine art offerings included a painting by American artist Antonio Pietro Martino (1902-1988). Martino’s illustrious career included awards from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the American Watercolor Society and the National Arts Club. Pennsylvania Country Road, a signed and dated oil on canvas, brought $9,200.
“Prices realized were strong across a spectrum of fine art, decorative arts, furniture and collectibles. Many great pieces came in through our Tuesday free appraisal days, ” commented Frank Kaminski, owner of Kaminski Auctions. “Bidders were eager to take home their very own piece of this region’s rich maritime history.”
About Kaminski Auctions
Kaminski Auctions, headed by Frank Kaminski, specializes in appraising and auctioning fine art and antiques. As part of a complete estate service package, Kaminski provides expert appraisals, local and national advertising for all sales, competitive fees, and itemized accounting of all transactions for heirs and representatives. In addition to full estate auctions, Kaminski accepts partial estate liquidations, as well as individual pieces and collections for consignment. The firm’s extensive clientele includes museums, historical societies, corporations, non-profit organizations and private individuals. In early 2007, Kaminski launched a second operation in California.
For information, visit www.KaminskiAuctions.com or call 978-927-2223.
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