Date: Fri 11-Dec-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DAVIDS

Quick Words:

Amoskeag-postsale

Full Text:

Amoskeag postsale

(with cuts)

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Antique and modern firearms, along with Civil War

memorabilia was offered at Amoskeag Auction Company on November 29. The sale,

which featured over 800 lots, was well attended with a standing room only

crowd on hand. As the sale was about to begin, auctioneer Jason Devine

apologized to those in the capacity crowd who were unable to obtain a catalog.

"We printed more than we usually do," said Devine, "but the interest has been

so great that we ran out of them."

A broad selection of long guns ranged from commemorative Winchester lever-

action rifles to the star lot of the day, a James Purdy self opening side-lock

double ejector twelve gauge shotgun. Civil War items included numerous

firearms, swords, buckles, badges, and a regulation jacket.

While there were numerous antique rifles and shotguns which proved to be

extremely desirable, the knowledgeable crowd looked over the James Purdy with

an admiring eye. The desirable double barrel shotgun featured full coverage

English floral scroll engraving on the action, top of the barrel and on the

opening levers. An old letter from Purdy indicates that the shotgun had been

made around 1905 and that in fact it was still in the original configuration.

Condition on the piece was very good with the barrels and action retaining

roughly 90 percent of the original blue color with only light pitting under

the fore end of the barrels. The walnut stock showed light wear, but was

described as being in excellent overall condition.

Devine referred to the Purdy as a "wonderful double by one of the world's most

prestigious makers." The desirable shotgun carried a pre-sale estimate of

$6/8,000, yet was hammered down after considerable interest at $11,650,

including premium.

Another of the antique long guns which attracted a great deal of interest was

a Winchester High Wall Scheutzen 32-40 cal. rifle. The rifle retained an

interesting single family history originally belonging to a German immigrant

named Schmitt. The rifle was highly customized around the turn of the century

with the stock being cut and modified, an additional piece of walnut added,

and a brass Swiss butt plate. Double triggers were also among the numerous

other modifications, although the auction gallery noted that all alterations

to the gun were made during the period of use. Schmitt was an active target

shooter from New York, known to shoot in the Scheutzen Fest shoots and also

the Central Park shoot in 1891 for which he took home a silver trophy. An

interesting side note was that Schmitt graduated with a law degree from NYU

while he was in his 70's and he remains the oldest graduate ever at the

university. The lot opened for bidding with an absentee bid of $1,750 and

moved quickly in $50 increments to a selling price of $2,090.

Other long guns sold included a Winchester Model 21 Tournament Skeet twelve

gage with two barrels selling at $3,850, a Winchester 7x57 caliber double

express rifle $2,750, and a custom 1922 M2 Springfield 22 caliber rifle

brought $1,870.

Pistols included a Smith and Wesson custom engraved and gold inlaid 357 magnum

with silver plated grips selling at $1,650, a Colt SAA Bisley model revolver

$1,320, and a Luger 1906 American Eagle pistol bringing $945.

Numerous swords were offered with a model 1860 Cavalry Officer's Saber marked

Tiffany with etched blade depicting a spread winged eagle being hammered down

at $2,970, a rare U.S. model 1850 staff and field Cavalry officer's sword by

Hortsmann $2,530, and a presentation model 1850 awarded to a Maine officer

realized $2,750.

Civil War items did well with a rare artillery limber (ammunition) chest for a

six pound cannon topping the list at $1,650. A Civil War drum by Porter

Blanchard of Concord, N.H., which retained the original manufacturers label

brought $1,265, a Civil War regulation artillery shell jacket $1,320, and a

Civil War period non-regulation size Cavalry Guidon flag sold for $467.50.

Other Civil War period items included a nice stag handled sword cane with a

plaque denoting that it was owned by A.E. Scutt of the 151th Regiment N.Y. The

unusual cane was sold, with a copy of the soldiers state record, at $945. An

officer's regulation red silk sash with embroidered initials sold to a phone

bidder at $467.50, a bridle leather saber belt with model 1851 belt plate

$742,50, and a New Hampshire Civil War soldier's identification tag realized

$852.50.

Prices include the ten percent buyer's premium charged. For further

information contact Jason Devine at Amoskeag Auction Company, 250 Commercial

St., Unit 3011, Manchester, N.H. 03101, (603) 627-7383.

--DAVID S. SMITH