World War II Items Lead Cowan's Inaugural World at War Auction Cowan's inaugural World at War Auction will take place June 22, 2010 in Cincinnati. The sale will be the first of its kind to feature international war regalia from the twentieth century.
News-Antique.com - Jun 03,2010 - Cowan’s inaugural World at War Auction will take place June 22, 2010 in Cowan's Cincinnati, Ohio, salesroom. The auction is the first of its kind to feature international war regalia from the 20th century. The World at War sale offers items from 20th-century conflicts including World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Lots range from firearms and weaponry to war posters and military uniforms.
Cowan’s Firearms and Military Department director Jack Lewis explains, “We decided to do this auction because we felt it was a chance to carve a niche for modern war items that are gaining popularity.”
World War II items lead the inaugural sale. Highlights include a World War II German Navy Ship Tallies that are estimated to sell between $3,000/5,000. This rare lot includes thirty-two ship tallies, including a tally from the German torpedo boat Wolf.
A World War II Johnson Model Rifle is up for bid. Estimated to sell between $2,500/3,500, this twenty-two inch barrel rifle is in excellent condition.
An additional item of interest is the World War II Archive of an American Soldier. Estimated to sell between $2,000/4,000, the lot includes a Colt Model 1911 and German Mauser pistol and uniform. A fascinating record of the Second World War, the archive describes a conflict in which a German POW was shot by an American soldier for spitting in a G.I.’s face.
Historic items of the Third Reich will also be offered. A World War II Nazi German Waffen SS Enlisted Man’s Tunic is expected to bring $2,500/3,500. This item is among many that were consigned by the Portsmouth Museum of Military History in Virginia. Also consigned by the Portsmouth Museum, a World War II German Army Panzer Wrap Piped for Cavalry is estimated to sell between $4,000/6,000 and includes half a mannequin for support and display.
The auction will offer a World War II Japanese Winter Uniform on a full mannequin. Estimated to sell at $600/800, this affordable item includes a tunic, pants, an overcoat, leggings, boots, a canteen, a rabbit fur hat, and a pair of three-fingered mittens.
Lewis comments, “Any of the Japanese uniforms are very interesting, because you rarely see them for sale.”
A Korean War U.S. Army Dress Blue Uniform with Visor Cap is estimated to sell between $600/800. This complete uniform is in excellent condition with CW3 warrant officer shoulder boards and three-fourths a mannequin.
A Vietnam Issued Bowie Exhibition Knife is expected to bring $500/600. This historic relic has a thirty-seven inch blade with both ends terminating into bulbous finials. Also featured is a Vietnam War Era U.S.M.C. Lt. John Kadlecik Archive. Estimated between $1,500/2,000, the lot includes a Mameluke Dress Sword, a Korean War era captain’s uniform, a U.S. Marine Corp Field Officer’s dress white uniform, and a hand-painted cloth banner of flag raising on Iwo Jima.
Regarding the Southeast Asian conflicts, Lewis stated, “I think that the Korean War and Vietnam War objects are going to become very collectible.”
