Centuries ago, the elaborately decorated bronze cannon would have sailed the seas aboard a Spanish ship, mounted to the rail to salute other vessels or warn against danger. Now, with an expected sale price of $2,000 to $2,500, the rare artifact is one of the expected top lots at Cordier’s July 30 Firearms and Militaria Auction, to be held at the company’s auction house in Harrisburg, Pa.
The auction will feature antique and modern handguns, including an FNH Model Five-Seven-IOM pistol (est. $900-$1,100) and a Sig Sauer model P226, (est. $500-$700).
A large selection of World War I and World War II military rifles will also be offered, including firearms from most of the countries involved in the conflicts. Other standout military rifles will include numerous examples of the Model 1903 rifle from U.S. Springfield, Remington, and Rock Island Arsenal, all estimated at $400-$600.
Modern guns are highlighted by a Browning Superposed Grade I superlight shotgun (est. $1,500-$2,500), and a U.S. Springfield M1A rifle (est. $900-$1,200). Winchester firearms also make up many of the long guns expected to bring top prices, including a pre-1964 Model 70 (est. $800-$1,000) and a Model 88 Carbine in .308 caliber (est. $800-$1,000).
The sale is expected to pique the interest of military history enthusiasts, offering a large number of World War I and World War II bayonets, a World War II Japanese Katana (est. $500-$700), and two Burmese Thai Dah swords (est. $300-$400 each). German World War I and World War II artifacts will include medals, a World War II German Army and Luftwaffe dagger (est. $300-$500), and more.
Bidders will participate in the sale both live at Cordier’s auction house and through simultaneous online bidding. A full online catalog of the auction is available by visiting www.CordierAuction.com.