DALLAS, TX.- A two-auction round-up of Western memorabilia and historic firearms realized more than $1.4 million at
Heritage Auctions following the presentation of important private collections Oct. 25 in Dallas. An Arms and Armor auction featuring The Historic Collection of Gary & Betty Robertson, spanning rare firearms and a collection devoted to 19th century buffalo hunting, sold for more than $1.09 million and Heritages Legends of the West Auction, featuring the John Woods Collection, totaled more than $322,000.
Both collections held rare and unusual items from key historical moments in our countrys founding, said Tom Slater, director of Americana at Heritage Auctions. We offered a strong selection of Henry rifles and collectors were also interested in several rare pieces that told the story of the wholesale slaughter of the American bison.
An Iron Frame Henry Lever Action Rifle, serial No. 119, is one of only 203 iron frame Henry rifles ever manufactured. Made in the spring of 1862, the rifle sold for $84,375. A second Iron Frame Henry from the same, small production run this being serial No. 267 hammered for $81,250.
A Crated Sharps Business Rifle with Shooting Sticks and buffalo hide case sold for $9,375. A Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle, a prime example of the massive large caliber guns that were favored by buffalo hunters for power and long range accuracy (critical because buffalo were notoriously difficult to get close to), sold for $8,125.
The Legends of the West Auction saw a 41-piece Archive by William Walls relating to William F. Buffalo Bill Cody bring $26,250 based on its unflinching documentation on the big personalities and gusto required to settle the American West. An Iconic Shot-through and Signed Playing Card by marksman John Wesley Hardin ended at $18,750 and a Colt Revolver owned and used by the Legendary Oklahoma Lawman Sheriff Bill Tilghman sold for $16,250.
An Important Apache Hide Pouch, gifted by the Famous Chief Geronimo, sold for $16,250 and a Rare and Important 1870 Document Signed by Earp with four lines in his handwriting ended at $15,000.
Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:
A Framed Set of Relics from the Famous 1903 Hanging of the Murder Tom Horn: Realized: $11,250.
The Original Telegram from General Philip Sheridan, delivered to George Armstrong Custer, Asking Him to Join Sheridan and Grand Duke Alexei for Their Legendary Buffalo Hunt: Realized: $9,375.
A Rare Original Mounted Albumen Post-Mortem Photo of a Deceased Jesse James: Realized: $6,000.