Willis Henry Auctions holds first Militaria Auction

Willis Henry Auctions, Inc. held their first Asian Arts & Militaria Auction on Sunday, Nov.16, 2014, at the Holiday Inn in Rockland, Mass., and from all accounts it was a success.

Although the audience was small they were very enthused and most were the high bidders on what they came for. Nearly two-thirds of the auction lots sold to the internet, phone, and absentee bidders. Successful bidders were from all over the world including Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Ireland, Australia and Canada, as well as all over the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Most of the first 100 lots came from a private collection which included many Japanese Samurai swords, tsubas, tantos, and triptychs. Several of the tsubas had the original Christie’s NY tags from the Dr. Walter Compton sale held on December 17, 1992. One of these beautiful tsubas drove a lot of interest. It was carved with shakudo, gold, silver and copper high relief inlay, with a willow tree carved on the reverse. It sold for $3,540 (including the buyer’s premium).

Also in the auction were some wonderful Civil War items including a collection from Captain Francis Edwin Goodwin (Presentation sword, Presentation revolver, carte-de-visite’s and documents) which sold for $10,620 (including the buyer’s premium).

There was a group of original World War I military posters which brought a lot of interest. One of these, a 1917 Uncle Sam “I Want You For The U.S. Army” sold for $4,425 (including the buyer’s premium).

Please see the auctioneer's website www.willishenryauctions.com to view the full catalog, which also includes the sold prices. For any questions or inquiries, please call 781-834-7774 or email wha@willishenry.com.