Little John’s Auction is ready to launch their next live auction on September 18th and 19th, 2016. They are presenting an incredible selection of over 1600 lots available for bidding. No reserves are higher than the low estimate on any piece, and many are lower than that. The auction features a selection of superb European firearms, a lifetime collection of cowboy action pistols and rifles, a collection of over 100 hi grade pistols, and much more. Also up for auction is a great offering of jewelry, collectibles, fine art, and even an authentic 18th century pirate’s chest. As part of Cowan’s Auctions, the auction team are one of the premier auctioneers in the country getting hard to find pieces for collectors and delivering fantastic auction prices.
Outstanding Winchesters are one of Little John’s specialities. Lot 206 on the first day of the auction is a fantastic offering that is going to be in high demand. This is a deluxe model 1866 lever action rifle. The full description is “.45-90 W.C.F. caliber, 26” half round/half octagon barrel, deluxe checkered wood stocks, S/N 83978, in overall excellent, all original condition; crisp action, sharp markings, fine bore, adjustable tang sight and flip up ivory bead front sight; bright original blue and fiery original case colors. (Antique).” Bidding on this rare piece opens at $5000 and some great photos are available in the online catalog.
One of the most valuable treasures of the Sept 18th session is the only known luggage cased garniture of English Royal Mail Coach marked flintlocks purchased by the current consignor from Norm Flayderman in the 1990s. This rarity is available for bidding in the online catalog at Lot 226 and the full description reads: “ The set consists of a blunderbuss with a brass barrel by Harding & Son and a brace of 2 matching pistols all showing broad head English proofs and number 328 and 348 engraved on each of the barrels. The blunderbuss is almost 29” overall with a 13 ½” barrel of approximately 1” bore. The muzzle is engraved “For His Majesty’s Royal Mail Coaches” in block letters. The gun is in very good condition with some light cleaning and polishing with a minor old armourer’s type repair to the stock. Well marked and inspected. The pair of pistols measure 15 ¼” overall with 9” brass barrels of approximately 0.6 caliber. Engraved “For his Majesty’s Royal Mail Coaches” in block letters on the edges of each muzzle. The pistols are in good to very good condition with crisp markings and proofs along with 1834 date. The stocks are good with some darkened stain around the pin holes and keys often seen on British military issue flints”. This is a one of a kind and bidding opens at $8750 with high demand expected.
The feature of the Sept 19th auction day is found at Lot 1168. This is an incredible auction buy; a 1860 Henry rifle in military purchase range with SN 7066. Expanding on the description, Little John’s says “with extensive documentation to use by trooper John Haag who served in the 7th Cavalry with Reno’s detachment at the Little Big Horn and throughout the west during the Indian war period. The provenance of this rifle is traced within documents to effect that this rifle was purchased from the descendants of John Haag western pioneer. A copy of John Haag’s obituary dated June 25, 1931 in the Great Falls Tribune states “John Haag, Indian fighter, etc. is dead at 82”. The article states he participated in major Indian campaigns and was acquainted with personalities of the era such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Two well researched binders full of info document Haag’s service from 1875-1881 throughout major Indian War campaigns in the 7th Cavalry and under General Nelson Miles. This rifle remains in very good condition with a dark uncleaned brass and barrel shows hints of blue within its brown patina. Good markings and edges and good butt stock with matching numbers and matching butt plate”. The low estimate is $40000 and this opens for $20000 and will most certainly sell for an exceptional price.
All sessions open at 11 AM Pacific time and a full audio and video stream will be provided to online bidders. Little John’s auction have the expertise to be able to answer all questions on anything from the entire catalog, and are happy to interact with all interested bidders. The auction is faced paced throughout the day so bidders are encouraged to get their maximum bids into the iCollector.com system before auction day.
