Around the Web: James Julia Auction

Revolutionary War Minuteman "Francis Carr" Powder Horn

This exact horn is pictured in Tom Grinslade’s Powder Horns: Documents of History. Grinslade properly describes this historic horn as follows: The caption on the horn reads, “MARCH * 14 * 1775 * FRANCIS CARR*,” a date which indicates that the horn was made prior to the conflict at Lexington and Concord, perhaps when Carr first joined the Minutemen. The Royal British Coat of Arms, a hell-horse, a panel with the bust of a man labeled “CARR,” along with several birds, a snake and a deer decorate the horn. Pvt. Francis Carr marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, in the Minuteman Company of Capt. Ebenezer Colby in Col. Johnson’s Regiment. During his service of six days, he went from Haverhill to Cambridge, a distance of about 35 miles, as listed in theMassachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War. The total number of men who are reported in the records to have marched on the Lexington alarm was about four thousand. Francis Carr, 1751-1821, was the father of U. S. Congressman James Carr and the founder of a Bangor, Maine political family. Carr was born in Newbury, MA moving to Haverhill and represented Haverhill in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Bangor. A copy of text referenced where this horn is pictured is also included. There is a similar Revolutionary War horn with a much later 19th Century brass spout from powder flask on display with Revolutionary War arms at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The word “Washington” appears to be a later addition on “freshened” inscription. 

SIZE: 13″ l x 2-3/4″ d at base. 

CONDITION: Very good overall. One iron tack slightly raised. Minor insect damage as can be seen in photos. 49851-1 

(6,000-9,000) 

"Citizens Fire Co." Scenic Decorated Fire Bucket

New England first quarter 19th century. The leather fire bucket with handle on iron rings, nicely decorated depicting a fireman fighting a fire in a 3 story building beneath a band marked “Citizens Fire Co.” in fine black calligraphy on oyster white ground within black perimeter above the word “RELIEF” in a foliate banner. The bucket in age darkened salmon red paint, the interior in early gray/green over original black. 

SIZE: 11-3/4″ h x 81/2″ d. 

PROVENANCE: Wayne Pratt, Woodbury, Connecticut to a private collection. 

CONDITION: All elements original, one lug appears restitched, all other stitching original and intact. Excellent untouched dry original paint with age appropriate minor abrasions, very good overall. 49974-6 

(5,000-10,000)

Queen Anne Cherry Flat top Highboy

1740-1780, probably north coast of Connecticut. Cabriole legs with creased knees and pad feet. Apron of lower case deeply scrolled with foliate center device. Lower case consisting of a full width drawer over 3 box drawers. Upper case with 5 graduated drawers below a bold projecting cornice with an attached acceptance molding which corresponds to the acceptance molding of the lower case. Brasses and locks are original. Secondary wood is white pine. Apron scrolling and secondary wood predict a Stonington, CT area origin. Inclusion of double acceptance molding with outset aspect indicate an early date. 

SIZE: Lower case 39-1/4″ case w 19-1/2″ d. Upper case width 36-1/4″ w 18-1/4″ d. Overall 75″ h. 

PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon of Old Lyme, CT. 

CONDITION: Very old, possibly original finish. Two applied returns to proper left side of cabriole legs not present, otherwise highly intact with some age shrinkage to sides of upper case. Lacking 3 locks in upper case. 49597-2 

(15,000-20,000)

Queen Anne Cherry Tilt top Tea Table

Circa 1775. Chapen scroll with turned shaft with suppressed ball at base with tripod type cabriole legs with pad feet. Constructed with three board top. Materials are cherry with ash cleats (probably replaced) and maple top block. 

SIZE: 27-1/2″ h, 33″ dia. 

PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon of Old Lyme, CT. 

CONDITION: Older refinish. Cleats probably replaced and replacement to pad feet. Significant wear to pad feet. Old refinish. 49476-45 

(800-1,200) 

Queen Anne Heart Decorated Pipe Box with Drawer

Mid 18th century coastal Connecticut. This poplar example with heavily scrolled sides, front and back carved with an inverted pierced heart hanger above the deep well. The box fitted with a single dovetailed drawer joined by rose head nails on an overhanging base with molded edge. The box with original Spanish brown wash. 

SIZE: 19-1/4″ h x 5-3/4″ w x 4″ d. 

CONDITION: Proper crest left ear restored. Old crack repaired, re-glued on base, otherwise good. Painted surface original as noted. 49974-21 

(2,000-4,000)

Copy and photos from James Julia.

Around the Web: James Julia Auction

Below are some of the items that were offered this week at the James Julia Auction, Session2.

Revolutionary War Era Tricorn Hat

A difficult object to find for the Revolutionary War collector is an original tricorn hat. The cocked hat was the most popular form of gentleman’s headgear circa 1750-1800. This particular piece of headgear is in fine condition with a hand sewn polished cotton liner, hand sewn leather sweatband, cockade, ribbons and felted edging. The cockade device exhibits a hand embroidered six-pointed star sewn over most likely a brass or pewter button. There is an old pasted ink label inside crown which reads “ASEL STEERE’S PROPERTY”. The research included locates an Asel Steere born 1780 in Gloucester, RI, dying in 1871. Asel had two older brothers William and Richard who would have been 16 and 17 years old at the close of the war. Asel’s father, Stephen, was a Quaker and pacifist and did not serve during the war. Also in records is listed in the 1777 military census the names of 15 different Steere’s including an Asa all aged 16-50 that were able to bear arms. Regardless of who originally owned this hat, if not Asel, the hat still appears to be correct and of the era and we have never see another contemporary tricorn offered for sale and overall condition is excellent for display. 

PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon, of Old Lyme, CT. 

CONDITION: Very good overall. Insect damage to scattered areas. Nap on velvet ribbons and edging worn and only about 50% intact. Lining and sweatband both fairly sound. 49476-125 

(6,000-8,000)

Two Indian Axes and a Pipe-Tomahawk

This grouping consists of 1) a forged pipe-tomahawk, 18-1/2″ overall, with stamped decoration (head 6-3/4″, 3″ wide). Haft is old, but probably a later addition with brass band at mouthpiece and teardrop-shaped piece at eye along with two long triangular brass insets below head. 2) spiked hatchet on 21-1/2″ haft, head measures 7-1/2″, appears hand forged. 3) Celt with good patina 4-1/2″ long, 3″ across with later attachment to haft with repaired rawhide strapping 18″ overall. 

PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon, of Old Lyme, CT. 

CONDITION: 1) head has iron patina with rust and pitting. Is loose and slides back on haft. Mouthpiece appears to be a more recent addition. 2) chipping and reductions to one upper corner. Haft exhibits hand worn patina and is well fit. 3) Celt appears to be excavated relic with patina and some chipping on cutting edge as can be seen in photos. Rawhide and wood banding for attachment are broken and re-glued to affix as a tight unit for display. 49476-80 

(2,000-3,000)

Revolutionary War Powder Horn Used by Minuteman Oliver Buttrick at the Battle of Concord, April 19, 1775

In untouched, original condition and inscribed “Oliver Buttrick, OCT. 1774”, this important powder horn was carried at the first battle of the American Revolution. Early in April, 1775 word was passed on to the British command that rebel colonists had amassed arms and powder now hidden in Concord, MA. Lt. Col. Francis Smith was commander of about 700 British army regulars in Boston and on the morning of April 19th an expedition would march from Boston to Concord to capture and destroy these arms. Word of this action was discovered by the colonists and immediately spread to local militias. ...See more here.

PROVENANCE: Oliver Buttrick, 1774, James P. Hughes, Windham, NH before 1883, Robert Thayer, 1994. Exhibited at the Concord Historical Society Museum, 2014 at the “Shot Heard Round the World” Exhibition. 

CONDITION: Very good with original surface, minor cracking and chipping near lip. Wood bezel has two chips which are well patinated as can be seen in photos and glass cover lens has a vertical crack. Original bailing wire loops are still present with smooth iron patina. 49789-5 

(20,000-50,000)

Copy and photo from James Julia.

Around the Web: James Julia Auction

James Julia Auction is having 3-Day winter Fine Art, Asian and Antique Auction. Below are some items from Day 2, February 4, 2016.

Rifleman's Pouch and Powder Horn

Attributed to the York, PA., area, circa 1800. 7" x 8" leather pouch having a flap decorated with stylized tulip, belt having a strap holding a 13" screw top powder horn. Horn is nicely polished with fine turned screw top and domed button top end. SIZE: As noted above. PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon, of Old Lyme, CT. CONDITION: Small leather accessory straps have breaks and repair, main strap is intact, pouch has some cracking and leather loss but generally intact for its age. 49488-8

Estimated Price: $800 - $1,200

This hunting rig was bought from John G. W. Dillin, author of The Kentucky Rifle published by the NRA in 1924. There is a series of letters 1942-1943 with Dillin stating "The bag will be in your possession in a short time, and it's fine. The best old horn & bag I ever saw on any bag". Dillin also sold a copy of his illustrated 1924 book which also accompanies this lot. The fringed brown leather bag has a large over the shoulder strap with iron roller buckle. The bag has attached brass powder measure, vent pick and brush along with a primitive skinning knife which is brass mounted from old sword parts, bone grip with rusted 7-1/4" dagger point blade. Accompanying this lot is an old tag which reads "The late Capt. John G.W. Dillin, author of THE KENTUCKY RIFLE, once owned this outfit and used it in the field for squirrel hunting". Also included is an 8x10 photograph of Dillin holding a Kentucky rifle. PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon, of Old Lyme, CT. CONDITION: Bag is fairly sound, though much of fringe is dry and portions missing. Strap holding horn has glued repairs as does over the shoulder belt. Knife exhibits highly rusted and pitted blade. Horn has bulbous top, measures 13" with a wood, acorn-shaped plug, horn with good age patina. Accompanying book has page marked with a similar rig pictured. Book is sound with good decoration on cover, faded spine with foxing. 49488-2

Estimated Price: $2,000 - $3,000

Last half 18th century. Lot includes: 7" x 9" leather bag with strap holding pick and another accessory all held on by chain. 9" powder horn is also attached by straps and is decorated with circles, bird and pinwheel type design. Accompanying the lot is a 4-1/2" priming horn, 5-1/2" bullet mold, and 7-1/2" handled knife. SIZE: As noted above. PROVENANCE: Estate of Siro R. Toffolon, of Old Lyme, CT. CONDITION: Some repair, generally intact, very good. 49488-7

Estimated Price: $1,000 - $2,000

Copy and photos from James Julia, Day 2.

Around the Web: Jim Kibler Kit Gun Project Update

Art received a notice this week on Jim's gun kit update.  Below are a couple of photos that appear on Jim's blog. More information on this project can be found here.

Photos from Jim Kibler's blog here.

Around the Web: James Julia Auction

Below are just two of the examples of items that will be for sale at the James Julia Auction in mid-March 2016.

A.S. Beck Kentucky Rifle (Paul Tudor Jones II Collection)

Fine Set Of Jacob Kuchenreuter Target/ Holster Pistols Converted To Percussion in Fine Case with Accessories

Along with these items are Confederate made revolvers, Bowie Knives, Colt from “Johnson County Wyoming Range Wars”, English stopping rifles. More information can be found here.

Around the Web: American Indian Tomahawks by Harold L. Peterson

American Indian Tomahawks by Harold L. Peterson is now online from The Smithsonian here. Multiple download options are offered.

Around the Web: Houston Harrison Rifles and Pistols

We have been asked to post this for Houston's son Barry. He is in the process of pricing and selling some of weapons his father built. If anyone is interested, call Barry at 615-943-5588 for details, photos and prices.

We believe these Scottish pistols by Houston are still for sale.

Photos by Jan Riser.

Around the Web: Sam Birchfield

Sam Birchfield, veteran moonshiner of Graham County, NC, 1910

Around the Web: Hooton Pagnell Hall - 300 Years of Collecting

Mark and Lucianne Warde-Norbury found a mass of family treasures and possessions that had been accumulated over 300 years by their ancestors after they inherited Hooton Pagnell Hall.

The above painting of Windsor Castle from the Thames with figures in the foreground by Paul Sandby, signed and dated 'P Sandby 1802', is being sold off by the Warde-Norburys and is thought to be worth £60,000

The sale includes this cased pair of 22-Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistols by H.W. Mortimer & Co., London, that date back to 1800 and are thought to be worth £8,000

The Warde-Norbury's treasure trove includes a first edition of The Nuremberg Chronicle, which is the most extensively-illustrated book published in the 15th century. It's said to be worth a staggering £30,000

This English doll is worth around £15,000

A painting by Richard Gibson of Sir Patience Warde is also up for sale

This room at Hooton Pagnell Hall was full of an incredible collection of items including old drums, stuffed animals and even a dinosaur head.

Bonhams is to sell selected contents of Hooton Pagnell Hall near Doncaster in South Yorkshire. The sale, Hooton Pagnell Hall - 300 Years of Collecting, will take place in London on 1 December.

Hooton Pagnell Hall, parts of which date from the 13th century, has been home to the Warde family for over 300 years. Successive generations have added to the contents and the house is a fascinating reflection of changing taste and fashion over the centuries. The current owner, Mark Warde-Norbury, is selling a selection of objects in order to create space for all the things he and his family love to have in their country residence, while setting up the Hall for the next generation.

Hooton Pagnell Hall - 300 Years of Collecting includes Old Master and 19th century paintings, fine English furniture, ceramics, Chinese works of art, silver, jewelry, books and important manuscripts and those unique items only to be found in an English country house.

Copy and photos can be found at The Daily Mail. Additional copy from Bohams which will be handling the sale.

Around the Web: Lt. Paul Crawford, WWII Flying Tiger

There is an interesting article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution about Paul Crawford's time in the second group of Flying Tigers.

Around the Web: Frank House

A Virginia Longrifle, .50 caliber 46" swamped octagon barrel, flint lock, maple stock, iron patina finished furniture, made and signed by Frank House. Stocked in dense maple, this beautiful flint longrifle is made in the style of the Lauck family, of Winchester, Virginia. Trimmed in hand made iron furniture, this rifle is a thing of beauty. Hand made by the well known contemporary maker, Frank House. The swamped octagon barrel is 46" in length. The swamped octagon barrel is thickest at the breech, tapers to a narrow waist, and flares slightly at the muzzle. The .50 caliber bore is cut rifled with seven equal lands and grooves in a slow twist for a patched round ball. The muzzle of the barrel appears to be coned to provide easy loading. Stocked in maple, the stock has a deep patina finish on both the stock and iron furniture. Hand carved, hand shaped, neatly hand inlet, this is a unique flint longrifle. Raised and incised carving form a cameo wrist, setting the comb above the wrist. The satin smooth finish has been hand rubbed to a mellow sheen. The forend is decorated with a raise carved moulding that runs above the entire length of the exposed ramrod, making the long gun look even more sleek and slender. In near new condition, but finished to appear as a well used antique. The top view shows the flared comb that joins the wrist. The raised cheek piece is cleverly angled to recoil away from the shooter's face. A silver oval thumbpiece inlay adorns the wrist, ready for your initials. The tang ends in a pointed finial, and the tang screw has the screw slot aligned with the barrel. The bottom view reveals the toe of the rifle. No toeplate is fitted to this rifle. Instead the toe of the buttplate extends slightly past the toes of the stock to help prevent damage to this fragile area. The hand forged triggerguard is mounted with a combination of pin and screw. The slot is neatly aligned with the barrel. Just to the rear of the triggerguard a small feather hole has been placed into the wood, this feature is seen on many original rifles. This hole is to carry the feather that was used to plug the touch hole during the evening to prevent moisture from wetting the powder. The ramrod pipes are hand forged with octagon flats. The tapered ramrod has a folded sheet metal tip on the hidden end. This tip is threaded 10-32 to accept loading and cleaning accessories. We would suggest using a loading and cleaning rod to save wear and tear on this nicely fitted ramrod. The unique flint lock has a hand forged appearance with a Germanic influence. The early style lock has a octagon pan with no pan bridle. The lock has a strong mainspring to throw a shower of sparks in the pan. This flint rifle shows a few scratches on the frizzen from use. The double lever double set triggers are properly tuned to fire from the set or unset position. You may cock the lock before or after setting the triggers. Further assisting the process is a stainless touchhole liner that has been installed in the barrel behind the pan. Internally coned the liner allows the main charge and priming charge to come very close together, it quickly transmits the heat and radiation of the priming charge resulting in fast, positive ignitions. The sideplate is neatly shaped and fills the side panel. The buttstock has an attractive geometry. Raised and incised rococo carving is found on either side of the cheek piece. The lock panels are tapered widest at the rear, correct flint long rifle geometry. The thumbnail finial of the breech plug is surrounded by raised and incised carving in a Fleur-de-Lis design. The butt is fitted with a hand forged iron patch box. The patchbox has the distinctive shape used by the Lauck family of Virginia. The head has a four petal flower head with heart shaped piercing. The side panels and door are engraved with a folk art style. The stock is finished with a hand scraped finish. Raised and incised carving extends from the wrist, below the cheek and into a raised carved scroll design.    

Sold on Gunbroker $5,750.00