The top lot was a pair of Nimschke-style engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 revolvers inscribed for D.B. Dyer that attained $28,750.

Cowan’s Auctions’ historic firearms and early militaria auction May 2″ realized $1.6 million in sales. Nearly 2,600 people from more than 15 different countries bid on the telephone, online and in Cowan’s salesroom.

“We were pleased with the results of this sale,” said Jack Lewis, Cowan’s director of firearms. “This sale was particularly interesting because it had a range of offerings for everyone from collectors to amateur sportsmen.”

The highest selling lot was a pair of Nimschke-style engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 revolvers inscribed for D.B. Dyer, which realized $28,750. These guns were engraved by the shop of superlative firearms engraver Louis D. Nimschke, and illustrate the perfect symmetry of his distinctive scrollwork design.

Among a strong showing by powder horns was this engraved powder horn inscribed to Moses Walcut that fetched $25,850.

A number of powder horns did particularly well in the sale. An engraved example inscribed to Moses Walcut sold for $25,850. An early American Tansel powder horn realized $18,800. A French and Indian War map horn highlighting the Forbes Trail to Fort Pitt sold for $12,650.

A US Army infantry Mexican War shell jacket by Edward O’Brien surpassed its estimate of $7/9,000, and realized $16,100. This jacket came straight from the great-great-grandson of Edward O’Brien, who wore it in the Civil War while serving with the 134th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Pistols and revolvers also performed well in the auction. A Webley Fosbery pistol sold for $17,825, while a Remington Beals Navy percussion revolver in the original cardboard box realized $11,500. A Colt Model 1860 fluted cylinder percussion revolver sold for $12,650.

Additional noteworthy lots in the sale were a Civil War 15th Army Corps Forty Rounds Headquarters guidon, which realized $21,850, and a US Model 1875 Springfield officer’s rifle, which took $12,650. A first model Henry rifle hammered down at $28,750, while an American-style longrifle by Grice of Birmingham, circa 1760‱790, sold for $16,100.

An American-style longrifle by Grice of Birmingham, dated circa 1760‱790, $16,100.

“This auction affirmed Cowan’s role as a leader in the antique and collectible firearms industry,” said Wes Cowan, president and principal auctioneer. “Jack Lewis and his staff continue to organize strong offerings of fresh-to-the-market merchandise that finds an ample and growing number of ready bidders and buyers from around the globe,” he added.

All prices reported include the buyer’s premium.

For more information, www.cowans.com or 513-871-1670.