On October 27th, 2010, Cowan’s will host its Fall Antique and Modern Firearms auction. This 1663 lot sale features a great selection of firearms and firearms accessories from the 16th century through the 21st century, including a fantastic first model Henry rifle, a comprehensive collection of German Schuetzen rifles, and a 16th century Italian Milanese Helmet.
A .44 caliber First Model Henry Rifle is estimated to sell for $85,000/125,000. This rifle descends from the family that originally purchased it in New Haven, Connecticut in 1860. This historic early lever action repeater is remarkable because, incredibly, the gun descended through six generations of the same illustrious Ohio family since its original purchase in 1860 by Samuel Livingston Mather, himself a blood relative of the prominent Mather clan associated with early Puritan Connecticut.
Jack Lewis, Director of Military and Firearms at Cowan’s notes, “It is the most outstanding model to come to the market in years.”
An outstanding collection of Powderhorns are expected to inspire competitive bidding in the auction. A 1776 Frederick Humphrey Powderhorn is expected to bring $5,000/8,000. Another 1776 Powderhorn is estimated to sell for $3,500/6,000. Engraved on the horn is John Darbey His Horn Made at Mount Independence Springs. A French and Indian War Powderhorn engraved, “First I was wore by an ox in full pride but now I am filled full of powder and wore by a soldier” is estimated to bring $1,500/3,000.
An outstanding Gold Inlaid Schuetzen by J.J. Fleischer Zwickit is expected to sell for $20,000/30,000. The rifle is engraved with gold inlays of a hunter, two dogs, and a stag with a cross between his antlers.
Lewis Notes, “This is without a doubt one of the finest German Schuetzen rifles to come up for sale in a long time.”
A German Schuetzen Target Rifle is estimated to sell anywhere from $3,500/5,000. This rifle has a beautifully carved buttstock with a German shooter holding a target. The rifle is also engraved with a banner saying “Fur Svaterland”, meaning for the fatherland.
A 16th Century Italian Milanese Helmet in excellent condition is expected to bring $10,000/15,000 in the auction.
A significant collection of Parker Double Barrel Shotguns will be offered in the auction. A Parker Brothers DHE Double Barrel Shotgun is expected to sell for $1,500/2,500. A Parker Brothers VH Double Barrel Shotgun is estimated to bring $1,200/1,600. A Parker Brothers Trojan Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun is expected to sell for $400/600.
A Full Stock Percussion Kentucky Rifle by John Armstrong is estimated to bring $35,000/65,000. The rifle has a raised carving on the left side of the buttstock and a checkered pattern under the cheek piece.
Cowan’s will be offering a war of 1812 India Pattern Type Musket with bayonet and early brass-barrel pistol is expected to bring $10,000/15,000. The Military Arms of Canada (Historical ARrms Series, No. 1., 1963) discusses the India Pattern Flintlock Musket as the most up to date weapon in Canadian militia service during the War of 1812.
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