An interesting collection of weapons and accoutrements will be featured in our January 21st Auction, ranging from a civil war Remington Zoave Rifle to an Early 19th C. British Bandsman's sword. What truly draws my eye is a salty model 1841 Cutlass made by Ames Mfg Co for the United States Navy. This piece has the look! The hilt is brass with a grip made in a fish scale pattern, with numerical rack marks. The blade is marked with a faint 1842 date. Holding this piece can carry one back to the early days of the United States Navy. Was this cutlass aboard a ship in the African squadron, running down slavers off of Sierra Leon? Did it ride upon a blockade ship during the Civil War? Was it in hands of a boarding party during the war with Mexico? This piece truly speaks to you.
Another military piece which carries a compelling history is the Model 1866 Allin Conversion Springfield Trapdoor. These muskets armed our boys during the Indian Wars of the 1870's. They were lethal, but already obsolete when issued due to a single shot capacity. I imagine this weapon griped by a Pony Soldier fighting the Sioux. Out on the barren plains, he would have been cursing it's limited capability in the face of an enemy armed with repeating rifles.
I have been working on a large lifetime collection of Militaria over the past few months, which we will feature in a specialty auction this Spring. This amazing group spans both time and the continents, it includes everything from revolutionary war uniforms to one worn by an SS General during the second world war. I will share some highlights in the coming weeks. Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
