Fairfield, Maine-January 25-27, 2006. For the first time in its history, James D. Julia Auctioneers will be conducting their firearms auction at their newly renovated and expanded facilities in Fairfield, Maine. Better lighting, greater amenities, and comfort for their customers are just some of the reasons Julia sited for making the transition from the rented facilities that have been used in the past. This first auction will feature more than 1,000 lots whose value is estimated at between $8 million and $10+ million. Quality, diversity, rarity, and freshness are just some of the terms used to describe the outstanding, eclectic array of goods to be sold on Monday, March 13, beginning at 10 a.m., and Tuesday, March 14, beginning at 11 a.m.

Session #1, on Monday, will include in part an important single-owner private collection of very high-quality, desirable firearms. Offered from this "extraordinary" collection will be an incredible array of Colts. One of the lead items in the Colt collection is an exceptionally fine Colt Walker revolver identified as B Company Number 8. This heavy revolver, used by U.S. forces during the Mexican-American War is one of the rarest of all Colts to find, and when found is usually in very poor condition. This is considered to be one of the three best Walkers in existence and carries a presale estimate of $250,000-300,000.

The collection also includes a number of other very rare Colt revolvers such as the extremely rare Colt No. 5 Belt Model Texas Paterson Revolver, cased and in very fine condition with all its various accessories. It too is estimated at $250,000-350,000. A rare cased Model No. 2 Paterson Belt Revolver, considered one of the finest cased belt models known, comes complete with accessories and a spare cylinder and is estimated at $125,000-175,000. A rare Colt Model C Pocket No. 1 Baby Paterson revolver, also cased with a spare cylinder and embellished with numerous silver bands carries a presale estimate of $100,000-150,000.

The collection also features an extremely rare cased martially marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolver, complete with accessories, considered a great rarity because of its extraordinary condition. It carries a presale estimate of $60,000-100,000.

A very rare Colt Model 1839 Paterson Carbine is also a great rarity due to its extraordinary condition, with 95+ percent of its original bluing. This gun was probably never fired. It was specifically made and shipped to England for exhibition purposes. It is estimated at $50,000-80,000.

The owner of this outstanding collection did not focus only on early Colts, but used quality as a criterion. A rare, engraved Colt Single Action Army with very rare long flute cylinder in .45 caliber in near mint condition is estimated at $50,000-75,000. Colt long flute cylinders are extremely rare, but this collection includes two. The collection includes a number of fine quality engraved Colt revolvers, many in pristine condition, such as a beautifully engraved Frontier Six Shooter S.A.A. in its original box estimated at $50,000-70,000.

The collection did not focus only on Colts. Diversity abounds with such items as our Lot 262, an exquisite, one-of-a-kind, elaborately engraved Smith & Wesson #3 Second Model American revolver embellished with lavish gold ornamentation by Gustave Young. It is considered to be one of the finest #3 revolvers in existence and carries a presale estimate of $125,000-175,000.

It is only considered one of the finest of its kind because immediately thereafter, we will sell the other of its quality as Lot 263, this also a beautiful Smith & Wesson engraved & gold inlaid no. 3 Second Model American revolver, .44 caliber, also by Gustave Young with extraordinary engraving and gold work. This example carries a presale estimate of $150,000-200,000.

Continuing with Smith & Wesson, Lot 264 is an exceedingly rare & stupendous pair of Smith & Wesson No. 1 Second Issue Spur Trigger Gold Inlaid revolvers, engraved & presentation inscribed by Gustave Young for John A. Rice. These are considered to be the finest No. 1 Smith & Wesson's in existence and carry a presale estimate of $175,000-225,000.

The collection contains a great number of other fine quality Smith & Wesson's, but also included are rare, factory-engraved Merwin & Hulbert revolvers. Lot Number 286 is a rare factory engraved Merwin & Hulbert Open Top 1st Model Single Action .44 caliber revolver considered to be the finest known example of that model. Possibly unfired, it is estimated at $27,500-37,500.

The collection also includes a number of rare volcanic firearms. The volcanics were the very first reasonable, successful repeating firearms and were the predecessors of the famous Winchester rifle. A cased New Haven Arms pocket sized volcanic engraved pistol in outstanding condition is estimated at $15,000-20,000. A fine volcanic No. 2 Navy Repeating pistol in extremely fine-plus condition, appearing to be unfired, carries an estimate of $30,000-50,000. There are numerous other volcanics, including carbines, such as the rare volcanic engraved .41 caliber, in very fine condition, which is estimated at $30,000-50,000.

No truly good diversified collection of antique American firearms would be complete without Winchesters. Lot 242 in Session #1 is a rare, elaborately engraved by C.F. Ulrich, Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle. The rifle, embellished with a detailed and highly artistic rendering of a tiger hunting scene on both sides of the breeches, has a presale estimate of $125,000-175,000.

Another great gun which became famous in the evolution of the western United States was the Sharps rifle. This collection includes a very rare and important heavy barrel Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle. According to factory records, this is the heaviest barreled Sharps rifle ever produced. In very fine condition, it is estimated at $45,000-65,000.

Firearms were not the only focal point for this collector. A select grouping of rare canes include various Remington cane guns, most notably an important presentation cane gun from Samuel Remington to one of the most famous designers to ever work for the Remington firm, Joseph Rider. This very historic cane gun with an engraved inscription on a silver band, carries a presale estimate of $15,000-25,000. A rare and desirable Wells Fargo presentation cane, given to one of the earliest employees of the company, carries a presale estimate of $20,000-30,000.

As is the case with everything else in the collection, a small but very select grouping of Western related photography includes some prime examples. An important tin-type half plate image of one of the most famous of all mountain men, Jim Bridger, has a presale estimate of $5,000-10,000. Bridger was branded a liar after he first returned from the West with his stories of all the natural wonders until later explorers verified his stories.

While most everything in the collection has some relationship to the West and its development, not everything is antique. An attractive fringed buckskin jacket, used by Paul Newman in the movie Buffalo Bill and the Indians, together with a poster promoting that same movie, carries a presale estimate of $5,000-10,000.

Our first session will also include a number of high-quality items from various other collections. Lot 366 will be an exceptionally rare, one-of-a-kind, gold & platinum inlaid Marlin Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine, known as "The Flag Marlin." This famous rifle was built in 1904, and speculation is that it was made to honor the centennial of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Its whereabouts have been unknown until it was discovered in 2003 in a private collection in Maryland. In extremely fine condition, it carries a presale estimate of $55,000-70,000.

Outstanding Marlins also include a rare Model 1893 engraved takedown rifle two barrel set in extremely fine condition estimated at $30,000-50,000.

Session #1 will begin with much earlier firearms, most of which have come from a very old New York collection. Included is an extremely rare Springfield Model 1847 Flintlock Musketoon in outstanding condition estimated at $10,000-30,000.

The greatest rarity of American martial flintlock pistols is the North & Cheney 2nd Model Flint Martial pistol. A small number of these were made for the Revolutionary War, and only a handful of these exist today, in fact less than 29 are known to exist. The desirability of this example is enhanced not only by its rarity, but also by its untouched condition. In totally as-found condition, it carries a presale estimate of $50,000-60,000.

Even rarer is the John Miles Large military flintlock pistol produced during the 18th Century for a Virginia regiment. Only a small number of these were made and less than ten are accounted for today. This one carries a presale estimate of $20,000-30,000.

One of the most graceful forms of early firearms was the Kentucky rifle. Included in this sale is a particularly fine and rare example by M. Sheetz, with beautiful raised, carved wooden stock having ornamental brass and silver embellishments. It carries an estimate of $50,000-85,000.

As usual, there are a number of historical items included in the auction. One exciting recent discovery to be included is the superb scrimshaw Revolutionary powder horn of Timothy Bugbee, dated 1774 and carried by Bugbee at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Bugbee was one of approximately 400 Connecticut troops present at the engagement and is mentioned in military records as having lost his gun during the retreat. The truly artistic and historic horn is embellished with a number of very finely rendered scenes and carries a presale estimate of $25,000-50,000.

Another area for which Julia Auctions has become famous is Civil War and Confederate memorabilia, and this sale contains a number of rarities in this area. A Confederate battle flag, possibly used at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, and related to General Hardee, will be included. The flag, researched by eminent American flag authority Howard Madaus, is accompanied by an extraordinary detailed history of its production and usage. It carries a presale estimate of $75,000-105,000.

A superb Civil War jeweled statue-gripped presentation sword presented to Capt. Henry Brennan of the 20th Kentucky Volunteers for "gallant and meritorious conduct in various battles" carries a presale estimate of $30,000-40,000. A rare Confederate James Conning staff and field officer's sword inscribed to H. A. Love is estimated at $12,500-15,000.

A Frenchman by the name of LeMat devised a lethal revolving pistol/carbine combination much used by the Confederacy. The double barrel weapon had a multi-shot cylinder, and also an additional lower barrel that was charged with a shotgun shell for close battle. This auction includes one of the largest collections of LeMats since Julia's record-setting1997 auction of the famous Serpette collection from Paris, France. A very rare Confederate LeMat carbine featured on the front cover of Douglas Adams' new book The Confederate LeMat Revolver carries a presale estimate of $40,000-50,000. A possibly Confederate late first model Lemat Grapeshot Percussion revolver is estimate at $9,000-14,000.

In addition to the fine Colts previously mentioned is an extremely rare three-gun cased set. This one was presented to one of Colt's best friends, Lt. Silas Bent. Bent assisted Colt in his efforts to introduce Colt firearms to the Japanese during Commodore Perry's and Lt. Bent's historic trip to Japan in 1852-55. This rare set is estimated to bring $50,000-100,000.

A fine Civil War Colts remain in very fine condition, such as Colt Model 1851 Navy, in very fine-plus condition, retaining between 90 and 98% of its original blue, is estimated at $18,000-25,000. A spectacular cased and engraved Colt Model 1849 pocket revolver with outstanding carved ivory grip of eagle and liberty banner is estimated at $12,500-17,500. A number of fine antique cartidge Colts will include a rare, Frontier Six Shooter Sheriff's Model in very fine plus condition, estimate at $30,000-50,000. Also, a very rare early Von Oppen Colt S.A.A. is estimated at $35,000-50,000.

A fine, etched panel Colt Frontier S. A. A. in fine plus condition and with its original holster is estimated at $8,000-12,000. Remington pistols include an extremely rare, one-of-a-kind, cased, engraved Presentation New Model pocket revolver presented by Samuel Remington to A. T. Welch. This is estimated at $15,000-25,000.

Also included in Session #1 are old rifle and gun powder advertising. Included is a rare 1879 Winchester cartridge board, estimated to bring $22,500-28,500.

Sporting-related items other than guns in this sale include decoys. A hand-carved rare swimming Gus Wilson black duck is estimated at $1,750-2,750.

A selection of fine pocket watches will include a rare Louis Audemars solid gold cased enameled watch embellished with a prancing pony and cabin, estimated at $3,000-4,000.

Session #2 begins with a single-owner private collection of rare 1903 Springfield and Garand military rifles. One of the most desirable of Springfield military rifles is the 03/Mark 1 with Pederson device, an ingenious invention used to convert bolt action rifles to semi-automatic rifles. This example, together with accessories, is estimated at $30,000-60,000.

Another great rarity for Springfield rifle collectors is a 1903 Springfield Armory Rod Bayonet. According to cataloguer Barry Kaufman, this is not only considered very rare, but the "holy grail" among Springfield collectors. This fine example in 100% original condition is estimated at $24,000-30,000.

Another great rarity is the 03 Springfield Rifle with rare Winder tube sight. Major Winder patented this device, essentially a sighting tube that allowed the soldier to remain completely hidden behind trees or shrubs. The tube sight allowed him to properly sight without the interference of the leaves that protected and hid him. This very rare example is estimated at $7,500-12,000.

Another extraordinarily rare 03 Springfield is a bolt action rifle with the patented Gardiner safety device. This rare example is estimated at $15,000-25,000, and a Springfield Armory "Gas Trap" M1 Grand Rifle, also a great rarity, is estimated at $18,000-22,000.

Also offered in Session 2 will be a number of firearms from the collection of Dr. Dolph McCleish from Monroe, Louisiana. One of the high points of Dolph's collection is a historic Remington Model 8 rifle used by Deputy Prentis Oakley in the shootout with Bonnie and Clyde. In the ambush, Oakley was the first to shoot. Being a highly accomplished marksman, he is credited with shooting Clyde, and also probably Bonnie, before the rest of the police officers began their fuselage. This historic firearm is estimated at $50,000-150,000.

The largest and most notable entity of the second session, however, will be high-grade shotguns. In the fall of 2005, Julia Auction Company sold the collection of the late James Parker, together with other consignments. The shotguns alone in that auction sold over $2 million and the collection was one of the largest and finest offerings of high-grade shotguns in many years. This auction, however, well exceeds the Fall 2005 auction and includes between $2.5 million and $3 million in high-grade shotguns. Most are from the collection of the late Dave Dennis of Ohio, and the majority are in outstanding condition.

Winchesters are well represented in the Dennis collection. The Winchester Grand American is considered the finest of the Winchester production. These shotguns are very rare. Only a limited number were produced, and only occasionally come on to the marketplace. To have one in an auction is something to be very pleased with as an auctioneer; but this auction alone includes a phenomenal five Grand Americans.

A 3-barrel set, including 20, 28, and 410 gauge (only two sets were made) is included. This set, in extraordinary condition, is estimated at $40,000-60,000. Another special Grand American 2-barrel set in ultra rare 28 gauge and 32 gauge was specially made, inscribed, and presented to John M. Olin. It includes extra gold. Olin was the well-known head of the Winchester Firearms Division for a number of years. This outstanding example is estimated at $35,000-50,000.

A great number of high-grade Parkers include an extraordinary Parker A-1 Special 2-barrel set in very rare 28 gauge. It is estimated at $75,000-150,000. Also, an outstanding Parker AAHE 20 gauge is estimated at $20,000-35,000. A scarce Parker "Pigeon Gun" AAH 12 gauge is estimated at $30,000-45,000.

One of the finest shotguns produced by the Fox firm was the FE Fox Grade12 gauge shotgun. This fine engraved example with gold inlay in great condition is estimated at $17,500-27,500.

A superb cased pair of Dickson Percussion double rifles in their original oak carrying chest with innumerable ivory handled accessories and in unfired condition is estimated at $45,000-65,000.

One of the most famous of all cowboy actors was Tom Mix. In the early 20th century, Mix assisted the Marlin Firearms Company in promoting firearms safety. In return, Marlin produced a special double barrel 20 gauge shotgun engraved and inlaid with gold to Tom Mix. This rare, outstanding condition shotgun is offered with a $70,000-100,000 estimate.

One of the great firearms producers in this country today is the Galazan firm in Connecticut. Galazan acquired the rights to many previous well-known firms, such as the Fox Company, and has reproduced many of their products as well as new items under that name. One especially attractive products was a very limited A. H. Fox 22 caliber cased double barrel rifle produced by the Galazan firm. This impeccable example carries a presale estimate of $25,000-40,000.

A number of fine Brownings are included such as the Midas Superlight 410 gauge, which is estimated at $10,000-15,000. A great number of Winchester Model 21's include a spectacular 14 gauge special pigeon grade, which is estimated at $40,000-50,000.

In all, between $8 million and $10 million worth of firearms will be offered in this event, and while the focus of this review has been of the more rare and expensive guns, there certainly items for all pocketbooks. In fact, Julia has arranged with another company owned by his sister and her husband to conduct a firearms auction on the Sunday preceding the Julia auction. The special Sunday sale will include between 400 and 500 lots of moderately priced, used, collectible, and antique firearms in the multi-hundred to few thousand dollar range. The preview for the James D. Julia auction will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, March 10-12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the mornings of sale from 8 a.m. until the time of sale on Monday and Tuesday. Catalogs are available by contacting Julia Auctions. The price is $39 for Session 1, $39 for Session 2, or $75 for both sessions. Contact James D. Julia Auctioneers at (207) 453-7125. Free detailed illustrated brochures can be obtained by contacting the firm and a special gun show held at the Julia facilities will coincide with the gun auction on March 12, 13, and 14. Julia's entire firearms auction catalogs will be available online approximately two weeks prior to auction by visiting www.juliaauctions.com. Parties interested in information on the special Poulin gun auction to take place on Sunday, March 12, should contact Steve and Jeanine Poulin in Fairfield, Maine, at (207) 453-2114. The Poulin Company will also be producing a special catalog for their auction.

James D. Julia Auctioneers is a specialty antiques auction company with divisions in firearms, Victorian dolls, important glass and lamps, and fine arts and antiques. The next antique auction following the firearms auction will be a fine arts and antiques auction held in May with Victorian Doll and Glass & Lamp auctions to be held sometime in May or June.

We are extremely excited to announce that our October firearms auction was truly a spectacular event. At nearly 9.3 million, this is the largest grossing firearms auction ever held in the world. We also held the previous record for the largest grossing firearms auction in the world which we set last Oct., but this one beats that record by nearly 400,000. Of equal importance was the tremendous strength of prices in all categories offered, whether it was Win, Colt , Civil War, high grade shotguns or historical items etc. If you would like any further information or photographs, let us know. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

In October of 2004 James D. Julia Auctioneers set a world auction record for the highest grossing firearms auction ever held just under $9 million. That monumental sale included the famous Eldon Owen collection which made of nearly 50% of the entire auction. The auction was a tremendous success and because of the huge gross it was generally thought that it would be a long time before that record was broken. However just one year later in October 2005 Julia beat the record again by over $400,000. When the hammer came down on the last of the 2000+ lot auction on Thursday afternoon the final results of $9.3 million were far above the $7.9 million presale estimate on the goods that sold. While there was no one huge group such as the Eldon Owen collection to bolster this auction there was a tremendous diversity of high quality goods in a wide number of areas. The auction was made up of a number of notable collections all combined and elicited a tremendous response from collectors, institutions and dealers all over North America and throughout the world. There was a large crowd in attendance in each of the four sessions as well as tremendous participation on the telephone, through absentee bids and via the Internet. Monday night consisted of a little over 200 interesting collectable and antique firearms. A rare engraved Colt prewar national match government .45 caliber with silver and gold grips carried a presale estimate of $7,500 to $12,500 but was a subject of a prolonged bidding battle that topped out at $29,900. Lot after lot of interesting and affordable collectibles saw strong participation. A small early iron throwing Tomahawk similar to one carried by Daniel Boone carried a presale estimate of $500 to $1,000 but finally won out at $3,100. A rare Krag Bowie bayonet knife with original scabbard estimated at $1,250 to $1,750 finished out at $2,750.

Day two consisted of an extraordinary collection of Civil War memorabilia collected by Mr. Michael Adamson of Georgia. Mr. Adamson's entire collection of Civil War memorabilia, one of the finest offerings to come at auction in many years, was sold entirely unreserved. It included the finest and most extensive collection of Civil War projectiles ever offered at auction. The low presale estimate for the entire projectile collection was $234,000 and the final selling price (with a 15% buyers premium) topped out at $395,000. One of the rarest, most desirable items was a Confederate Raines barrel torpedo. It carried a presale estimate of $25,000 to $100,000 and finally sold for $51,750. This homemade Confederate mine is one of only 2 of its type currently known in existence. The apparatus consisted of a keg of powder with cones mounted on either end and covered in tar (for water proofing). Either side of the keg were fitted with huge delicate percussion caps. The torpedoes (today known as mines) were then submerged in the Confederate harbors so that when Union ships moving through the water rubbed up against the torpedo struck the percussion cap it thus detonated the powders and frequently sunk ships. The famed Admiral Farragut line "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" referred to these mines protecting Mobile Bay. A US Army 9" standard quilted grapeshot with the original canvas covering carried a presale estimate of $2,500 to $4,000 and went up for $4,800. An extremely rare Hale 2 1/2" rocket estimated at $3,000 to $5,000, sold for $7,475. An extremely rare and dangerous (to the sender as well as the receiver) Hanes hand grenade, once part of the famous Norm Flayderman collection, carried a presale estimate of $9,000 to $12,000 and sold for just under $15,000. The Adamson collection was extremely strong in Confederate items and a collection of hand guns and long guns carried a presale estimate between $260,000 and $390,000, with the final price for the entire grouping realizing $312,000. A rare Cook & Brother Confederate rifle estimated at $20,000 to $30,000 brought nearly $26,000. A Confederate Keen, Walker & Co. tilting breech carbine estimated at $25,000 to $45,000 sold for $23,000. A rare Palmetto Army single shot percussion pistol carried a presale estimate of $6,000 to $8,000 and sold for $9,775. A rare Leech & Rigdon Confederate revolver estimated at $20,000 to $25,000 sold for $25,875. There were a group of Union and Confederate swords and fighting knives with presale estimate of $40,000 to $60,000 which totaled at over $57,000. A Confederate Naval Cutlass estimated at $8,000-$10,000 sold for $11,500. An extraordinarily rare presentation Confederate General's sword formally belonging to General Leonidas Polk complete with books, letters and other items belonging or relating to General Polk descended directly down through the Polk family to Michael Adamson. They were offered with a presale estimate of $75,000 to $175,000. This sold for just slightly over $77,000. A group of rare Confederate buckles carrying a presale estimate of $56,000 to $80,000 realized a total of nearly $74,000. A rare SC Officer's sword belt & buckle made by Ames Manufacturing Co. carried a presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000 and realized $14,950 while a mint condition 2 piece GA state seal buckle estimated at $8,000 to $10,000 realized $8,600. Two rare Confederate cannons attributed to the Noble brothers of Rome, GA did not fare as well as many of the other things. One a bronze tube the other an iron tube. The iron tube had originally been identified by the late Wayne Stark (one of the worlds foremost experts on Conf. Cannons) and was included on his official list of genuine Confederate cannons. Shortly before the auction some artillery specialists questioned whether the bronze tube was in fact a period cannon. Despite the fact that Mr. Adamson offered a money back guarantee to the buyer of either cannon should they find that they were not as catalogued, the mind set was already in place and when the bronze tube came up on the block almost all of the bidders declined to participate and the cannon sold for a disappointing $40,000 with a presale estimate of $100,000 to $250,000. Even more unfortunate was the fate of the iron tube which was absolutely unquestionably both Confederate and Noble Brothers but was obviously disparaged by all the presale discussions and sold for just over $63,000 against a presale estimate of $125,000 to $225,000. Shortly after the auction a number of artillery people had wished they'd paid more attention to the cannons, particularly the iron tube, but hindsight at auctions is generally worthless. While the majority of this collection did very well, one other lot suffered from presale speculation. A rare collection of Confederate memorabilia together with a battle flag of the 30th GA, which had come down through Michael Adamson's family directly to him, carried a presale estimate $100,000 to $250,000 and sold for $40,250. A number of Civil War and Confederate Uniforms were also included. A rare Lieutenants Frock Coat estimated at $25,000 to $35,000 brought $37,375. One of the more interesting Confederate uniforms was a grouping, which was identified to one of William Quantrell's Raiders, carried a presale estimate of $35,000 to $45,000 and sold for $28,750.

Session III on Wednesday began with another diverse offering of rare and high quality Civil War and Confederate items. All totaled, between the Adamson collection and the non-Adamson Civil War offerings on Wednesday, the entire lot represented the largest and finest offerings of Civil War and Confederate items ever offered at auction. The items on Wednesday were not from Mr. Adamson's collection but from various collections all over North America. Most notable was an extremely rare Confederate Army of Tennessee 1862 battle flag from the 4th Tennessee. It was offered together with a picture circa early 1900 with veterans of the 4th Tennessee holding this very flag. The flag carried a presale estimate of $90,000 to $100,000 and went out at $115,000. There were a number of rare flags in this auction. One exceedingly rare flag was a 14 star 10 stripe US Vermont parade flag. According to Mr. Howard Maddus, the worlds leading authority on North American flags (and consultant to Julia's Auction company), this flag was "one of 3 know US flags displaying 14 starts, representing Vermont's admission as the 14th state in 1791." This flag was associated with and believed to have been owned by Nathan Beman, who is responsible for guiding Ethan Allen to a secret entrance into Ft. Ticonderoga which allowed Allen's small force to capture the entire fort by surprise and thus acquire the cannon which General Knox transported to Dorchester Heights in Boston and thus caused the English to retreat, saving the city of Boston. This flag carried a presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000 and sold for $25,300. While almost all of the flags offered did extremely well, an extraordinarily rare and historic Napoleonic flag used by Napoleon Bonapart while at Elba, went unsold. The flag had originally been in the Calvin Bullock collection and was accompanied by reports from flag authority Whitney Smith and textile expert Fonda Thompson. A exceedingly rare pair of Texas made Tucker & Shearard dragoon pistols carried a presale estimate of $60,000 to $100,000 and sold for $74,750. An extensive collection of Confederate swords most of which came from a single private collection included a rare Confederate Foot Officer's sword possible by Leech & Rigdon carried a presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000 and realized $25,300. A Thomas Griswold Foot Officer's sword estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 brought $19,550. A Louis Froelich staff & field officer's sword estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 brought $16,387. Another Froelich-made sword, a foot officer's sword was estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 and brought far above high estimate at $27,600. In addition to the large array of Confederate swords and fighting knives were also a number of Union swords included was a historic presentation sword and memorabilia to Col. Henry Wilson, friend of Abraham Lincoln, United States Senator and Vice President of the United States under U.S. Grant. The lot carried a presale estimate of $20,000 to $25,000 and sold for $19,550. Another presentation Union sword to Capt. Charles Strickland of the 20th Maine Regiment carried a presale estimate of $5,000 to $7,000 and finally sold at $8,050. Immediately after Julia was pleased to announce this was purchased by the Maine State Museum. Bowie knives also have always done very well at Julia's and an extremely rare Collins Jaguar head Bowie Knife, missing its scabbard, was estimated at $7,500 to $12,500. It went far over high estimate at $19,550. A large and extraordinary exhibition quality Wostenholm & Sons Bowie Knife with tortoise shell handle also went out at the same price. A US Naval boarding ax from the War of 1812 carried a presale estimate of $4,000 to $6,000 and finally sold and realized $10,600. There was an expansive offering of antique Colt cap and ball revolvers in various models and configurations. An inscribed model 1862 police percussion with a rare original holster and presented to EJ Clark carried a presale estimate of $4,500 to $6,500 and sold for the $13,225. A rare model 1851 Navy estimated at $3,000 to $6,000 sold for $9,200. A rare outstanding New Jersey militia Whitney percussion revolver was estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 but brought over 3 times high estimate at $18,700. An exquisite Nimschke plated and engraved model 1860 Army was estimated at $16,000 to $25,000 and brought $18,400. Another spectacular engraved Colt 1860 with presale estimate of $17,500 to $27,500 went out at just under $19,000. A group of single shot rifles included a spectacular cased unmarked percussion heavy bench rifle with painted hand decorated case found in New Hampshire carried a presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000 and sold for $21, 850. In addition to the superb offering of Civil War memorabilia there were a number of early arms including extremely rare VA Manufactory with the very desirable brass "Don't Tread on Me" patch box. This rare example was converted to percussion and had other alterations and was estimated at an aggressive $20,000 to $40,000 and still brought nearly $22,000. A fine Charleville Model 1763 flint musket with US surcharge carried a presale estimate of $3,000 to $5,000 and was heartily competed for finally topping out at $13,225. An even more desirable early musket was a historical Revolutionary War US surcharge musket carved by the owner, the embellished stock indicating the original owner "Cpl Drake Mills J. Ashleys Regiment..Mass..Ft Edwd 1777", estimated at $15,000 to $25,000 it sold for just over $25,000. A group of Kentucky rifles offered included a signed N Beyer flint raised carved stock KY estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 which topped out at $31,000. A Springfield model 18 flint martial pistol estimated at $3,500 to $4,500 realized just over $10,000. A great number of historical items were included in this sale. One exciting item was a historic King George War period powder horn with wonderful scrimshaw decoration inscribed to Lieut. John Bridge. Bridge joined Col. John Wilson in 1755 and was part of the detachment from the colonies that traveled to Nova Scotia to oust the French settlers in that area deporting them to various colonies. This was the action that in part resulted in the formation of the Cajun society in LA. The powder horn carried a presale estimate of $17,500 to $27,500 realized just over $19,500. A few years earlier Julia's handled a fabulous gold presentation snuff box which had been presented to Admiral Worden. Worden was the commander of the ironclad USS Monitor that defeated the feared Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia (alias Merrimack). This time Julia had a document direct from the family presented to Worden signed by the Congress, the Senate, and Abraham Lincoln himself personally thanking Worden for his crucial success over the much-feared Confederate ironclad. The document together with a portrait of Worden carried a presale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000 and sold for $80,500. A large collection of Civil War rifles and carbines included a fine Sharps new model 1859 rifle which realized $14,950.

Wednesday session also included a number of Indian items, most of which was purportedly from the Carl Moon collection. Moon was a famous southwestern photographer of Indians during the early part of the 20th century and his admiration of the Indians resulted in him collecting a number of things. Some of which were actually used in his photographs as props. Most coveted item was a rare Indian made late 19th century horse mask for buffalo ceremonies. Estimated at $9,000 to $12,000 it sold for $23,000. Another lot was a 19th wooden Sioux flute with painted parfleche case (which had been used in some of Moon's photographs) which carried a presale estimate of $4,000 to $6,000 and sold for $10,600. Not all items were from the Moon collection and a northern Cheyenne painted buffalo robe from circa 1880 depicted what may have been the massacre at the Little Big Horn, carried a presale estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 and finally sold for $14,950. Another non-Moon item was a wonderful Sioux Indian blanket strip circa 1870's, which carried a presale estimate of $3,000 to $6,000 and sold for $5,980.

Session IV began on Thursday with an outstanding offering of Winchester rifles and it was clear that no one had ran out of money as prices continued to be strong and sometimes surprising. An extremely rare engraved first model Henry rifle formerly in the Lock collection carried a presale estimate of $130,000 to $180,000 and sold for $143,750. The very next lot an extremely rare Iron Frame Henry with serial number 2 was estimated at $135,000 to $165,000 and sold for $149,500. A rare martially marked Henry rifle complete with the original dust cover. The original dust covers are almost never found and there are only a handful of Henry's known with their original dust covers. This rifle engraved carried a presale estimate of $35,000 to $50,000 and sold for $72,500. Normally Winchesters steal the show but at this sale Marlin rifles also held their own. A prototype of the very first side eject lever action Marlin ever built carried a presale estimate of $45,000 to $65,000 and sold at $46,000. Another Marlin ultra rare prototype of a model 1888 was presale estimated at $45,000 to $65,000 and sold for $51,750. Winchesters and Marlins weren't the only expensive things that day - Colt black powder revolvers were extremely well represented and strongly contested for. A spectacular cased engraved exhibition quality Nimschke pistol Colt Peacemaker estimated at $225,000 to $275,000 sold for $230,000. But the real surprise amongst the Colts was a beautifully engraved plated mother of pearl gripped single action revolver which once belonged to the famous Texas Ranger Captain Frank Hamer. Hamer was the ranger responsible for eventually tracking down Bonnie and Clyde. This magnificent gun with a copy of the bill of sale from Hamer carried an aggressive presale estimate of $95,000 to $125,000. Tremendous competition on this gun however drove it to just a little over $178,000. An ultra rare pinch framed Colt single action revolver with serial number 2 was estimated at $100,000 to $200,000 and sold for $97,750. Other historical items were again offered in this session. Included were a pair of field glasses purported to have been used by General George Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The field glasses together with a period letter written by the Calvary men who had recovered the field glasses carried a presale estimate of $45,000 to $55,000 and sold almost exactly on the high estimate at $54,625. A number of Smith & Wesson revolvers and carbines included a rare new model #3 with a Kelton safety carrying a presale estimate of $9,000 to $12,000 it went out at $12,650. A spectacular engraved Tiffany gripped Colt 1861 Navy conversion carried a presale estimate of $20,000 to $35,000 and sold almost at high estimate for $34,500. Nearly all the Colts offered in this session did extremely well including an exceptionally rare Custer Range Ainsworth inspected Colt SA revolver which carried a strong presale estimate of $35,000 to $45,000 set a new record for this type of revolver at just over $63,000. The actor Tom Selleck has not only starred in a number of cowboy related movies but also is an enthusiastic collector of firearms, a number of which he consigned to Julia's auction. A special-order custom Winchester model 1894 hunting rifle with Selleck's initials inlaid in gold carried a presale estimate of $8,000 to $12,000 and sold for $14,750 while a Winchester model 1894 special order take down from Selleck's collection estimated at $1,750 to $2,750 sold for $5,200. This session also included an incredible offering of gun related advertising. A rare model 1890 single W Winchester cartridge board estimated at $20,000 to $35,000 sold for $39,000. A spectacular Remington advertising table covering depicting an Indian shooting a charging buffalo was estimated at $12,500 to $17,500 and realized a final price of $23,000. One of the most desirable of Winchester posters is the "1905 Cock of the Woods" depicting a Tom turkey, it carried a presale estimate of $5,000 to $10,000 and sold for $8,900.

Another great highlight of this final session were high quality shotguns. Included was the collection of the late Jim Parker who collected Parker shotguns. This sale included the largest offering of Parker shotguns ever offered at auction. But also included a number of fine sporting rifles and shotguns from other collections. A spectacular cased under lever Purdy double rifle estimated at $8,000 to $15,000 sold for $21,850. A scarce cased Purdy double barrel shotgun with two barrel set in 20 gauge was estimate at $45,000 to $60,000 and sold at $54,600. A rare cased Boss double barrel shotgun carried a presale estimate of $25,000 to $35,000 and had a tremendous amount of presale interest. With a number of dedicated bidders vying for the Boss, it topped out at $52,900. Buyers had flown in from all over America for the Parker collection, all of which was sold unreserved. Choice high grade shotguns including a rare identified Parker A-1 special formerly belonging to Jack Turner. It was estimated at $30,000 to $50,000 and brought $51,750. An ultra rare gold inlaid identified Parker A-1 special 2 barrel set formerly belonging to Max C. Fleischman was estimated at $50,000 to $100,000 and brought $42,550. A Parker special order A-1 special 2 barrel set in 12 gauge with at presale estimate of $25,000 to $50,000 brought $41,400. An AHE grade 20 gauge estimated at $15,000 to $25,000 went out at $27,600. The Damascus-barreled Parker shotguns sold for surprisingly strong prices. A CHE grade 12 gauge double barrel carried a presale estimate of $4,000 to $7,000 went out at just under $15,000. A rare Parker grade 5 Damascus hammer double shotgun estimated at $5,000 to $9,000 was tremendously competed for finally selling for over twice the high estimate at $23,000. In addition to the Parker shotguns Mr. Parker had also acquired some superb Remington double barrel shotguns including an extremely rare special grade 12 gauge which realized $28,750. Another very rare Remington special grade double barrel 12 gauge estimated at $20,000 to $40,000 sold at $25,875. A large number of Parker non-shotgun related items from Jim Parker's collection included a cast iron counter top Parker coffee grinder, which realized $1,400. A 1934 Parker Remington salesman's portfolio catalogue brought a surprising $4,600. More details about the auction results and the entire prices list can be downloaded from Julia's website at www.juliaauctions.com. According to Julia's their next firearms auction is scheduled for March 2006 and already includes an extraordinary collection of shotguns, perhaps even better than the ones offered in this sale together with a rare collection of LeMat revolvers, important Colts, Winchesters and much, much more. James D. Julia Auctioneers is located in Fairfield, ME (207) 452-7125.

Fairfield, Maine-November 15-17, 2005. Over a span of nearly forty years, James D. Julia Auctioneers has grown from a smalltime country auction service in rural Maine to a major multi-divisional force in the auction world. Though still located in the same location in Maine, not only has their business grown financially, but also physically. Several months ago Julia's announced a major expansion project to replace the 19th Century barn and expand their auction facilities to three times its former size. While it will be a modern facility in almost every respect, they plan to replicate the charm of their former barn interior, offering a pleasant contrast to the elegant and upscale merchandise the company handles. Construction is nearing completion and is expected to be ready in time for their fall Toy, Doll, and Antique Advertising auction. Plans for a lavish public reception are also in the works for later in the year.

Their upcoming toy and doll auction will be their first held in the new facility, and their first toy auction since their tremendously successful auction of the Bob & Jackie Stewart collection of cast iron toys back in February. The collection, estimated to sell for approximately $850,000, actually sold in the virtual feeding frenzy for a phenomenal $1.6 Million--all of this with less than 480 lots. Julia's substantially marketed barnburner put them in the forefront of the auction industry, selling the collection for nearly twice the expected value. Two additional days of selling brought the final tally for the three-day event to $2.6 Million. Because this and other successes, their October auction shows a deci