Cowan’s Auctions to host 3-Day historic firearms auction

CINCINNATI — Cowan’s Auctions, Inc.is announces a 3-day live salesroom auction of historic firearms, militaria and class III weapons from the collection of Richard Wray. Day one of the auction will take place on April 30 in Cowan’s salesroom and will feature over 90 class III weapons. Wray, a Cincinnati native and former president of The Wray Electric Company in Cincinnati, had been a collector of firearms for over 50 years.

Cowan’s bi-annual Historic Firearms and Early Militaria: Live Salesroom Auction will follow the Wray Collection and take place on May 1-2. This sale will feature a variety of militaria for collectors of all fields. Included in the auction will be American and European sporting arms, rifles, swords, uniforms, and a collection of family military archives.

Day 1: The Richard Wray Collection of Class III Weapons

“This is a great chance for collectors to have an opportunity to purchase some fantastic rare military rifles of the world that have never been on the market,” notes Jack Lewis on the Wray Collection, director, Historic Firearms and Militaria, “They have been in his collection for over 50 years and we are excited to bring these items to auction.”

Featured in Wray’s collection is Hermann Goering’s personal Squarebridge Mauser Sporting Rifle, estimated at $25,000/50,000. Goering was a German politician, military leader, and leading member of the Nazi party. He was convicted of crimes against humanity at the Nuremburg Trials, and eventually committed suicide the night before he was supposed to be hanged. This was Goering’s personal hunting rifle.

Other highlighted items in this sale include a Rare German Parabellum Model LMG 14/17 estimated at $40,000/50,000, a British MKII Bren Gun is expected to bring $25,000/35,000, a Maremont Corp. U.S. Model M60 Machine Gun is estimated at $25,000/35,000, a Colt Thompson 1921A Submachine Gun is expected to sell for $25,000/40,000, a German LMG 15 Na Bergman is estimated at $35,000/45,000 and a Colt Model M16 Machine Gun is estimated at $15,000/20,000.

Days 2 & 3: Cowan’s Historic Firearms and Early Militaria: Live Salesroom Auction

Cowan’s will be offering an Engraved French and Indian War Powder Horn belonging to the prominent Dr. Henry Livingston, Sr. (1714-1799), estimated to bring $65,000/85,000. Viewed from the perspective of a map, the horn depicts a broad expanse of northern colonial frontier – still mostly uncharted wilderness – running from New York City to the French dominion of Canada.

Exceptional muskets will also be featured in the auction. A Barnett Trade Musket is expected to sell anywhere between $20,000/25,000, and a Parker Field & Co. Trade Musket is estimated at $20,000/30,000.

Pistols and revolvers are expected to perform well in the sale. A C.H. Ridgon confederate Revolver is expected to bring $20,000/30,000, a Colt Model 1860 Fluted Cylinder Army is estimated at $15,000/25,000, a Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Percussion Revolver is estimated at $3,000/5,000 and a WW II Colt 1911A1 Semi-Auto Pistol is expected to sell for $5,000/8,000.

For more information about Cowan’s upcoming Historic Firearms and Early Militaria Auctions, or to register to bid by phone, live online or absentee, please visit cowans.com or call our office at 513-871-1670.