Milestone To Host Its First-Ever Premier Firearms Auction
Exceptional 1865 Martial Henry Rifle Among Offerings In March 12 And 13 Sale
March 11, 2022
Over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, Milestone Auctions in suburban Cleveland will conduct its first-ever two-day Premier Collectible Firearms sale. The expanded format answers the call from an ever-growing contingent of collectors who enjoy the historical and design aspects of antique, vintage and modern-era weapons. Day one focuses on higher-end firearms, while day two features a diverse selection of arms that are affordable to most. Its our goal to allow collectors at all levels to participate in our sales by including all genres and price points, said Milestone Auctions co-owner Miles King. We try to keep it interesting for everybody, whether theyre advanced collectors of elite guns or beginners who are just starting a collection and want to do it the right way. They can learn a lot just by reading our catalog descriptions, which are second to none, and by getting to know our team. Were always happy to share our knowledge with newcomers and make them feel welcome in the hobby. In preparation for their first two-day Premier Firearms sale, additional custom gun racks were installed in the gallerys public display area. A survey of the 1,374-lot Premier Firearms lineup reveals a very fine selection of Winchesters (60) including carbines, rifles and shotguns; 80-plus sought-after Colts (some engraved), 16 Brownings, 30-plus Smith & Wesson pistols and revolvers; an exceptional array of militaria, and the jewel in the auctions crown: an 1865 Martial Henry rifle, the first such longarm ever to be offered by the Ohio auction house. An especially fine example, the 2nd Model Martial Henry rifle, manufactured in .44 rimfire caliber, represents what many scholars consider the most advanced U.S. issue shoulder arm of the Civil War. The auction entry has a large two-line barrel address with the serial number 9718 stamped behind the rear sight. Although it is not specifically listed in the Springfield Research database, another rifle of its exact type does appear there with the notation that it was issued to a trooper in Union Company B, 3rd Veteran Volunteers. This historical American rifle is estimated at $35,000-$45,000. Another Civil War-era standout is a Maynard .50 caliber carbine manufactured in 1865 by the Mass. Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass. This outstanding firearm boasts profuse period engraving, including two masterfully executed battle-scene vignettes. Its likely that it was commissioned by one of the notable retailers of military goods and equipage for presentation to an officer who was well connected, politically or financially, said Milestone Auctions firearms specialist Tony Wilcox. The pre-sale estimate is $15,000-$25,000. One of the earliest antique firearms in the sale is a rare, cased revolving rifle manufactured ca. 1820 in London by Elisha Collier, the gunsmith who inspired Samuel Colt to produce his fabled Colt Paterson revolver. The rifle to be auctioned was crafted in .58 rifled caliber with a five-shot manually rotated cylinder, a full ribbed barrel and percussion ignition. It is soon to be documented in a Frank Graves treatise on Collier firearms. The highlights continue with a stunning Winchester .44 rimfire Model 1866 saddle ring carbine in very fine condition with a full magazine and two barrel bands. It is a great rarity, noted Wilcox. Most of these guns were heavily used, but this one is an exception. It is in superb original condition. Another dazzling Winchester, a Model 1876 .45-.75 WCF Centennial rifle, was manufactured in 1882, at the height of the Indian Wars on the Western frontier. Its barrel is well marked with manufacturer information, the model number and patent dates. It will convey with important documentation: a 1973 factory letter signed by T.E. Hall, curator of the Winchester Gun Museum, confirming the guns 1882 shipment date. Its line of provenance includes the esteemed Larry Jones collection. Smith & Wesson fans are not likely to miss the opportunity to bid on a rare 320 revolving carbine manufactured 1879-87. Bearing the serial number 336, it comes from a documented total production run of only 977 examples. From the last decade of the 19th century, a very fine .38-.40 WCF Marlin Model 94 musket is reportedly one of 80 that were shipped to Bureau County, Ill., for prison or jail security and, in some cases, emergency use by deputized county residents. It comes with a 1960 factory letter confirming it to be a musket made in 1894. A fine Singer Model 1911A2 presentation pistol, .45 ACP, is from the original 500 that were manufactured in 1940 under an educational contract to enable the companys Elizabethtown, N.J., factory personnel to familiarize themselves with the pistols manufacture. Hence, it has no serial number or military acceptance proofs; however, the expectation was that there would eventually be government orders of this model for use by the U.S. military. The list of notable military firearms includes a U.S. Model 1903 1924 Olympic rifle, a U.S. Model 1903 National Match 1939 presentation rifle, a U.S. Springfield Sporter with paperwork, U.S. M1 Garand rifles and carbines; a Stevens trench shotgun, more than 10 German Lugers, Mauser broom-handle pistols, and many more. There is also a large selection of rare ammunition, including many full boxes. Milestones auction will be held at its gallery located at 38198 Willoughby Parkway, Willoughby (suburban Cleveland), Ohio. The start time will be 10 a.m. ET on day one and 11 a.m. ET on day two. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the internet through Milestones bidding platform, LiveAuctioneers, Proxibid, AuctionZip or Invaluable. For additional information on any item in the auction, call 440-527-8060 or email info@milestoneauctions.com or visit www.milestoneauctions.com. All images provided by Milestone Auctions.
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