American History Up For Auction

TGR Staff

Morphy’s upcoming May 27-29 Auction, Founders & Patriots Militaria, will feature Militaria, Documents, Artwork & Rare Imprints from the Era of the American Revolution & the War of 1812. Items include Richard Butler's Revolutionary War tomahawk formerly in collections of The Tower of London, a circa-1760 .65-caliber Moravian flintlock rifle, and original art from Astley D.M. Cooper to name a few. In addition, up for bid will be Annie Oakley’s custom-made ‘Little Miss Sure Shot’ Stevens Model 44, original documents from the time of the American Revolution, and other extraordinary collector's items from the American Frontier.

The expertly detailed catalogs for all three auction sessions may be viewed on Morphy’s website, auctions start at 10 a.m. ET each day. All forms of remote bidding available, including absentee, phone and live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Private gallery previews by appointment only, in compliance with state and federal guidelines governing the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid live online at www.morphyauctions.com.

Extremely important and fine silver-mounted and inlaid presentation pipe tomahawk signed ‘R. (Richard) Butler’ and inscribed to Lt John McClellan. Extensively exhibited, including at the Smithsonian. Depicted on the cover of ‘Indian Tomahawks & Frontiersman Belt Axes,’ and in several other respected reference books. Estimate $300,000-$500,000

An extremely rare example of ‘New Constructed’ cartridge box produced from 1778 for the Continental Army but stockpiled until 1779, when most were supplied to Washington’s main army during winter cantonment at Middlebrook, N.J. Old paper label applied to box states it was used by Benjamin Hale in the Revolutionary War. Estimate $10,000-$15,000

Circa-1760 .65-caliber Moravian flintlock rifle attributed to Andreas Albrecht (German/Pa.,1718-1802). A counterpart to the famed ‘Lion and Lamb’ rifle. Believed taken by a British troop as a war souvenir or battle trophy. Estimate $125,000-$175,000

Frontier artist Astley D.M. Cooper (American, 1856-1924), 65- x 82-inch trompe l’oeil oil-on-canvas painting of Native Americans (including Sioux Chief Red Cloud and Princess Prairie Flower), with images of a buffalo and Indian relics, 1905. Estimate $75,000-$150,000

Annie Oakley’s (1860-1926) custom-made ‘Little Miss Sure Shot’ Stevens Model 44 .25-20 single-shot rifle, “ANNIE OAKLEY” and “NUTLEY N.J.” [location of Oakley and husband Frank Butler’s first home]. Pictured on three pages of R.I. Wilson’s book about Buffalo Bill. Estimate: $200,000-$400,000

Extremely rare and desirable Singer Manufacturing Co., M1911-A1 semi-automatic pistol, .45 ACP, one of 500 made during WWII, mostly for the US Army Air Corps. Outstanding original example. Estimate $125,000-$175,000

Fresh-to-market, recently discovered H. Fox FE grade 20-bore shotgun with case, near mint and exceedingly rare, one of six made. Engraved ‘CHROMOX FLUID STEEL / SAVAGE ARMS CORP., UTICA, N.Y. U.S.A.’ on tops. Engraved and twice signed by W.H. Gough. First time to be offered for public sale. Estimate $125,000-$200,000.