OLD WEAPONS ARE NOT MERE TOYS, BRIDGES TO THE PAST

There is something profoundly evocative about holding an antique firearm in one’s hands. Whether it is a flintlock Kentucky rifle, a pair of early percussion pistols or an eighteenth century black powder SXS shotgun, these instruments of survival and change evoke both the artistry and skill that went into their creation as well as the cultural values reflected in their intricate designs. They are also windows into historic events and a way for collectors to connect with history and imagine the stories these weapons could tell.

The experts at Richmond antique arms auctions set a high standard for the industry with their unparalleled partnership with TAC for authentication, exceptional item presentation and comprehensive consignment services to facilitate both buying and selling. The company’s auction experience is educational, entertaining and a true transformation of the traditional auction event. The auctioneer, Tom Cox, focuses on the American market and offers an outstanding selection of rare and historic weapons.

For example, an early Lehigh County flintlock pistol features a tiger maple stock, brass trigger and furniture, octagon barrels, punch-dot-decorated muzzle faces and engraved front sights. It was built by John Shuler of Liverpool, Pa., and is documented in multiple reference books. It is estimated to fetch $40,000-$80,000.

A remarkably fine Saxon puffer is among the edged weapons offered, along with a pair of French flintlock over-and-under pistols by Boiron that are C. 1700. Also a wheellock long gun by Jean LePage of Paris and a duckfoot pistol by Blyth London are among the other lots slated to hit the block.

GREG MARTIN FINE ANTIQUE ARMS

Greg Martin is widely considered one of the top antique arms experts in the world. He served as director and leading authority over the antique arms department at Butterfield & Butterfield Auctions from 1986-2002. He founded Greg Martin Auctions – GMA – in 2002 with two former Butterfield veterans, Bernard Osher and John Gallo. The company is a full-service resource for private collectors, institutions and fiduciaries, offering an array of evaluation, acquisition and liquidation services.

The company’s clients benefit from the vast experience of its specialists, who have worked on hundreds of major public and private collections of arms and armor. Their collective knowledge and expertise has been instrumental in helping many institutions and individuals acquire the finest firearms, swords and related militaria. In addition, they have provided expert testimony and valuations to several federal, state and local courts.

Their extensive network of international resources enables them to offer an unrivaled service to collectors, dealers and institutions throughout the United States. The company has a broad base of customers and a reputation for integrity, honesty and fairness in all aspects of business. This reputation has helped to build an international clientele that has spanned generations. It has also facilitated the acquisition of some of the most important private collections in America. In fact, his personal collection was the inspiration for the feature film, In the Blood and the series Son of a Gun.