(MATTHEWS, N.C.) – An original United Metal Cartridges reprint lithograph bullet board showing ships and a battleship scene, and with over 170 attached cartridges, sold for $2,938 in an Internet and catalog auction that ended Nov. 20 by SoldUSA.com. Around 2,000 lots of militaria, guns, ammo and hunting and fishing collectibles changed hands in the sale.
The bullet board measured 32 inches by 47 inches. The original, all-correct cartridges were attached with nylon fishing line over the litho images of each shell. Most of the shells were loaded and were not factory. Included was an empty co-powder Gatling round and a primed empty No. 2 shotshell. The board shells were all clean and bright, and only one was missing.
“The market for items in this field is growing in many areas, with an increased number of advertising, ammunition and firearms consignments,” said David Reichle of SoldUSA.com. “We’ve seen a vast increase in the amount of military collectibles, nearly double that of past auctions, and we see a trend for increased growth, especially with the rare and unique items.”
One such item from the auction just ended was a rare and beautiful Imperial German 6-place medal bar set, made around 1880, with all high-grade Imperial medals. These included the Hossaur Red Eagle Order Second Class, the Kingdom of Prussia Order of the Crown, a 20-year Service Medal, a Saxon Albert Order and the Order of Philip. The set hit a respectable $2,910.
Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 13 percent buyer’s premium.
A finely made Martini lever-action single-shot rifle, sporting a 27 ½ inch barrel with an absolutely pristine .45 caliber bore chambered for the 45-70 round, hit the mark for $1,525. The barrel had no markings at all and retained most of its dull blue finish. The dark walnut butt stock was structurally sound and the checkering still sharp. The weapon worked fine in dry operation.
A seldom offered original Peters Referee salesman’s sample 2-piece box hammered for $1,509. The box came with five purple-paper unfired 12-gage shotshells. Each shot was bulged on the end from expanding lead shot. The box boasted all tight corners and edges, with a full label picturing the Peters Referee box and the word “SAMPLES” in bold lettering at the top.
A large, rare Mobil Pegasus outdoor metal sign, measuring 5 feet 9 inches by 7 feet 8 inches, went to a determined bidder for $1,188. The four-piece enameled sign featured mounting brackets on the reverse for wall mounting, and the removable legs were bolted to the body. The sign had been outside, so it showed some rust spots and wear, but its rarity still made it desirable.
SoldUSA.com’s next sale is already online and is slated to end Jan. 22, 2011. It features the standard fare – firearms, ammunition, militaria, advertising and hunting and fishing collectibles – plus a nice selection of rare Buffalo Bill memorabilia. Consignments are still being accepted. To consign an item or collection, call (704) 815-1500 or e-mail [email protected].
Following are just a few of the expected top lots from the sale currently underway. To view all items, or to submit a bid, log on to www.SoldUSA.com.
A pair of wonderful and highly sought-after Winchester posters are up for bid. One was painted circa 1910 by Philip R. Goodwin and lithographed circa 1908. The other one was painted circa 1910 by an unknown artist and lithographed circa 1905. Both were done specifically for Winchester, both measure around 15 inches by 28 inches and both have top and bottom bands.
An original Remington poster depicting a man hunting in the field with quail flying into the sunset is generating strong bidder interest. The piece, with striking and vivid colors, is 18 inches by 26 inches. It has had no restoration work done and has correct top and bottom bands. There is some light wrinkling and very minor edge wear, but overall the poster is immaculate.
A companion piece to the Winchester “20 Gage Shotguns” poster with a short-hair feather-tailed pointer in the foreground should bring high dollars. The piece, measuring 16 ¼ inches by 30 ¼ inches, was produced circa 1906-1907. The edges show some light tube wear to both sides, with some very light soiling overall. The poster has had no restoration work at all.
To learn more about SoldUSA.com and the auction slated to end Jan. 22, please log on to www.SoldUSA.com. The firm is always looking for quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item or an entire collection, you may call them at (704) 815-1500, or you can e-mail them at [email protected].
For more information, log on to www.SoldUSA.com