Militaria Specialists Pick

Arms, Militaria, Medals & Firearms

Arms & Militaria specialist Chris Large talks about the much-anticipated sale on the 18th June...

The 18th June auction contains one of the finest collections of antique rifles I have handled...some of these fine firearms I have personally been able to enjoy shooting as well as admire them many times when talking with the original owner; I am sad he is no longer with us but very proud to be trusted with the sale of this prestigious collection.

One of the collection’s highlights are the Winchesters - lots 11, 12, and 13. These illustrate the three main phases of mechanism evolution within the famous lever-action Winchester line. Lot 11 - the 1876 (shown below) - shows how special orders could be obtained from the factory and curiously how any desire could be fulfilled including a saddle ring on a fancy grade expensive custom firearm.

 

Lot 11 - Winchester 1876 45/75 lever action rifle

Lot 11 - Winchester 1876 45/75 lever action rifle

 

Also found in the same collection is the Alexander Henry cased double rifle - lot 15; this lot is surely a true illustration of the gun maker’s art, this finely built custom order rifle is extensively fitted out with every possible accessory, all bearing owners marks. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know who the original owner was?!

 

Alex Henry .577/450 carbine with a case

Alex Henry .577/450 carbine with a case

 

Lots 47 and lot 48 are also interesting highlights of this auction. Both these rifles were used during the Boer War and bear the original owner’s marks to the stocks; this is because the Boer army was composed of citizens who had to provide their own rifle, ammunition, horse and provisions for two weeks and therefore the Boers were keen to mark their property accordingly. It is rare (but wonderful!) to know the original owner of a military rifle such as with lot 47.

 

Lot 47 - Mauser 7x57 bolt action rifle

Mauser 7x57 bolt action rifle

 

The Winston Churchill letter folio (lot 164) is, for me, another highlight in this sale; this archive of letters relating to the publishing of Churchill’s books has never been seen before and is a fascinating insight into Churchill’s post-war life.

 

Winston Churchill album of autographed letters

Winston Churchill album of autographed letters

 

Thomas Atkinson’s Silver Nile medal (lot 171) is yet another highlight in this fabulous auction. We originally sold this medal back in 2011 and are pleased to handle the medal again as part of this prestigious auction. Thomas Atkinson was highly thought of by Lord Nelson who personally requested him to be master of The Victory. Atkinson was present at the battle of Trafalgar when Nelson was tragically killed and is depicted in Benjamin West’s oil on canvas ‘Death of Nelson’ now hanging in the Walker Art Gallery Liverpool.

Lot 171 - Davison's Nile Medal

 

 

View the entire auction here.

 


 

Our next specialist sale of Arms, Militaria, Medals & Firearms will be held in September. If you have items you are considering selling please contact our specialist Chris Large who will be happy to advise you - chris@peterwilson.co.uk. Alternatively, see our How to Sell page for information about the selling process and online valuation.

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