Army headquarters flags wave in nearly $18,000

Two U.S. military flags were among the high flying lots at the July 25 Heritage Auction Galleries Dallas auction. The sale brought in $565,000.

Militaria highlights included the United States Army Headquarters Flags of Lt. Gen. John McAllister Schofield, Commanding General from 1888 to 1895. Wowing collectors with their brilliant colors and impressive history, it eventually enticed a buyer to the tune of $17,925. Also, an important medal and document grouping relating to Lt. Col. Edwin Fisher Gardner – onetime Deputy Surgeon General of the United States – went to an erudite collector for $12,550, while a very rare and impressive 1647 Dutch Bronze Gun Tube, with an American Revolutionary War provenance, inspired images of its storied past and brought $11,350.

Other militaria highlights:
First Model, Inscribed, Nickel Plated 1873 Winchester Caliber .44-40 Saddle Ring Carbine, Scroll Engraved in the Style of L. D. Nimschke, #12348, Manufactured Early 1876: While unsupported by a factory letter the engraving is clearly period and in the style of master engraver Louis D. Nimschke. The gun retains 50% of what is, unquestionably, the original period nickel finish; a wonderful gun that is oozing with character, doubtless steeped in history, and worthy of diligent research. Realized: $9,560

Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Documentation Associating it with Texas Ranger Amzy Putman, #332149 Matching, Manufactured 1916:
The gun is accompanied by the original 8½" x 11" State of Texas "Warrant of Authority and Descriptive List" for Putman as a Private in "Company C, Ranger Force, State of Texas" dated December 19, 1919, which has always been with the gun. Putman is described as 6' tall, 23 years old and a "Ranchman" who was enlisted in Laredo, Texas by Capt. W. M. Ryan, who also signed the document as Captain of Company C. Realized: $8,965

An extremely rare and historically important US M1873 .45-70 Saddle Ring Cavalry Carbine #1167 with Provenance to the 3rd U.S. Cavalry:
One of the lowest serial numbers known to exist, this gun was turned in to the Cheyenne Ordnance Dept, Wyoming, July 12, 1879 by Maj. A. W. Evans, 3rd U.S. Cavalry. This information is contained in a report by Lt. W. B. Weir of the Ordnance Dept. sent to the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, describing damage done to 46 Springfield carbines and 11 Springfield rifles that had been shipped to the armory for repair or salvage. It is interesting to note that Weir was killed in action against Ute Indians three months after filing this report. $8,365

Very Fine Late 17th to Early 18th Century German Wheelock Rifle:
A 33-3/8", .58 caliber rifle with deeply rifled bore, octagonal swamped barrel inlaid on the top in gold "J. O. CASPER. DILPP IN STAIN." Realized: $8,365

Top lot of the auction was the small pistol that gangster John Dillinger was carrying hidden in a sock when he was arrested in Tucson, Arizona 75 years ago – six months before he was fatally gunned down in Chicago. It sold for $95,600, more than double the estimate.

The number two lot of the auction came in the form of a true prize for sophisticated collectors of California or Western memorabilia: A most rare, exquisitely conserved Half Seat Saddle by S.C. Foy of Los Angeles, circa 1870, brought an impressive $20,315 total.

CLICK HERE to tell us what you think in the Militaria Message Board