The Colt .44 “Millikin Dragoon” percussion revolver was made within a series of firearms given by the Colt Firearms Company as presentation pieces. Others from the series were given to Russian Czar Alexander II and his two brothers, another to Samuel Colt’s chief engineer E.K. Root, another to US Secretary of War John B. Floyd, and the one here present to Union Army Colonel John Minor Millikin Jr (1834–1862) of the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. It was engraved by Colt’s master engraver Gustave Young. After being killed in action leading a saber charge against Confederate forces at Stones River near Murfreesboro, Tenn., future New York Times editor Whitlaw Reid eulogized Millikin, saying “I cannot feel that I have done justice to the memory of my dead friend, without adding the conviction that by no single blow during the war did the country lose, among her younger officers, one braver, more devoted, more unselfish, more cultured, purer in character or loftier in honorable ambition…he was in some respects of too sensitive and peculiar an organization for the rough ways of common life.” The Millikin Dragoon, a pinnacle of Colt firearm collecting, comes to the block at Rock Island Auction, joining other top lots from around the United States in this week’s picks.
ROCK ISLAND AUCTION
Sale Date: May 3–5, 2019
Lot 8
Colt .44 Revolver, “The Millikin Dragoon”
Gustave Young master engraved cased Colt third model Dragoon percussion revolver with inscribed grip strap. Was made for Union Army officer, Colonel John Minor Millikin Jr (1834–1862) of the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Noted Colt historian R.L. Wilson, called the firearm “one of the classics of Colt collecting.”
Estimate: $1.2/2 million
ROCKPORT ART ASSOCIATION
Sale Date: May 4, 2019
Lot 161
Philip Little (1857–1942)
“The Salt Ship Gloucester,” oil on canvas mounted on board, 1912–13, 36 by 36 inches.
Estimate: $6/9,000
SHANNON’S
Sale Date: May 2, 2019
Lot 93
William Louis Sonntag Sr (American, 1822–1900)
“Mountain Vista with Cabins,” oil on canvas, signed lower center “W.L. Sonntag,” 36 by 56 inches.
Estimate: $12/18,000
KODNER
Sale Date: May 1, 2019
Lot 45
Art Deco Diamond, Pearl and Platinum Earrings
Approximately 10.0-carat total weight. Marquise, baguette and round cut diamond, 13mm South Sea pearl and platinum pendant earrings. Diamonds F-G color, VVS-VS clarity.
Estimate: $8/10,000
THE COBBS
Sale Date: May 2, 2019
Lot 15
20-Inch French Bru Jne Doll
Bisque head on matching bisque shoulder plate. Head is marked “BRU Jne (size) 7 shoulder BRU Jne 7,” she has inset brown paperweight eyes, remnants of fur above the socket openings, painted upper and lower lashes, open/closed mouth with molded tongue, pierced ears and cork pate with long blonde mohair wig. The body is white kid leather with lower bisque arms, and she has an illegible original label on her chest. Original Bru shoes and antique clothing.
Estimate: $12/14,000
MATERIAL CULTURE
Sale Date: May 5, 2019
Lot 75
Hector Hyppolite (Haiti, 1894–1948)
“Erzulie,” oil painting on cardboard, signed, 18½ by 25½ inches sight. House of Heydenryk frame. Provenance: PDC Brands, Connecticut (formerly Parfums de Coeur).
Estimate: $20/40,000
GROGAN & COMPANY
Sale Date: May 5, 2019
Lot 289
Serapi Carpet
Persia, last quarter Nineteenth Century; 14 feet, 9 inches by 11 feet, 10 inches. Provenance: The historic Christopher Manwaring House, Granville, Ohio.
Estimate: $20/30,000
HERITAGE
Sale Date: May 4–5, 2019
Lot 43008
Pre-Revolutionary War “Free Trade” American Tea Caddy
Ex-Florene Maine collection. Historic brass and cast iron tea caddy emblazoned with the political slogan “Free Trade.” The caddy is of octagonal form, 5 by 4¼ by 3 inches with the lid in place. It is made of cast iron. The exterior is covered with a thin sheet of lead onto which the design is etched. One side has a basket, a pair of wine glasses and the initials “J S.” The other side shows a sailing ship with the overhead motto “Free Trade.” The smaller sides show trees, a bird and an anchor. The bottom is stamped “E.T. & Burk No. 1.” Estimated to be circa 1765. Design elements point to a Pennsylvania origin.
Starting bid: $3,000
BOURGEAULT-HORAN
Sale Date: May 5, 2019
Lot 110
Pair of Engraved Neoclassical Andirons
Brass or bell metal, attributed to Charleston, S.C. Each with an urn top above an engraved obelisk-form standard on arched feet. Height 23½ inches. Provenance: Jim Pratt.
Estimate: $3,5/5,500
