$7,500 BROWNING CENTENNIAL SET AND $5,500 NAME INSCRIBED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY CONVERSION ARE TOP A rare four piece collector’s edition Browning Centennial set realized $7,500 and a name inscribed Remington New Model Army Conversion saw $5,500 in Cordier Auctions' Firearms & Militaria Auction.
Set, it included the Centennial O/U rifle/shotgun, a Hi-Power pistol, a B92 lever action rifle, a flintlock Mountain rifle and 3 knives, all of which were in presentation cases. A bidder in the room won the set with a bid of $7,500 on an estimate of $6,500-$8,500.
Browning dominated the long gun category. A High Grade Model 71 rifle sold at the high estimate of $1,200 while an Auto-5 Classic Light 12 Gauge shotgun with engraving sold within estimate for $1,700. The Browning B-SS shotgun series was well represented. A 12 and 20 Gauge Grade I Sporter both realized $1,600 while a Grade II brought $2,000. Additionally, a B-SS Sidelock in 20 Gauge hammered down at $3,700 while its 12 Gauge counterpart sold for $3,000, both within estimate. An engraved German Drilling with 12 Gauge barrels over a .30-06 rifle barrel was also very popular, bringing $2,800.
The highlights of the Edged Weapon category were a Japanese sword and Pre Civil War saber. The Japanese sword was an army officer's signed Shin Gunto sword in World War II army mounts and metal scabbard with tassel that realized $800. The Pre-Civil War “N STARR” marked Calvary Saber came with a white buff leather belt marked “DINGEE” and realized $1,100. A surprise in this category was a US WWI M-1 Trench Knife that hammered down above the estimate at $700.
Military collectibles were popular once again, including a WWII 65 Mission Decorated A-2 Flight Jacket that sold for $1,200. The jacket belonged to Hershey, Pennsylvania native Joseph Gould, who was a captain in the Air Force from 1942-1945. He served in the 447th squadron/321st bombing group as a bombardier based in Corsica, Italy during WWII. As fate would have it, Captain Gould was grounded during the 66th mission due to illness, a mission from which his fellow crew members and plane never returned.
Other highlighted items included a WWII German Battle Uniform that realized $1,500 and two Japanese Uniforms that each sold for $1,000, all above estimate. These were among a group of seven uniformed mannequins which were part of collection from Maryland. A surprise came in the form of a NSDAP Air Traffic Controller’s Gorget, which after intense bidding sold to an internet bidder for $950. Another item that brought spirited bidding was an Imperial German Napoleonic Era Standard which smashed the estimate of $200-$300 and sold for $2,000. Additionally, a WWI German Medal Bar, two Iron Crosses and Merenti brought $800 while two German Close Order Combat Clasps realized $700. A Civil War Trunk from the 10th Regiment, West Virginia hammered down at $800.
Cordier’s next Firearms and Militaria auction is set for the spring at their auction facility located at 1500 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Consignments including antique and modern firearms, edged weapons and military collectibles are currently being accepted.
Information on Cordier Auctions & Appraisals can be found at www.CordierAntiques.com. Questions can be directed to Cordier Auctions & Appraisals at auctions@cordierantiques.com or by calling 717-731-8662.
