Date: Fri 30-Oct-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Civil

Full Text:

Effects Of Civil War First Sergeant Purchased By Unidentified Museum At

Amoskeag

By Rita Easton

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Twenty-three states were represented among the bidders at

the seventh auction held by Amoskeag Auction Company on September 19. Early

birds began arriving at 7 am to preview the items, which were scheduled to

begin crossing the block at 10 am. Six hundred forty-one lots of guns, knives,

and related items were offered for a gross of $151,620. The event was

auctioneered by Jason Devine.

The First Sergeant Edward S. Roberts Civil War grouping, Company F, Second

Connecticut Heavy Artillery, sold well above estimate at $5,500 for the star

lot of the sale. The lot comprised Roberts' keppe, his canteen, cartridge box,

belt, Bible, an ebony and ivory checker set, an old song book, a cast iron

notary seal, and some political ribbons from after the war. A Roberts

Bridesburg musket sold within estimate at $2,200. Both lots went to a Virginia

museum.

A rare Winchester 1873 second model rifle went out within estimate at $3,300

to a Minnesota absentee bidder, and a custom 1903 rifle by R.F. Sedgley also

sold at $3,300 to a New York bidder, well over its $1,8/2,200 estimate. A

Walther G43 rifle estimated at $600/800 escalated to $1,100, with eight

absentee bidders competing, and a Winchester M1 Garand rifle in a good

condition sold within estimate at $1,100.

A Browning grade III semi-automatic rifle (est $1/2,000) inspired brisk

bidding, finally reaching $2,530, purchased by a Tennessee buyer; a Griffin &

Howe magazine rifle in 220 Swift sold within estimate at $2,090 to a

California absentee; a US Colt 1911A pistol with holster and belt sold above

estimate at $770 to a second California bidder; and an Eighteenth Century

double flintlock fowler sold within estimate at $2,310 to a Massachusetts

phone bidder. A custom Mauser sporting rifle went out at $1,540 to a buyer

from Vermont.

Knives were no less in demand, with a Marbles seven inch Ideal selling at

$567.50; and a Remington pocket knife display case more than doubled its low

estimate at $715, going to a Florida bidder.

An A.H. Fox B grade shotgun reached $1,870; an Eighteenth Century French

flintlock Fowler by Hulot, dated 1772, realized $1,870 as well; a collectible

Randall Knife Society limited edition knife with stainless steel blade and a

black micarta handle, mass produced by the Orlando, Florida, based company,

garnered $330; and a miniature flintlock blunderbuss sold at $715.

The four-hour event marked the first full year since the first auction was

held at Amoskeag, with the combined seven sales realizing a total of $675,000.

Looking ahead, Jason Devine noted that the weapon specialty house has

confirmed six auctions scheduled for 1999. Prices quoted reflect a required

ten percent buyers premium.