Morphy’s upcoming May 27-29 Auction, Founders & Patriots Militaria, will feature Militaria, Documents, Artwork & Rare Imprints from the Era of the American Revolution & the War of 1812. Items include Richard Butler’s Revolutionary War tomahawk formerly in collections of The Tower of London, a circa-1760 .65-caliber Moravian flintlock rifle, and original art from Astley D.M. Cooper to name a few. In addition, up for bid will be Annie Oakley’s custom-made ‘Little Miss Sure Shot’ Stevens Model 44, original documents from the time of the American Revolution, and other extraordinary collector’s items from the American Frontier.
Extremely important and fine silver-mounted and inlaid presentation pipe tomahawk signed ‘R. (Richard) Butler’ and inscribed to Lt John McClellan. Extensively exhibited, including at the Smithsonian. Depicted on the cover of ‘Indian Tomahawks & Frontiersman Belt Axes,’ and in several other respected reference books. Estimate $300,000-$500,000
Circa-1760 .65-caliber Moravian flintlock rifle attributed to Andreas Albrecht (German/Pa.,1718-1802). A counterpart to the famed ‘Lion and Lamb’ rifle. Believed taken by a British troop as a war souvenir or battle trophy. Estimate $125,000-$175,000
Frontier artist Astley D.M. Cooper (American, 1856-1924), 65- x 82-inch trompe l’oeil oil-on-canvas painting of Native Americans (including Sioux Chief Red Cloud and Princess Prairie Flower), with images of a buffalo and Indian relics, 1905. Estimate $75,000-$150,000
Fresh-to-market, recently discovered H. Fox FE grade 20-bore shotgun with case, near mint and exceedingly rare, one of six made. Engraved ‘CHROMOX FLUID STEEL / SAVAGE ARMS CORP., UTICA, N.Y. U.S.A.’ on tops. Engraved and twice signed by W.H. Gough. First time to be offered for public sale. Estimate $125,000-$200,000.