A $391,000 Winchester, a $339,250 double rifle, and a $43,125 Singer 1911 A1 semi-automatic pistol all sold in Julia’s March 14th and 15th firearms auction and prove the old adage, “One good thing begets another.” In October of 2009, Julia handled the Wellington collection of Winchester rifles. In the collection were two great engraved and gold inlaid Winchester rifles that grossed over $300,000 for the two. They originally belonged to a close personal friend and hunting companion of Theodore Roosevelt, Col. Archibald Rodgers. The exciting results were enthusiastically received by the collecting fraternity. Recently, as a result, distant cousins of the Rodgers family learned of the success and contacted Wes Dillon at Julia’s firearms division. They indicated they had a similar rifle purchased by their ancestor at about the same time Col. Rodgers got his. Based on their cousin’s success, they were enticed to sell theirs. In the original photos, the gun, which had been stored for many years, appeared to be in marginal condition, but did in fact have extraordinary, deep relief engraving and gold inlay by master engraver John Ulrich. Dillon gave a conservative estimate of $50,000-100,000, and the rifle was immediately shipped. Then the gun was properly cleaned and well marketed. On March 15th, a host of collectors competed for it, and the gun realized a phenomenal $391,000.

Another star of the auction, the Westley Richards .577 Nitro Double Rifle, which at one time belonged to Ernest Hemingway, also came to the auction as a result of a previous success. Last fall, Julia’s handled most successfully the President Theodore Roosevelt Fox shotgun that sold for a world record setting price of $862,500. The resulting fanfare was eventually noted by a lady in southern Florida who reasoned if a double barrel owned by Roosevelt could bring such an extraordinary price, perhaps her rare double rifle owned by the famous author Ernest Hemingway may also bring a strong price. She, too, contacted Wes Dillon. The gun was an exciting addition to the sale and it stimulated tremendous interest in the sporting world. Estimated for $150,000-200,000, the final sale price was $339,250.

Julia’s October, 2010 auction included a very rare 1911 A1 semi-automatic pistol manufactured for use in WWII by the Singer sewing machine company. Singer produced only a small number of these arms, so they are considered a great rarity, and even more so if they are in superb, original condition, which the October of 2010 pistol was. It carried a presale estimate of $20,000-35,000, but condition and rarity drove the price to $80,500. Again, fanfare regarding the sales results resulted in another Singer pistol coming Julia’s way. This one, not as good a condition as the first one, but every bit as rare, carried a presale estimate of $30,000-40,000, and sold for $43,125.

The sale overall was a bellwether of the current firearms collecting industry this year sending a clear message to the collecting world that the firearms fraternity has been rebounding very strongly. The extraordinary record prices scattered across a vast array of firearm niches, together with an ever-increasing number of bidders returning to the chase with a renewed enthusiasm and excitement, all bode well for the firearms collecting world. The low estimate of everything sold in the March 14th and 15th auction was just over $7 Million, and the total realized was $10 Million!

Julia’s firearms auctions consistently include an outstanding array of arms from nearly all the important collecting niches. Session I began with Class III weapons in which the top seller was a German MG-42, made by Maget. Estimated at $20,000-30,000, it sold for $23,575. An MP-40 Submachine gun by Steyr, estimated at $14,000-16,000, brought $23,000. The more contemporary Colt M-16 A2 Commando, estimated at $12,000-15,000, sold for $16,750.

The next category offered featured extraordinary sporting rifles and was headed by the famous Hemingway Westley Richards .577 cal, NE. This desirable gun, made around the turn of the century eventually ended up in Hemingway’s hands. He used it on his famous African safari in the 1950s, which was featured in Look Magazine. A recent book on Hemingway’s guns included an interesting anecdote about his Westley Richards. Apparently, during WWII, Nazi submarines frequently surfaced along the Cuban shoreline near fishing boats to requisition fresh fish, current newspapers, etc. Hemingway and a group of friends in a tavern one night concocted the idea that they would like to go hunting for U-Boats. Purportedly with the blessing of the OSS, they acquired Thompson machine guns, satchel explosives, and drifted along the Cuban bays and shorelines hoping for a sub to surface nearby. The plan was to wait until U-boat attendants crawled out of the climbing tower to negotiate for fish, then open fire with the Thompsons, use the satchel explosives to blow up the sub, and as a backup, Hemingway decided to bring along his massive .577 NE double rifle. If it could stop an elephant, or rhinoceros, he reasoned it could probably punch holes in a U-boat. Fortunately or unfortunately, Hemingway and his cohorts never encountered a U-boat.

A Holland & Holland 8-bore double rifle hammer gun, estimated at $20,000-30,000 sold for $37,375. During his lifetime, Robert Petersen of Petersen Publishing Company, amassed one of the more formidable firearms collections in the world. Recently the NRA added the Petersen wing to their famous museum. In it is featured a number of arms from this renowned collection which had been donated by the family. This auction included some important items from the Petersen estate. His lavish gold inlaid Rigby double rifle engraved by Ken Hunt, cal .470, carried a presale estimate of $80,000-120,000, and sold for a final bid price of $80,500. His fabulous Preater, Holland & Holland Royal Deluxe .458 Rim Mag rifle was estimated at $50,000-70,000, and went out at $69,000. Also from the Petersen estate was an extraordinarily rare small bore IVO Fabbri, best quality sidelock O/U, 410 ga shotgun estimated at $80,000-120,000, which sold for $97,000.

Select arms from the Walker Inman estate were also included. Walker was an orphaned child adopted and raised by Doris Duke. His estate included some superb shotguns, such as a true pair James Purdey 28 ga, extra finish game scene engraved shotguns that carried a presale estimate of $80,000-120,000. They sold for $115,000. Also included was his exquisite pair of J. Purdey extra finish game scene engraved 16ga shotguns, which carried an estimate of $100,000-150,000 and sold for $109,250.

A superb offering of high art bolt action sporting rifles including an extraordinary Winston Churchill stocked and engraved custom Remington Model 700 left hand rifle, cal .280,estimated at $15,000-25,000 sold for $16,100. Churchill was one of the finest sporting rifle engravers of the 20th century, and this gun was not only embellished with engraving by him, but stocked and produced by him.

High-grade American shotguns included a Winchester Model 21 Grand American factory upgrade small bore set. Estimated for $55,000-75,000, it sold for $69,000. A beautiful restored Parker AAHE estimated at $35,000-55,000 brought $40,000. Normally Parker V-Grade shotguns do not bring exceptionally high money. However, when it’s in the scarce and highly desirable .410 ga, it’s a different matter. One fresh market example estimated at $17,500 – $27,500 brought $21,850. Some years back, Julia’s handled the majority of the collection of Jay Huber, renowned Remington scholar, collector, and author. This auction included a few remaining guns from his estate, most of which were shotguns. A model 1894 Remington Grade D boxlock with two sets of barrels was estimated at $3,000-5,000, but went out at $7,475.

The sale also included a superb offering of approximately 50 Browning arms, most of which had come from a single-owner private collection. Nearly all were in superb, frequently unused condition, and brought strong prices. A Browning C-Series sideplate, F-1 exhibition O/U 20ga estimated at $12,500-18,500 realized $20,700. Another Browning presentation P3S, Superlite, O/U 410ga carried a presale estimate of $14,000-18,000 and sold for $21,850. A desirable Browning Midas Grade, Superlite, O/U in 20ga, estimated at $12,500-17,500 saw considerable bidding competition and realized $35,075. A rare diminutive, special order exhibition Browning Custom Shop, auto .22 rifle, embellished with beautiful gold inlays was estimated at $15,000-25,000 and sold for $18,400. Exceedingly strong prices were also attained for Browning bolt action rifles. A rare Olympian, Mod/Cal .284, was estimated at $12,000-15,000 and finally sold at 24,150. Other Olympians did very well including a cal .222 estimated at $7,000-10,000, and realized $20,700.

The first session concluded with an excellent offering of Marlin rifles, most of which came from the collection of George F. Peters. His scarce factory engraved Model 93 Deluxe lever action rifle was estimated at $20,000-25,000 and realized $34,500. His very rare Deluxe factory engraved Marlin 1897 was estimated for $15,000-20,000. It was highly competed for and sold for $31,625.

Day 2 began with what was probably the finest offering of volcanic firearms ever presented at auction. The volcanics were the first successful lever-action firearm. The company was eventually purchased by Oliver Winchester, a shirt manufacturer who began producing his Winchester rifles based on the volcanic design. Winchester has become the most renowned manufacturer of rifles in the history of North America, and quite possibly the world. Many of the volcanics in this offering came from the esteemed collection of Dr. Edmund Lewis, scholar, author, and collector of rare volcanics and Winchester rifles. Dr. Lewis, together with a good friend recently completed a special book on volcanic arms, which will be printed shortly. He and his wife recently decided to move to a new home in Idaho, and elected to dispose of some of his collection.

His fine, cased New Haven volcanic #1 pistol, including an original cartridge tin, was estimated at $12,500-17,500, and sold for a strong $31,050. An extremely rare volcanic pistol carbine from his collection that was estimated for $30,000-40,000, sold for $43,700. The most expensive volcanic, from another collection, was a rare engraved New Haven volcanic #2 Navy sized lever action pistol with ivory grips. Estimated for $30,000-40,000, it sold for $51,750.

Of course the high point of the Winchester offering was the Ulrich engraved Robert H. Coleman example mentioned early on in this article, but other Winchesters also performed exceedingly well. An outstanding Model 1886 Deluxe lever action rifle with spectacular and vibrant case coloring was estimated at $45,000-75,000, and brought $97,750. A recently discovered 1876 “1 of 1000” was estimated at $75,000-125,000 and sold for $80,500. And a beautiful Kornbrath engraved Winchester custom high-wall single shot, 22 cal. rifle estimated at $50,000-70,000 went out at $57,500. A martially marked Henry rifle with an estimate of $40,000-50,000 went out at $46,000.

The next category was a wonderful assemblage of rare Colts and these also did not disappoint. An extraordinary set of three Kornbrath engraved gold inlaid Single Action Army revolvers, once owned by the President of Argentina, Marcelo T. Alvear, came to the auction with a $300,000-400,000 estimate, and sold at $345,000. An exceptional Nimschke engraved Colt SAA revolver estimated at $60,000-80,000 was the subject of tremendous competition by enthusiastic Colt collectors. It ultimately sold for $161,000. A rare cased Colt Model 1855 sporting rifle in spectacular condition carried a presale estimate of $80,000-120,000 and went out at $92,000. Another single action of considerable interest was the Samuel Lum Hart Colt with an exceedingly rare Tombstone, Arizona holster. Hart started a gun shop in Tombstone and was there doing business at the time of the gunfight at the OK Corral. In fact, his shop was not very far from the corral. Hart would recondition military Colts, but before doing so, would identify each gun with a stamp of his which included his first two initials “SL” and the shape of a heart symbolizing his last name. This particular Colt had been his personal Colt handed down through the family. Because of its Tombstone provenance, it carried a $65,000-85,000 estimate and sold for $63,250. A stunning Colt model 1860 fluted Army in magnificent condition was estimated for $50,000-80,000 and realized $63,250. And an equally extraordinary Colt London Model 1862 Police, estimated at $55,000-65,000, sold for $63,000.

Good Remington arms were also hot. A rare model 1890 Single Action Army estimated at $20,000 to $30,000 went out at $37,950. A beautiful engraved model 1890 Single Action with estimate of $40,000 to $60,000, realized $43,125.

Another mixture that has sold well over the years are the rare Civil War arms, and here again were some tremendous results. From the Fred McDonald estate in Houston, Texas was a beautiful solid sterling Tiffany presentation sword to Major General Lewis Merrill that carried a presale estimate of $85,000-125,000. After a tremendous bidding battle, it went out at $241,500. Immediately following the sword was a group of a photographs relating to Merrill. Estimated at $10,000-15,000, the lot sold for $11,500. Also from the McDonald estate was an extremely rare Confederate Staff Officer’s button referred to as “CS2”. It carried a strong presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000, but because of its rarity brought $24,150. McDonald’s rare Texas Tyler rifle, SN 604,estimated at $30,000-40,000, realized $69,000. His rare Dance Confederate Dragoon-sized revolver, estimated at $40,000-50,000, went out at $60,375. An interesting lot of period Indian items that included beaded bags, peace pipes, and a couple of tomahawks descended from the collection of Temple Houston, the son of the illustrious Sam Houston, 1st Governor of the state of Texas. Temple became a lawyer with highly gifted oratory skills. He was an extremely colorful individual, sometimes resembling a dandy, but was in no way soft. On one occasion, after a heated debate with a competing lawyer in the courtroom, he met his adversary in a nearby bar and challenged him to a gunfight in which he succeeded in shooting him dead. Houston died at a young age in 1905, and an illustration of his Indian collection dated 1905 was included in a Time Life series on Western figures in the 1970s. Many of the items illustrated in that 1905 photograph were included in this lot, which was estimated at $20,000-30,000 and sold for $69,000.

The Julia Company has probably sold more firearms from the famed Battle of Little Big Horn than any other firm in the world. In fact, ten years ago they sold the most expensive item to ever come off the battlefield, a Model 66 Winchester rifle (forensically proven to have been used at the battle) which brought $682,500. This recent sale included a historic Spencer carbine with Indian tack decoration and matched up to two separate spent casings found on the battlefield, thereby forensically proving to have been used at the battlefield. This historic Western gun was estimated at $85,000-125,000, and sold for $138,000.

Another niche that performed admirably was a selection of Kentucky rifles. Included in this sale was a recently rediscovered extraordinary inlaid Kentucky rifle by John Small of Vincennes, Indiana. Originally from the Kindig collection and illustrated in his book, it was estimated at $45,000-65,000, and set a new world record auction price for a Kentucky at $184,000. From the same family came another former Kindig rifle, a relief carved Nicholas Beyer golden age Kentucky estimated at $20,000-30,000, which sold for $40,250. An additional interesting item was a beautifully engraved 18th century powder horn from the estate of Dr. Garcelon of Augusta, Maine who formerly was the head of the NRA. Garcelon was an avid hunter who traveled all over the world hunting and even hunted with the former Shah of Iran. In the 1980s, Julia’s first major auction included the estate of Dr. Garcelon who was an avid collector and put together a marvelous collection of firearms, all of which sold with great success. At the time, his son and daughter had kept a couple of things of their father’s. One of those, which they recently elected to let go of was this 1777 dated powder horn. The horn was masterfully engraved with houses and depicting various New York scenes. Most notable was the fact that the horn belonged to Jonathan Huntress (and so inscribed) and was with him in 1777 in the near fatal winter at Valley Forge. The horn was estimated for $10,000-20,000, and sold for $20,700.

Julia’s auctions are always preceded by his sisters auction company sale. The Poulin Auction Company, with their auction facilities approximately 50 yards away regularly hosts a 3-day sale consisting of middle market firearms of all variations and types. This sale included around 2,000 lots and generated just over $2 Million, thus making the entire 5-day event between Julia’s and the Poulin firm the largest firearms auction event in the world this year so far at $12 Million!

More details regarding this auction can be had by visiting the Julia website at www.jamesdjulia.com. Julia’s next firearms auction is scheduled for October and is now accepting consignments for that sale. Julia’s next major auction event takes place in early May, and will feature an expansive and diversified collection of antique toys, dolls, advertising, vending machines, music machines, salesman sample, and scale model steam engines. Featured in that sale will be a fabulous scale model, 19th century locomotive and tender consigned by the Coleman family (the same consignor of the fabulous $391,000 Winchester rifle). Coleman’s ancestor had been an iron ore millionaire who decided to branch out into the oil business. During the late 19th century as he began to attempt his railroad empire, he had four such scale model steam engines produced and decorated and given to his children. This is one of them. For more information or to place offers on unsold items, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, February 3-4, 2011 ~ There is little doubt the economy is on the upswing. Optimism and energy so real you can almost touch it. Such was the atmosphere at Julia’s recent antiques & fine art auction. Despite a chilling “Nor’easter” two days prior that dropped another foot of snow on the already blanketed state, Julia’s facility was packed to the brim with eager auction goers. Many in the standing room only crowd were clearly in awe as many lots reached prices reminiscent of pre-recession. The two-day event presented a marvelous array of nearly 400 American & European paintings together with a full day’s worth of furniture, folk art, and accessories from collections and estates from across the country. Of particular note, the sale marked the final installment from the famed Woolworth Collection, from which Julia’s has sold innumerable objects from their immense compound on the shores of beautiful Cobbossee Lake in Monmouth, Maine. During the late 19th and early 20th Century the Woolworth Department Stores were one of the most famous names in department stores both here and in Europe. Since the early 20th Century, the family has owned an expansive compound on the lake consisting of twenty-six buildings that were filled with elegant antique furnishings and superb paintings. A few years ago, the family began to downsize their holdings. As the homes were sold, the antiques therein were consigned to Julia’s. Recently the final remnants of the compound were sold and Julia’s was once again called in to handle the balance of their vast antique collection.

In addition were selections from the museum and private collection of Dorothy-Lee Jones. Mrs. Jones’s husband is a direct descendent of the famous Revolutionary War General Artemas Ward and both she and her mother during their lifetime had amassed a formidable collection of glass and ceramics (some of which were sold in Julia’s recent glass & lamp auction). Some years ago, Mrs. Jones started a glass museum and research center in Douglas Hill, Maine and her collection and the regular presentations that took place were well known throughout North America. One such piece from her collection was a rare and highly desirable Marblehead Pottery vase. Consisting of stylized flowers with applied slips on a beautiful matte finish green body, it was originally estimated at $1,000-1,500 but after the catalog was published, Bill Gage learned this was a very rare piece of Marblehead pottery. In fact it was one of only six known by sale time. There were nearly 20 phones in play and the fight was on. After a dramatic bidding battle, the vase brought a final price of $86,250!

European art made a strong showing, highlighted by a busy town scene by Dutch artist Andrianus Eversen. Showing a cobblestone avenue lined with shops and townspeople milling about, this stunning piece brought $56,350 against expectations of $3,000-5,000. From the Woolworth collection were numerous important paintings such as an oil on canvas scene by British artist Heywood Hardy showing a group of fox hunters on horseback congregating in front of a tavern in preparation for a hunt. This work exceeded expectations of $10,000-20,000 to sell for $29,325. Belgian artist Bernard Pothast’s interior scene of a provincial mother tending to her young children exuded charm and elicited emotion as good paintings do. It surpassed its $9,000-12,000 estimate to finish up at $20,700. Also hitting the $20,700 mark was English artist Walter Sickert’s oil on masonite studio nude. Exceeding its $8,000-12,000 estimate, his impressionistic rendering shows there’s artistry in every body type.

From a Florida estate was Russian artist Frants Roubard’s depiction of an Arab man holding a large red flag while the horse on which he rides gallops away from a distant town toward the viewer. This handsome painting done with stunning realism sold within an estimate of $25,000-40,000 for $31,625.

Across the pond to America’s shores, Julia’s presented a marvelous grouping of Rockport-Gloucester art. Highlights included a generous and fresh selection of Emile Gruppe paintings. Included was a superb oil on canvas winter scene of a stream winding through a sunlit forest. A departure from his usual harbor scenes, it sold for $16,100 against a $10,000-15,000 estimate. Another winter scene, Gruppe’s “Vermont Village” shows a small group of rustic buildings nestled below a tree lined mountainside. Estimated for $10,000-15,000, it sold for $13,800.

Other American art included a small oil on board landscape of a small mountain waterfall by John Frederick Kensett that sold for many times its $5,000-8,000 estimate for $40,250. An unstretched canvas panoramic landscape showing several boats on calm water against a mountainous backdrop by Robert Duncanson sold for $22,425, exceeding a $5,000-7,000 estimate. Not to be confused with the aforementioned Belgian artist Bernard Pothast, American Edward Potthast’s harbor scene of a small schooner moored dockside sold above its $5,000-7,000 to settle in at $14,950. And Leon Kroll’s delightful small coastal scene of a rocky coast surrounding deep blue water exceeded expectations of $800-1,200 to bring $10,062.

Day Two of the auction consisted of nearly 800 lots and showcased a variety of folk and nautical art. Of particular note was a rare and important Cushing & White steam locomotive and tender weathervane. Hailing from the late 19th Century, this recent estate discovery, constructed of zinc, copper, and tin was an exciting find. Modeled with precise details and still retaining its original metal plaque and remnants of an early painted surface, it sold for $43,125 within an estimate of $35,000-65,000.

Other folk art included a recent discovery of an unframed oil on panel primitive folk art panorama of Boston area’s Chelsea, Massachusetts that showed how much the area has changed since 1827 from rural farmland to its present sprawl. Found in a coal bin in the cellar of a Boston area home, it has descended through the family for its first ever public appearance. This spectacular piece exceeded an estimate of $12,500-22,500 to sell for $25,300.

Folk art trade signs included a lot of five figural examples from the Barbara Thornsjo collection that consisted of a carved mortar & pestle, a carved tooth for the local dentist’s office, a hat maker’s sign and others that sold for $5,520 against a $400-600 estimate. A cast and molded tin bull’s head trade sign also from the Thornsjo collection in its original gilt surface saw very strong action. It well exceeded expectations of $500-800 to sell for $5,922. Other folk art included several carousel figures from the early 20th Century. The grouping was highlighted by a rare Herschell-Spillman carved and paint-decorated carousel frog. Depicting a fanciful crouching green spotted frog inspired by “Wind in the Willows”. In old paint, he sprang to $10,350, within his $10,000-15,000 estimate. And a grouping of several carved Black Forest pieces was highlighted by an unusual owl umbrella and cane stand. Consisting of two detailed hollow body owls with open tops flanking a branch trellis center for a charming way to store and display, it went to an overseas phone bidder for $6,325 versus an estimate of $1,500-2,000.

The auction continued with a wide variety of furniture and accessories including painted furniture, Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Continental, and early American. Standouts included a fine pair of English Hepplewhite carved mahogany open armchairs from the Woolworth Collection. With overstuffed upholstery and original wood surfaces with crisp carving, the pair, with prior provenance to Stair & Co. of New York, quickly surpassed a $5,000-10,000 estimate to ultimately sell for $52,900. Also from the Woolworth Collection was a Regency rosewood inlaid console table that emanated class and elegance. It sold for $9,775 against a $2,000-3,000 estimate. Early American furniture included a rare Pilgrim Century Massachusetts carved oak palm-panel chest attributed to the Savell Shop in Braintree. The highly carved quartersawn oak case by one of New England’s revered furniture makers is considered exceedingly rare. This example brought $33,350 against an estimate of $12,000-18,000.

Other highlights from Day Two of this auction included a collection of over 50 lots of silver from the private collection of Dorothy-Lee Jones. In quality and freshness to the market, this sale represented one of the finest collections of early Tiffany and English silver Julia’s has had the pleasure of offering. It was obvious from the beginning there would be no bargains in this segment of the auction. An outstanding covered footed serving bowl by Dominick & Haff featuring hand hammered finish highlighted by detailed insect and floral decoration helped to set the tone. It blasted through its $2,000-3,000 estimate to sell for $22,425. Others included a Tiffany & Co. sterling syrup with overall relief berry & vine decoration, a flying bird finial, and C-scroll handle that hit $3,680 (est. $800-1,200), a remarkable 18th Century egg shaped London tea urn with delicate vine handles that sold for $3,737 (est. $1,500-2,500) and a fine 4-piece combined lot of repousse tea service items by various makers brought $3,450 (est. $1,500-2,500). And an enameled silver hinged round box, which was covered in a geometric enamel pattern and a lid decorated with a detailed enameled scene of a man and woman taking a winter stroll. From the private collection of Dorothy-Lee Jones, it surpassed its $1,000-1,500 estimate to sell for $16,675.

The offering of fine metals continued with a collection of coins. Included was a rare 1807 2-1/2 dollar gold piece picturing a woman wearing a cap facing right (while most U.S. coins show a figure facing left). It brought $9,200 within its $8,000-10,000 estimate. An 1805 five dollar gold piece with similar orientation brought $5,750 against a $2,800-3,500 estimate. And an unusual find that “made the papers” nearly a decade ago was one located with a metal detector near a Revolutionary War battle site. This 1652 Oak Tree schilling is one of those instances that keeps the metal detector manufacturers in business. The coin changed hands at $3,737, surpassing an estimate of $2,000-3,000.

A diverse offering of miscellany included a scattering of estate rugs and American Indian objects such as a Navajo serape from the mid-1800s that sold for $17,250 (est. $4,000-6,000) and a Navajo silver and turquoise bracelet with fanciful motif that brought $5,980 against a $750-950 estimate. A fine Aubusson allegorical tapestry depicting a well attended royal being drawn in a chariot also performed well, bringing $24,150 against a $10,000-15,000 estimate. Another attraction was a classic 1947 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine that embodies old money luxury. Used in later years as a local parade favorite, it sold at the upper end of its $4,000-7,000 estimate for $6,900. And an offering of Currier & Ives prints was highlighted by a very colorful large folio lithograph of a bird’s eye view scene of a busy train stop in a mountain valley. This piece sold for an unexpected $14,030 versus a $1,000-2,000 estimate.

Julia’s upcoming auctions include their phenomenal firearms and military memorabilia auction that will be held in March. Their next antiques & fine art auction will take place in August. Julia’s next toy & doll auction as well as their rare lamp & glass auction will follow in May & June, respectively. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information or to place offers on unsold items, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, December 1-2, 2010 ~ Hot on the heels of their hugely successful firearms auction that grossed over $10 Million (including a record $862,500 for a Fox shotgun once owned by Theodore Roosevelt) James D. Julia, Inc. just held their two-day fine lamp and art glass auction that hit a very strong $1.9 Million. Julia’s department head Dudley Browne was understandably very pleased with the results, though not at all surprised. He noted a number of pre-auction cues that suggested the auction would perform above expectations such as inquiries from new blood collectors and dealers as well as from veterans who perhaps hadn’t been as active in recent years. Browne attributed the improvement over this time last year to an optimistic economic outlook and Julia’s “cut above” philosophy of a quality offering of goods. Consisting of over 100 lamps together with a plethora of rare art glass, English and French cameo, and other treasures, this highly diverse auction was by all counts stunning.

Topping the list was a spectacular Tiffany peony border floor lamp on a decorated senior base. Its massive shade featured a wide band of nicely detailed multihued mottled flowers below a geometric pattern of blue silver panels. Topped with a pigtail finial with curlicue tip, the shade rested on its original highly desirable bronze senior base. This rarity was a singular opportunity and earned every penny of its $172,500 selling price, nearing the upper end of its $125,000-175,000 estimate.

Other Tiffany leaded table lamps included a beautiful daffodil table lamp on its original twisted vine base. The conical shade shows a swath of bright yellow daffodils complemented by its mottled blue background that appeared to be interspersed with fair weather clouds. This delightful scene, further enhanced by its naturalistic (and very rare) twisted vine bronze base resulted in the surpassing of its $40,000-50,000 estimate to land at $57,500. A Tiffany Poinsettia table lamp with intense dichroic geometric background above a fiery band of poinsettias around the perimeter came just in time for the holidays for one bidder. This enchanting piece sold for $48,875 above a $25,000-35,000 estimate. Other Tiffany lamps included a dogwood on an inverted trumpet base and an oak leaf and acorn lamp on a gorgeous tendril decorated bronze base. They sold for $46,000 and $35,650, respectively, each meeting or exceeding its particular estimate. A Tiffany Studios table lamp featuring downward facing dragonflies above heavily rippled ethereal blue and green glass that shimmered like sunshine on the water sold for $42,550, just inside its $40,000-60,000 estimate. And a most unusual Tiffany Studios hexagonal table lantern with intricate linking design and cabochon centers on each panel brought $27,600 within expectations of $20,000-30,000.

The lamp portion of the sale continued with numerous examples from other renowned makers. Highlights included a stunning and rare Handel peacock floor lamp on its original peacock feather base. The textured reverse decorated shade brimming with colorful flowers also featured a finely detailed peacock with a long flowing tail. Topped with an unusual ball finial, the lamp also rested on its tall slender base completed by large peacock feathers forming the feet. It sold for $23,575 against an estimate of $20,000-30,000. An unusual Duffner & Kimberly Viking leaded table lamp featured an intricate abstract polychrome pattern segmented by bronze bands that terminated in Viking-esque griffin ship’s figureheads. This marvelous work saw active bidding to best the upper end of its $25,000-35,000 estimate, selling for $36,225. And a variety of desirable Pairpoint Puffy table lamps included several fine examples from the Edward & Sheila Malakoff collection, known authors and noted experts on Pairpoint. A marvelous Puffy Poppy with a brilliant cluster of flowers that come to life when the lamp is lit sold for $9,200 (est. $8,000-12,000). Also worthy of mention was a contemporary leaded table lamp from the studio of Joseph Porcelli whose allover floral pattern done in several different types of glass, created a marvelous three dimensional effect. Resting on a naturalistic Tiffany style bronze base this work sold within its $10,000-15,000 estimate for $10,925.

Aside from the tremendous offering of lamps was an impressive fresh-to-the-market selection of English and French cameo glass with Daum performing quite admirably. Included was an important last second consignment, a rare Daum pierced gourd vase with applied beetle scuttling by a long naturalistic stem. This unusual item sold for $19,550, surpassing its $10,000-15,000 estimate. An outstanding Daum Nancy Crocus vase with delicate wheel-carved flowers above a sturdy bulbous base sold within its $15,000-25,000 estimate for $16,100. Also hitting the $16,100 mark was a tall slender cameo and enameled vase with a wheat motif enhanced by gilt highlights at the base. A rare organic shaped Daum vase with formed lip and decorated with delicate flowers and flitting bumblebees brought a solid $10,925 against a $10,000-15,000 estimate. And a Daum Pate de Verre paperweight from the private collection of Dorothy-Lee Jones collection featuring a purple mouse nibbling on a green mound nearly quintupled its $800-1,200 estimate to bring $3,910. For over twenty five years, Dorothy-Lee owned and operated the Jones Museum of glass and ceramics in Sebago, Maine. From the beginning, Jones was destined to be a collector. As early as eleven years old, she would travel with her mother (who was also an adamant collector) to museums and antique shops across the United States and throughout Europe. Their love of beautiful glass and ceramics combined with a thirst for knowledge fueled a lifelong passion for collecting and teaching about the intricacies of fine glass and ceramics and their design. Throughout the years, the museum attracted thousands of visitors from around the globe.

Other French glass from her private collection included several early Galle cameo and enameled glass pieces. A monumental elongated neck vase with bulbous base featured an allover foliage pattern on an iridescent white background. Ignoring a $2,000-3,000 estimate, two determined bidders fought tooth and nail to get it with only one emerging as victor, the one willing to pay $9,775. And perhaps one of the largest Galle enameled vases ever created, a 17” translucent amber glass example enameled with autumnal thistles sold for $6,612 against a $3,000-5,000 estimate.

Other art glass from the Dorothy-Lee Jones private collection included a fantastic Tiffany Aquamarine paperweight vase, a robust translucent example with internal daffodils inching up the sides. The quality was extraordinary and its form sublime. It saw much active bidding from phone bidders and those in attendance, well exceeding expectations of $15,000-20,000 to change hands at $34,500. From the same collection was a Tiffany vase internally decorated with spots of color and externally carved with leaves and stems corresponding with these colored areas. Making for a striking effect, it sold for $18,290 against a $6,000-9,000 estimate. And a rich royal blue Tiffany Favrile vase with pulled fishnet decoration brought $8,337, exceeding its $2,000-4,000 estimate.

Others included a rare Steuben red Aurene decorated vase featuring gold iridescent pulled feather design around the rim leading to a creamy clambroth midsection. It was estimated for $6,000-8,000 and sold for $15,525. From another collection was an outstanding Steuben Tyrian vase with vertical ribbing and platinum leaf and vine design. It sold for $10,925 within expectations of $10,000-15,000. A Zsolnay Secessionist vase with an impressionistic and slightly iridescent design of a waterfall and mountain scene beneath a red sky was one of the sleepers. Expected to sell for $1,000-1,500, it finished up at $9,200. And a squat Quezal vase with flaring neck and decorated with an iridescent hooked feather design wouldn’t go quietly, selling for $6,900 against a $1,500-2,500 estimate.

The auction continued with a generous selection of Victorian glass including several Burmese glass items such as a Webb mother of pearl satin vase. Enameled with flowers in various states of bloom over a background shading from a salmon pink to yellow, it sold for $10,350 more than doubling its $4,000-6,000 estimate. An ornate set of Lobmeyr enameled stemware and bowls decorated with Provincial Period images of men and women exceeded its $1,000-1,500 estimate to bring $8,337. There were other strong performers in this category perhaps suggesting a resurgence in Victorian glass after a period of its falling out of favor. A Mt. Washington Colonial vase in white opal glass with enameled ducks flying among cattails saw much activity, landing at $6,900 against an estimate of $2,000-3,000. Of the numerous Royal Flemish pieces in the auction, standouts included a scarce Snow Goose vase. This tall sky blue vase showing three geese in flight against a gold enameled sun and sold for $5,750 within a $5,000-7,000 estimate.

From earlier that century, Jones’ collection of rare early glass included various fine examples such as one of the surprises of the day: a pair of whale oil lamps circa 1825. Consisting of free-blown fonts in white milk glass on clear pressed bases with their original pewter collars and burners, the bidding battle waged on for several minutes. When the smoke cleared, the pair went to a phone bidder for $11,500, nearly ten times its $1,200-1,400 estimate.

Also up for bid was a select grouping of Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre. The line is considered quite rare because shortly after its introduction, the maker Daisy Makeig Jones was let go from her position at Wedgwood. In her fury she destroyed the remaining finished and unfinished pieces, relying on pieces that were already in the hands of buyers or retail outlets to survive into eternity. This auction featured the only known example of a Fairyland Lustre advertising plaque. Created for retailers to display to promote their Fairyland China Lustre line, it depicted various elfin creatures under a stylistic tree. It saw active bidding to $25,300, above an estimate of $10,000-15,000. A splendid covered box in the Nizami pattern showing a circle of Middle Eastern men talking in a garden setting went out at $10,925, exceeding its $5,000-6,000 estimate. And a diminutive vase in the Goblins pattern showed a parade of winged brown goblins walking through the vibrant green grass beneath a starry sky. It quickly surpassed its $2,500-3,500 estimate to ultimately sell for $8,050.

A much earlier form of glassware, ancient Roman to be exact, was well received at this recent sale. Sold to benefit the Maine State Museum’s acquisition fund, a two-handled glass vessel done in swirling colors of amber and brown ignored a $100-200 estimate to settle in at $3,450. From the same collection, a bulbous vase with flaring rim and four applied handles went out at $2,242 against a $300-500 estimate. From Jones’ private collection were several small lots of ancient Roman vessels of varying sizes and shapes, which also performed well.

Accessories included a generous offering of Tiffany bronze desk accessories. Highlights in this category included a double picture frame in the grapevine pattern with the traditional Tiffany green slag glass background. Estimated for $6,500-7,500, the frame brought $12,075.

Helping to round out the sale was a collection of antique and contemporary glass paperweights, highlighted by one example in which a stylized butterfly rests on a white spiral latticinio bed. From the Dorothy-Lee Jones private collection, it left its $200-400 estimate far behind to sell for $4,887. An antique Clichy sulphide paperweight in which a bust of Benjamin Franklin is suspended over a rich translucent green background was also sold to benefit the Maine State Museum’s acquisition fund. Surpassing its $300-500 estimate, the piece sold for $4,025.

Julia’s upcoming auctions include their winter antiques & fine art auction taking place February 3 & 4, which will include extraordinary silver and early ceramics from the Jones Museum. Julia’s phenomenal firearms and military memorabilia auction will be held in March. Julia’s toy & doll auction will take place in April and their next rare lamp & glass auction will follow in June. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information or to place offers on unsold items, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, October 5-6, 2010 – Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States was by many accounts one of the greatest ever to hold the office. He was also the head of the Bull Moose Party, and had he been present at the Julia Firearms Auction on Tuesday, October 5th, he would surely have used his favorite exclamation “Bully!” when his personal gold inlaid Fox Shotgun sold for a world record $862,500. Roosevelt was an avid Conservationist and indeed it’s because of his actions and efforts that many species of water fowl and animals were saved from extinction. Roosevelt was also an avid hunter. In 1909, at the end of his Presidency, he was planning what would eventually become the most famous of all African safaris to ever take place. His son Kermit would accompany him, and prior to leaving on the safari, the President of the Fox Shotgun Company had made a special F grade, gold inlaid, 12-ga.double-barrel, shotgun, which was inscribed, “Made especially for The Hon. Theodore Roosevelt.” Roosevelt was thrilled with the gun, and upon receiving it, he wrote a thank you note to the President of the Fox Gun Co. stating, “ I really think it’s the most beautiful gun I’ve ever seen. I am exceedingly proud of it.” In another letter he stated to Mr. Fox, “It is so beautiful that I take pleasure in just looking at it. I shall keep it as long as I live, and when I die, it shall go to my son Kermit…” And indeed the shotgun did.

After Kermit’s death, it was passed on to his son Kermit, Jr. But in 1974, the family made the decision to sell the gun, and a renowned Fox Shotgun collector eventually acquired it. He kept it for some years and later sold it to another private collector who was an avid admirer of Roosevelt. Recently the collector, a retired businessman, made the decision to dispose of the gun and the Julia Auction Co., having distinguished themselves over the years as the leading seller of high-grade shotguns in the world today, was selected to handle the sale. Julia’s touted the gun as the most valuable and most historic American shotgun ever made, and indeed it was! The gun, the man, and the history of the gun make this one of the most historic American shotguns known to exist, and the final price unquestionably established that fact. It was the most expensive American shotgun ever made. In fact, at $862,500, it is the 2nd highest price ever attained for any firearm at auction in history, and of course is the most expensive American or European shotgun to be sold at auction. (The world record for the most expensive firearm ever sold at auction is the Colt Walker sold in October of 2008 by Julia’s for just under a million dollars.)

Just as this release was being prepared, Julia’s learned of a wonderful postscript to the sale of the Roosevelt shotgun. The new owner, a passionate young and serious collector of historical arms is currently exploring the possibilities of a temporary loan and exhibition of his new prize at various firearms oriented museums in North America. If he is successful, his great generosity will provide the opportunity for the most historic and valuable American shot gun ever to be shared with a vast array of gun enthusiasts. In the words of Jim Julia, “This is a truly noble and generous gesture befitting Roosevelt’s character and the kind of man he was.”

The shotgun however, was not the only success story of this $10 million plus auction. Session I, Tuesday October 5th began with Class III weapons. Included in the Class III offering was the collection of the late A. William Vallerand. Bill was not only a collector of Class III, but was a dealer. In fact, he was the first federally licensed dealer in the state of Maine. When he first applied for his license, the Attorney General of Maine denied his license request and claimed he would not allow any machine gun dealers in the state. Bill however, contacted a long time family friend, Senator Margaret Chase Smith whose official letter set things straight. In a short period of time, he had his license. Included in the sale from Bill’s collection was a North Korean AK-47, estimated at $15,000-25,000, and went out at $28,750. Also an FN/C.A.L. marked 1957 was estimated at $14,000-18,000, that went out at $17,250. His BREN, estimated at $25,000-30,000 went out at $27,600, and his WWII MG-42 made by Styer, estimated at $20,000-25,000, and sold for $23,000.

In addition to the Vallerand collection, there were other Class III weapons. One of the most interesting was the near mint Ithaca Auto & Burglar Shotgun with factory Holster. In outstanding condition, it carried a presale estimate $3,500-4,500, but saw a tremendous amount of bidding and sold for $10,350. A small offering of 20th Century militaria was offered. Perhaps one of the most unique items offered in this sale (or any other sale in recent years) was a Soviet Mig 21, Supersonic Jet Fighter, which sold for $23,000.

One New England family discovered a way to take care of their heating bill for this winter and many winters to come. Just as the catalog was being completed, they met with Wes Dillon, one of Julia’s department heads, to inquire what their relative’s Singer Model 1911A1 semi-automatic military pistol might bring. The pistol, in outstanding condition, was conservatively estimated at $20,000-35,000. The family was elated to think the gun might bring that much, but was floored after the sale when it realized $80,500. A rare Colt Model 1900 sight safety, semi-auto pistol in extremely fine condition was estimated at $11,000-15,000 and went out at $17,250. An extremely rare Bittner self-loading pistol, an example of an early semi-automatic pistol in extremely fine condition carried a presale estimate of $4,000-6,000. It sold to a motivated collector for just over $12,000. An extraordinary and rare prototype/experimental semi-auto military rifle, based loosely on the 1903 Springfield realized $40,250.

Immediately after the Class III, and the 20th Century firearms were sold, an incredible array of high quality shotguns and sporting rifles were offered. A rare Lefever A-Grade, 16 ga. side-by-side shotgun with spare barrels carried a presale estimate of $30,000-60,000, and realized $51,750. A very rare L.C Smith Deluxe Grade 12 Gauge Shotgun with gold inlays carried a conservative presale estimate of $50,000-100,000 and went out at $57,500 in a post-auction sale. A nearly new Remington Parker in a highly desirable AAHE Grade 28 ga. was estimated at $32,500-42,500, and sold just under $40,000. A popular VHE Grade Parker in the highly desirable .410 ga. carried a presale estimate of $20,000-30,000, and sold for $27,000. An exceptionally fine cased R.D. Rodda double rifle in caliber 4-Bore carried a presale estimate of $75,000-125,000. The massive gun weighing nearly 22 pounds was used for hunting elephants and other pachyderms. It went out at just under $110,000. Immediately afterward, a wonderful pair of R.D. Rodda, Howdah Pistols from the late David Crowley collection in caliber .577 was offered. The pair carried a presale estimate of $12,500-17,500 and sold to an absentee bidder for $57,500.

One of the most beautiful guns in the sale had to be the spectacular gold encrusted Daniel Fraser sidelock ejector big game double rifle in caliber 600 Nitro. The gun was an incredible work of art with sculptured game scenes on the barrels and breech. It was also embellished with extraordinary gold inlays depicting various species of dangerous game. The gun saw considerable competition and went out at $132, 250.

A number of fine Purdey Shotguns were offered including a desirable, over/under sidelock ejector in 20ga. estimated at $50,000-90,000, which sold for $69,000. Another extremely fine, Ken Hunt engraved, Purdey, extra finish shotgun with an extra set of barrels was estimated at $35,000-55,000, and sold for $34,500. A very fine Boss, O/U sidelock ejector game gun in 12ga. carried a presale estimate of $35,000-55,000, and sold for just under $49,000. A cased matched pair of AA Brown, sidelock ejector guns in spectacular condition were estimated at $25,000-35,000 and sold for just over $24,000. An exquisite pair of David McKay, round action, O/U shotguns in their original case was estimated at $55,000-75,000, and finished up at $77,625. An exquisite pair of Muffolini engraved F.I.LI Rizzini R1 Side lock ejector single trigger game guns carried a $60,000-80,000 estimate and ultimately sold for $63,250.

Near the end of the first day, a remarkable offering of Marlin Rifles were offered, all of which came from the esteemed collection of the late Richard Rohal. A walking encyclopedia on Marlins, Rohal was a passionate collector and spent his lifetime amassing what was unquestionably one of finest small bore collection of Marlins firearms ever assembled. Three of the prizes of his collection were referred to as the Blue Book Guns as they were prominently featured in color on the cover of the 28th edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values. Each of the guns were works of art and in outstanding condition having fabulous #10 engraving and exquisite gold inlay. They included a Marlin Model 20 pump action rifle from Mahon Marlin estate, a Model 38 pump-action, and a Model 27S pump-action. Carrying a presale estimate of $62,500-102,500, the trio sold for $112,125. Another prize in the Rohal collection was an engraved and gold inlaid Model 20 pump action rifle in .22 cal. Estimated at $10,000-15,000, it went out at $41,975.

An exceptional and rare deluxe engraved takedown special order Marlin 94 lever action in caliber .38 WCF was estimated at $10,000-15,000 and realized $29,900. Another Rohal prize was an extremely rare Model 94 deluxe engraved carbine in caliber 25-20. Estimated for $10,000-15,000, it sold for $31,000. In addition to the Rohal collection, there was a small group of Marlins from other collections. Most notable was an extraordinary deluxe engraved Model 1892 in cal .32 Cal. It was estimated for $25,000-35,000 and realized $50,600. Also included in Tuesday’s offering was a group of guns that belonged to the late western actor David Carradine. His Colt SAA estimated at $2,000-3,000, brought $6,900.

Session II also proved to be a “Bully” sale. One of the first lots of the session was an extraordinarily rare and exceptional Winchester 1st Model 1873 “One of One Hundred” lever action rifle. Perhaps the finest condition One of One Hundred (or 1 of 1000 for that matter) in existence. The gun had been in private hands until it was placed on loan at the Cody Museum in the 1990s, and previously was essentially unknown. The wood and the metal were in extraordinary condition, so much so, people were amazed at its condition. And never having seen a new Model 73, they had a hard time believing it could possibly be this good. An extra screw hole on the backside of the breech helped to explain the extraordinary condition of the gun, for at one time it had been mounted in a special display case by this screw hole where the gun had been protected from handling and the ravages of time. It’s unlikely that one would ever find an example to rival this Model 73, which carried a presale estimate of $225,000-325,000. The original owner, now a widow, traveled a great distance to be present for the sale of the gun, and was ecstatic at the $373,750 it ultimately realized. Immediately after this remarkable gun was another extraordinary Winchester, a very early Henry 1860 lever action rifle in extremely fine condition. In fact, it was one of the finest the Julia firm has ever handled. It came from the collection of the late David Crocker of Easley, South Carolina. Mr. Crocker was a passionate collector with a taste for quality Winchesters and Colts. The gun carried a presale estimate of $75,000-125,000 and went out at $138,000. An outstanding Conrad Ulrich Engraved and gold plated Model 66 lever rifle in extremely fine condition was another prize from the Crocker collection. Estimated for $50,000-100,000, it sold for just under $110,000. Another desirable Winchester from the Crocker collection was a rare and important cased Nimschke engraved Model 66 with ivory stock and originally presented to the President of Peru. It was estimated at $35,000-50,000, and sold for $60,375.

In the late 1870s Buffalo hunting was a major endeavor in the west, and the Sharps Rifle became recognized as one of the finest Buffalo hunting rifles on the market. Offered in this sale was a very rare and special Sharps Rifle known as a desirable Freund “Boss Gun” Sharps Model 1874. In the late 1870s, the Freund Brothers acquired various Sharps and altered them to make them a more efficient and accurate long-range rifle. Only a few of these prizes exist today. This one in very good condition carried a presale estimate of $90,000-125,000, and sold for $103,500.

Mr. Crocker was also a great admirer of Colt firearms. There were a number of Colts in his collection including a minty engraved SAA with Texas history. It was estimated at $20,000-30,000, but after a bidding battle, it sold at over twice the high estimate for $66,000. Another outstanding Crocker Colt was a minty engraved SAA with the original owner’s initials engraved on the mother of pearl grips. The gun was estimated at $30,000-50,000 and sold for just over $43,000.

An exceptional Henry Neddleton inspected Colt SAA revolver in extremely fine condition was estimated at $85,000-135,000 and sold for $92,000. The earliest Colts made were known as Patersons. Late in their production period, a gentleman named John Ehlers acquired the remnants of the Paterson Company and he continued assembling Patersons from the remaining parts. This fine example was a holster model, No. 5, Texas Paterson, which carried a presale estimate of 150,000-200,000 and went out at $168,000.

An extremely rare and historic Colt model 1848 Baby Dragoon with an exceedingly rare leather bound case to Minnesota Governor Alex Ramsey was estimated at $75,000-125,000 and sold for $92,000. An exceptional engraved cased Colt Model 1849 percussion revolver with ivory grips, estimated for $35,000-55,000 sold for just under $55,000. One of the finest percussion Colts of the day was an exceptional engraved special order Model 1860 with exceedingly rare ebony grips. Engraved by the renowned Gustave Young, its engraving was similar to the famous General Grant pistol. Estimated at $135,000-165,000, it brought $149,500.

An excellent selection of Civil War and Confederate items included an exceedingly rare Tucker and Sherrard revolver that was retrieved at the battle of Gettysburg by a soldier in the 26th Maine Infantry. It was estimated at $90,000-110,000 and sold for $86,250. A fine Confederate Dance Dragoon, estimated at $45,000-50,000 reached $51,750. An exceedingly rare and important Springfield US Patent Model 1842 percussion musket was estimated at $10,000-20,000 and became the subject of a heated bidding battle where it finally ended at $20,700. An outstanding cased pair of John Manton flintlock dueling pistols were estimated at $35,000-55,000, and sold well above the high estimate at just under $75,000.

The Julia Auction, as usual, was preceded by the Poulin Firearms Auction Company’s 3-day sale, which is held approximately 50 yards from the Julia Auction facilities. Their sale of midrange goods realized $2 million, making the entire 5-day event’s gross of $12 million dollars in firearms sold! Julia’s next important firearms auction will take place in March 2011. They are now accepting consignments for that sale. More details for the October 5th and 6th auction are available online at www.jamesdjulia.com.