The pocket pistol purchased in 1879 by the legendary outlaw Jesse James for his wife, Zee James, is expected to highlight the upcoming auction of more than 2,000 quality lots of rare and vintage firearms, militaria, ammunition, Civil War memorabilia, personality items, Winchesters and more.

MATTHEWS, N.C. – An estimated 2,000 quality lots of rare and vintage firearms, militaria, ammunition, Civil War memorabilia, personality items, Winchesters and more are all in an auction now online at SoldUSA. The sale ends Sept. 24.

“By the time it’s over this could very well be the biggest auction we’ve ever had,” said David Reichle of SoldUSA.

Consignments kept pouring in, even after the auction first went online in mid-August.

“I realize part of that is driven by the poor economy,” Reichle added. “People need to get their hands on quick cash for a variety of reasons, and sometimes selling their treasured items is a means to do that. It’s unfortunate, but it also creates tremendous opportunities for collectors.”

Personality items are a popular feature of the auction. Two lots in particular promise to generate much bidder interest.

This shirt and bolo tie, along with guns and holsters—all worn by actor Duncan Renaldo on the TV show “Cisco Kid”—will be another lot that draws interest.

The first is a rare Jesse James collectible—a Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2 nickel-plated .32 caliber Smith & Wesson solid frame singe-action pistol, once owned by Zerelda “Zee” James, the wife of Jesse James. According to legend, Jesse bought the pocket pistol for Zee in 1879 (the same year the gun was produced), to commemorate the birth of their daughter, Mary.

The other is a lot comprising the 1950s-era shirt, bolo tie, guns and holsters worn by Duncan Renaldo, the actor who portrayed the Cisco Kid on the hit TV series of the same name. The items come with a personal appearance advance advertising poster and certificate of authenticity.

Another weapon in the auction that is already garnering attention is a 1913 Remington .22 caliber Model No. 4S military rolling block rifle, in the rare “Boy Scout Rifle” variation. The rifle was only produced that one year (1913) of the 10 years Remington made the 4S model. This specimen is complete (save for one screw), the action is crisp and the sights are original.

One musket and one pistol are also expected to do well. The musket is an antique U.S. Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket (second model Allin trapdoor conversion model 1866, .50-.70 caliber). Considering its scarcity, the musket has a fine overall appearance. Both sling swivels are present and original, the hammer spring is strong and the actions function perfectly.

The pistol is a circa 1840-50 British Tower Cavalry horse pistol, with swivel ramrod (which denotes Cavalry use). The .66 caliber smoothbore pistol is 15 inches in length overall, with an 8-inch round barrel. The lockplate is marked “Tower” and has the Crown emblem. It is a stunning example of a large caliber horse pistol from the glory days of British military combat.

This Civil War-era Union (U.S.) enlisted man’s Model 1863 sword belt plate with applied wreath, will lead the Civil War collectibles in the auction.

Civil War items are surefire crowd-pleasers. This sale features a Union (U.S.) enlisted model 1863 two-piece sword belt plate with applied wreath, unmarked. The non-dug belt plate has a nice mellow patina, with the reverse side being somewhat darker. It also has some expected scratches and dings, plus some wear on the front of the eagle’s breast, but it’s still a nice piece.

Also offered will be a framed Abraham Lincoln 1860 campaign photo print from the original negative, produced in 1956 by the Herbert Goring Studio. The photo print, measuring 10 ½ inches wide by 13 ½ inches tall, is in perfect condition and has been professionally matted and framed under glass (with UV protection). The frame has a ¼-inch ding on the bottom front side.

Also from the Civil War era is a French import Model 1850 foot officer’s sword and scabbard made by Klingenthal, with a 28 ½-inch acid etched blade. The sword features a fancy cast brass guard with D-shaped knuckle guard and a brass mounted steel scabbard in very nice shape. It’s a great example of a sword that was carried into battle by Civil War Infantry officers.

Another sword of note is an outstanding presentation sword and scabbard made by E.A. Armstrong (Detroit, Mich.). The GAR Model 1860 staff and field officer’s presentation sword—having a 30-inch straight blade that is ¾ inch wide at the hilt and tapers to a point at the end, with a diamond cross section—is engraved “to D.G. Nesbit, 1895,” and is in outstanding shape.

An original, unopened 50-count box of Winchester Model 1873 .44 caliber cartridges, fully sealed.

Ammo boxes are a staple at SoldUSA auctions, and this sale’s got some nice ones, like the original, unopened, 50-count, two-piece, fully sealed box of Winchester Model 1873 .44 caliber cartridges. The box top has the correct green label, and graphics include a rifle illustration, the Winchester guarantee and a cartridge illustration. The top and bottom show standard shelf wear.

Powder flasks are also highly collectible, and this auction is featuring an antique eagle pistol powder flask (circa 1860s-1870s), 4 ¾ inches long, double-sided and all-original. The small size flask would have been for .31 or .36 caliber pistols and revolvers. Both sides show a patriotic eagle with a shield over two crossed pistols and with 13 stars spread around an eagle.

Axes, hatchets and knives round out the list of expected top lot categories. Among these is a rare and vintage Marble’s Safety Axe (#2P), with swivel spring-loaded pick head. The never-used axe is 11 inches overall, with a 3 ¾-inch axe head and 2 ½-inch blade. It has the lead-lined safety guard, which is marked “Marble Safety Axe Company, Gladstone, Mich., USA, Pat.1898.”

Also for sale is a rare, vintage Tomahawk hatchet and knife combination with leather sheath (circa 1930, produced in Clinton, Mass.). It is considered to be the most desirable sporting hatchet and knife set by collectors. The 11 ¼-inch long Tomahawk metal hatchet is a copy of the Marble’s Safety Axe, minus the blade guard. Included is the hatchet’s rare brown leather sheath.

Fore more information about this auction, call 704.815.1500, e-mail to support [at] SoldUSA [dot] com or visit the SoldUSA website.

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