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#HistoricArms #MilitariaAuction #RevolutionaryWarRelics #CivilWarCollectibles #PowderHorn #AbrahamPerrin #BunkerHill #GeneralJosephWarren #HistoricFirearms #BlackstoneValleyAuctions #RareAntiques #MilitaryHistory #AuctionHighlights #CollectibleArms #HistoricArtifacts
Blackstone Valley Auctions’ Historic Arms and Militaria auction on March 16, 2024, was a resounding success, achieving a 96 percent sell-through rate with 294 of 306 lots sold and a total realized of approximately $292,100. The auction featured items from three lifetime collections in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, spanning military history from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War. The event attracted a global audience, with bidders from Canada, England, Japan, Israel, Hungary, and South America, alongside 45 in-person attendees and nearly 4,000 registered online bidders. Keith Downer, the auctioneer, attributed the success to the fresh, high-quality items, detailed photography, and accurate catalog descriptions that catered to niche collectors.
The top lot of the sale was an intricately carved and inscribed powder horn dated “1769” and marked “Abraham / Perin’s / Horn.” This 15¾-inch-long cow horn, adorned with depictions of soldiers, drummers, and inspirational text, sold for $62,100, far exceeding its $10,000-$15,000 estimate. Abraham Perrin, born in 1752, served in Captain Samuel McClellan’s company during the Revolutionary War, and the horn’s provenance, having never been sold before and coming directly from the family, added to its rarity and value.
Another notable Revolutionary War item was a fragment of General Joseph Warren’s handkerchief, retrieved from the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. The handkerchief, printed with images of King George III, Edward Hawke, and Francis-Seymour Conway, was glued to pasteboard and accompanied by a note detailing its history. It sold for $11,685, continuing its storied journey. A full-sheet Second Act of Congress from 1792, hand-signed by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and relating to the governance of U.S. territories, achieved the third-highest price at $11,378.
Civil War items also performed well, with the uniform of Second Lieutenant George Ellis Andrews leading the category at $5,750. The dark blue coat, complete with brass Maine state seal buttons and matching trousers, was in very good condition despite its age. A Civil War infantry lieutenant’s frock coat from Massachusetts sold for $3,813, while a six-pound shell from Fort Johnson in Charleston, S.C., circa 1681-85, painted with Confederate imagery, fetched $5,658. A Confederate officer’s sword by Thomas Griswold & Co. realized $3,444, and a hand-painted fragment of a Virginia state flag, featuring the state seal and motto, soared to $3,220 against a $200 high estimate.
World War II militaria also saw strong interest. A German Luftwaffe M38 paratrooper helmet sold for $9,200, and a Kriegsmarine Dräger U-Boat escape vest exceeded expectations at $2,952. Both items showed signs of use but remained in good condition.
Historic firearms were another highlight of the auction. A Volcanic Repeating Arms .41-caliber lever-action Navy pistol, circa 1856-57, led the category at $7,475. This Connecticut-made pistol featured walnut grips and a brass frame. A Belgian J.J. Herman Brevete percussion pistol from the 1850s, engraved with foliate designs, sold for $4,485. Unusual firearms also drew attention, including a mid-19th-century self-priming .45-caliber prototype rifle, which realized $6,325, and a full-stock Kentucky takedown rifle by J. Pratt, made of highly figured curly maple, which sold for $3,075.
The auction’s success was driven by its diverse offerings, meticulous presentation, and the rarity of many items. Downer emphasized the importance of accurate descriptions and high-quality photography in attracting collectors. The next Blackstone Valley Auctions sale, scheduled for April 13, will feature a mix of art, antiques, and collectibles, continuing the house’s commitment to quality and transparency. Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For more information, visit www.blackstonevalleyauctions.com or call 508-434-7223.
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