Military History Brought to Life in Cordier's Summer Firearms and Militaria Auction

July 5, 2018

Cordier Auctions is set to offer nearly 500 lots of antique, modern, and military firearms, as well as accessories and militaria, in its July 2018 Firearms and Militaria sale.

A handsome blued steel Knock About shotgun with silver engraving is expected to be the top lot of the sale, with a pre-sale estimate of $4,000 to $5,000. The firearm was manufactured in Belgium for the New York company Von Legerke and Detmold, which was founded in 1882 and purchased by Abercrombie and Fitch in 1928.  The engraving depicts the Lockwood family crest and motto, as well as hunting scenes of dogs and birds. Matthew Chilton, Cordier’s Director of Firearms and Militaria Auctions, pointed out that the engraving extended to the top lever, “which you don’t see very often.”

Other collectible firearms include a Winchester American Bald Eagle gold model ($1,000 to $2,000), and a sequential pair of American Bald Eagle silver models ($2,000 to $2,500).

Military firearms and collectibles shine at this auction, including an important WWII document. The general directions for the battleship USS Oklahoma were discovered by the consignor in a box of old Halloween decorations. Page three of the document lists soldiers assigned to their ship and their duties; sadly half of those named were killed in the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Other military collectibles include challenge coins from all branches of service as well as police and others, including some with engraving detailing the presenting officer and the occasion. A large collection of US Military patches will be crossing the block, along with a collection of comedic period postcards and WWII German militaria.

Military firearms range from a Mauser Model C96 “Red Nine” broomhandle pistol ($900 to $1,200) and a Japansees Nambu Pistol in 8mm ($600 to $800), to a WWII Springfield M1 Garand ($800 to $1,200), while modern pieces will include a large selection of brand new Winchesters, all unfired in the original boxes, in the rare 375 WIN caliber. 

The sale will also feature an array of edged weapons, signed duck decoys, a rare Daisy #104 double barrel BB gun, a native American arrowhead collection, a custom-made WWII Willy MB Jeep go-cart, and much more.

Bidders will participate in the sale both live at Cordier’s Harrisburg, PA auction house, and through online bidding. A full online catalog of the auction is available by visiting www.CordierAuction.com.