Gatling Gun brings $395,000 in Heritage $3.1+ million Civil War & Arms weekend

DALLAS – A U.S. Colt Model 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun, a limited production weapon tracked by its #207 serial number as a documented U.S. Army purchase, sold for $395,000 in Heritage Auctions' Dec. 14 Arms & Armor Signature Auction in Dallas. The auction capped a three-day, three-auction weekend of rare Civil War and Militaria collectibles which realized a combined $3.16+ million.

"Collectors' demand for fresh-to-market firearms and Civil War relics with strong provenance always brings strong results," said Tom Slater, Director of Americana Auctions at Heritage. "All three auctions held something for every collector."

A Confederate Griswold & Gunnison .36 Caliber Percussion Revolver sold for $22,500 to take top lot honors in Heritage's Dec. 12 Civil War & Militaria Signature Auction. The gun appeared at auction with its original Confederate brown leather holster in "untouched 'attic' condition." An extremely rare Civil War Recruitment Broadside Seeking African-American Soldiers, circa 1863, also sold for $22,500 following interest from 14 bidders. A rare letter written and signed by Confederal General Stonewall Jackson, and sent to General Joseph E. Johnston on March 16, 1862, sold for $20,000.

One of the auction's most anticipated lots was a Superb Civil War Uniform & Colt Dragoon Grouping of Major Edward M. Mobley 7th Maryland Infantry, which sold for $18,750. Mobley's wonderfully complete set included everything from his regulation double-breasted wool frock coat to his Colt 3rd Model Dragoon percussion revolver to his leather-faced glass flask with fitted pewter cup.

The Dec. 13 presentation of the Stephen Saathoff Civil War & Militaria Collection was primarily led by military uniforms and caps, including a Commercially-produced 14th Forage Cap issued by New Hampshire in 1862, which sold for $20,000. The rare piece of Civil War headgear was preserved in very fine condition and still retained its original leather chin strap. A Calvary Officer's Frock Coat, accompanied by a group of items owned by Captain Luman G. Pierce of the 8th Illinois Cavalry, sold for $18,750. A Forage Cap retaining its Original 2nd Corps Badge and Regimental Insignia of the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, sold for $17,500 and an amazing McDowell Pattern Forage Cap showing off a large bullet hole sold for $15,000. The shot led to the death of Captain Willard C. Kinsley a 25-year old brick maker from Somerville, Massachusetts, who enlisted on April 19, 1861 and was killed on April 2, 1865 as a member of the 39th Mass Volunteer Infantry.

Shortly after the Colt Model 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun sold in Heritage's Dec. 14 Arms & Armor Signature Auction – achieving a record price for a Model 1877 Bulldog – a fine U.S. Colt Single Action Army Revolver sparked a bidding war between six buyers who pushed the sale price to $62,500. A rare UMC Cartridge Display Board, dating to the late 19th century and featuring a desirable elk scene, sold for $40,625. Leading a fine selection of cased firearms, a Sam Colt Engraved Model 1851 Squareback ended at $37,500. The special firearm was presented by the Colt Company itself to Park Pittar, a relative of the owner of London's prestigious firearm retailer Charles, Nephew & Co.

For more information about Heritage Auctions, visit HA.com.