Morphy Auctions is pleased to announce a special militaria sales event to be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 8, 9, and 10, at the company's Las Vegas, Nev., auction gallery. This sale features the estate collection of a southern California gentleman who had a lifelong passion for all things militaria.
This sale's selection of over 1,200 weapons from the 16th to 20th centuries is truly cutting edge. Swords, rapiers, sabers, pole arms and variations from England, Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Ottoman Empire are on offer. Highlights include Lot #786, an English made, deluxe Indo-Persian officer's sword estimated at $2,500-$3,500; Lot #791, a French First Empire Sapeurs infantry sword estimated at $3,500-$4,500; and Lot #793, a magnificent English Napoleonic era (Prince of Wales) officer's sword estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Collectors will also undoubtedly set their sights on Lot #444, an interesting and ornate 16th-century German wheel lock long gun fitted with an Indo-Persian barrel. This fine firearm is estimated at $1,200-$4,000.
This sale's amazing range of military uniforms, including a full spectrum of coats, vests, pants, shirts, footwear, and other garments, is tailor made for enthusiasts. The 800 lots on offer - representing dozens of countries and periods - all have uniform appeal. Lot #661, a Napoleon I Era officer's tunic, is a standout. This red and black wool dress jacket, estimated at $3,000-$8,000, is ornately constructed and detailed with bullion wire cording and silver-finished ball buttons. And Lot #659, a British Diplomatic or Officer ensemble, is the whole package. This handsome lot, featuring a heavily embroidered black wool tunic, a pair of antique black boots, and red and white plumes, is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.
With over 200 lots of military headgear on offer, this sale's breathtaking range of hats and helmets is certain to make headlines. Two original French Cuirassier or Chasseur helmets are among the top picks in this category. Lot #172, a helmet with three fleur-de-lis, and Lot #173, a helmet with a horsehair plume, are both estimated at $2,000-$4,000. Lot #698, a French 48th of the Line shako cap featuring a white cockade, yellow pom-pom, and star chin scale retainers, will turn heads with its $2,000-$4,000 estimate. And battle lines will no doubt be drawn over Lot #699, a French Napoleonic 95th of the Line shako cap, also estimated at $2,000-$4,000.
Fine and decorative artwork also ranks high in this large auction. Collectors will have the opportunity to decorate their personal barracks with over 100 lots of fine paintings, prints, sculptures, trophies, and other attractive military themed collectibles. Lot #2073, a battle scene bronze by Theodore Gechter (1795-1844) features a fallen man-at-arms, a crouching boar attacked by dogs, and a Renaissance-era lord on a horse, blowing his horn and wielding a sword. This masterpiece, set on a rectangular naturalistic base, is estimated at $2,000-$4,000. Lot #2076, an unsigned and unnamed larger than life mixed marble bust, comes to life with a white marble head and green marble circlet and robe. This stunning work rocks a $6,000-$8,000 estimate. And two bronze Napoleon bust highlights command the auction spotlight. The first is Lot #2074, a stunning, large bust of the leader by Renzo Columbo (1856-85). It features Napoleon in a bicorn hat and the Empire eagle figure at his chest. The piece, inscribed "D Co. 1st Regt. Infty. N.G.P. To The Albany Zouave Cadets, July 21-24 1886," is estimated at $2,000-$4,000. And the second is Lot #2075, a shoulderless bust of Napoleon I signed by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). Houdon was the preeminent sculptor of the French Enlightenment. This piece depicts Napoleon with tousled hair and a headband and is inscribed, "La Majeste/L'Empereur/et Roy/ Fait l'Apres Nature/St. Cloud/1806/Houdon Fit. Circa 1806." This lot is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
Armor, flags, hand weapons, sashes, badges, epaulettes, medals, and other collectible militaria round out this exceptional sale.
"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Greg Martin & Associates on this world class auction event. Greg's reputation and category expertise, combined with our sales, marketing, and operational leadership, makes this an ideal partnership. We both look forward to welcoming bidders from all over the world to Las Vegas for this can't miss sale," said Dan Morphy.
"The breadth and scope of this fresh to the market collection is astounding. I am certain militaria enthusiasts will agree as well. Examples from the early 1600s through the 20th century are all on offer. The collection is particularly strong in edged weapons, headgear, uniforms and selections from the Napoleonic period. There is truly something for everyone in this remarkable collection,” said Greg Martin.
For more information, visit www.MorphyAuctions.com.