Jesse James pocket pistol, Cisco Kid items headline SoldUSA.com auction An estimated 2,000 quality lots of rare and vintage firearms, militaria, ammunition, Civil War memorabilia, personality items, Winchesters and more are all in an auction now online at SoldUSA.com.
News-Antique.com - Aug 24,2011 - (MATTHEWS, N.C.) – An estimated 2,000 quality lots of rare and vintage firearms, militaria, ammunition, Civil War memorabilia, personality items, Winchesters and more are all in an auction now online at SoldUSA.com. The sale ends Sept. 24. “By the time it’s over this could very well be the biggest auction we’ve ever had,” said David Reichle of SoldUSA.com.
Consignments kept pouring in, even after the auction first went online in mid-August. “I realize part of that is driven by the poor economy,” Mr. Reichle remarked. “People need to get their hands on quick cash for a variety of reasons, and sometimes selling their treasured items is a means to do that. It’s unfortunate, but it also creates tremendous opportunities for collectors.”
Personality items are a popular feature of the auction. Two lots in particular promise to generate much bidder interest. The first is a lot comprising the 1950s-era shirt, bolo tie, guns and holsters worn by Duncan Renaldo, the actor who portrayed Cisco Kid on the hit TV series. The items come with a personal appearance advance advertising poster and certificate of authenticity.
The other is a rare Jesse James collectible – a Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2 nickel-plated .32 caliber Smith & Wesson solid frame singe-action pistol, once owned by Zerelda “Zee” James, the wife of Jesse James. According to legend, Jesse bought the pocket pistol for Zee in 1879 (the same year the gun was produced), to commemorate the birth of their daughter, Mary.
Speaking of weapons, one that is already garnering attention is a 1913 Remington .22 caliber Model No. 4S military rolling block rifle, in the rare ‘Boy Scout Rifle’ variation. The rifle was only produced that one year (1913) of the ten years Remington made the 4S model. This specimen is complete (save for one screw), the action is crisp and the sights are original.
One musket and one pistol are also expected to do well. The musket is an antique U.S. Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket (second model Allin trapdoor conversion model 1866, .50-.70 caliber). Considering its scarcity, the musket has a fine overall appearance. Both sling swivels are present and original, the hammer spring is strong and the actions function perfectly.
The pistol is a circa 1840-1850 British Tower Cavalry horse pistol, with swivel ramrod (which denotes Cavalry use). The .66 caliber smoothbore pistol is 15 inches in length overall, with an 8-inch round barrel. The lockplate is marked ‘Tower’ and has the Crown emblem. It is a stunning example of a large caliber horse pistol from the glory days of British military combat.
Civil War items are surefire crowd-pleasers. This sale features a Union (U.S.) enlisted model 1863 two-piece sword belt plate with applied wreath, unmarked. The non-dug belt plate has a nice mellow patina, with the reverse side being somewhat darker. It also has some expected scratches and dings, plus some wear on the front of the eagle’s breast, but it’s still a nice piece.
