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FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2024 • VOL. 54, NO. 49
Donley Auctions To Host Major Civil War Auction Sale Set For Dec. 14 In Union, Illinois By Karl Pass Civil War historians will want to take notice on Saturday, Dec. 14, when Donley Auctions in Union, Ill., offers an extraordinary collection of Civil War artifacts. The volume and quality of artifacts, sourced primarily from a single, meticulously assembled collection, are astounding. Weapons, uniforms, personal effects, photographs, and even Civil Warera swords and battlefield ordinances are in the sale. In the firearm category, several iconic Springfield muskets will be sold, as well as a rare LeMat revolver. The array of weaponry is vast. For uniforms and gear, there are original uniforms, kepis, canteens, and more, some with documented connections to the soldiers who wore them. Tintypes and ambrotypes captured the faces of the Civil War, providing portraits of soldiers. There is a nice selection in this diverse sale. “This auction is a museumw o r t hy co l le ction,” according to Randy Donley, This is a named KIA Union officer frock coat and owner of Donley kepi group. The historic grouping belonged to Major Auctions. “It’s an Henry Ward Camp of the 10th Connecticut Volunteer incredible oppor- Infantry (1839-64). He was an 1860 graduate of Yale t u n i t y fo r co l - University and later became a prisoner of war and lectors, but it’s was involved in an exchange. He was killed in the also a chance for Battle of Darbytown Road.
This LeMat 2nd model “grapeshot” revolver is an expected highlight in the firearm section of the auction. For more, read the story.
This museum grade CSA regulation kepi cap for is the Captain rank with the double bullion strips complete and the brass chin strap buttons, a smooth ball type with simple tree branch design. anyone interested in history to see and potentially own a piece of the past.” Among the items with provenance is lot #38, a LeMat “grapeshot” revolver. The South Carolina Civil War 2nd model remains in excellent condition with ivory grip panels adorned with a silver five-point star with a Palmetto tree engraving (symbol of South Carolina). This particular revolver was carried by Capt. James P. Richardson. Also included is a folder of documentation of his locations and biography. LeMat revolvers were sought after by Confederate leaders and the Le M a t t w o - ba r re l g ra p e s h o t
ranked as one of the most unconventional wheel guns ever conceived. Invented by Frenchman Dr. Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans, La., these combination guns were primarily produced in Belgium, Paris, and also England, earning fame with the Confederacy. The LeMat’s low production numbers, novel design, and service as a Confederate cavalry weapon have made the unique weapon popular today in antique arms collecting. Born in France in 1821, Jean Alexander Francois LeMat immigrated here in 1843 after becoming a physician. An inventor, Dr. LeMat was awarded numerous patents in the medical, maritime, and aviation fields throughout his storied career, though the LeMat revolver is considered his most famous design. Through his marriage to Justine Sophie in 1849, LeMat became cousin-in-law to P.G.T. Beauregard, a Louisiana-born military engineer who would rise to fame as the Confederate general who ordered the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Dr. LeMat patented his grapeshot percussion revolver in 1856 and received financial assistance from Beauregard to begin Continued on page 9
Single-Owner Toy Collection Headed To Conestoga Auction Co. The Randy Miller Estate Will Be Sold On Dec. 13 Conestoga Auction Gallery, a division of Hess Auction Group, is excited to offer the single-owner toy collection of the late Randy Miller, of Lititz, Pa. The live in-person auction will take place on Friday, Dec. 13, at Conestoga’s gallery in Manheim, Pa. Miller passed away at the age
Black Belt Auctions Sells Needlework For $7,375
Pri and Ken Guilbert recently formed Black Belt Auctions, an online auction company in Cochranville, Pa.
By Karl Pass Based in Cochranville, Pa. (near Gap), newly formed online auction house Black Belt Auctions is owned and operated by Pri and Ken Guilbert. Titled “Jewelry, Silver and Art: A Multi-Estate Auction,” the firm’s most recent sale began on Oct. 28 and ended Nov. 15. Among the stand-out lots was a very fine dated “1795” needlework sampler from the Philadelphia area, which realized $7,375 (including buyer’s premium). Pri Guilbert holds her 2nd degree black belt in both Goju and Senkotiros practices. Her desire is to bring the principles from martial arts to the forefront of the auction industry. Her focus and drive led her to completing an MBA in Business Management prior to forming the company. Ken Guilbert has been involved in the antiques and collectibles field the bulk of his life and has been a licensed PA auctioneer for nearly 15 years. He also holds personal property Continued on page 8
of 88. He was a lifelong entrepreneur, starting his first business at age 11, called Randy’s Handy Shoe Shine on Main Street in Lititz, which lasted six years. He eventually started a business delivering salt, which grew into what is now Miller & Sons Salt and Water Continued on page 11
In This Issue SHOPS, SHOWS & MARKETS . . . . . . . The restored American National Marmon pedal car will be estimated at $800 to $1,200.
starting on page 3
SHOPS DIRECTORY . . . . . . .
on page 4
EVENT & AUCTION CALENDAR on page 7 AUCTIONEER DIRECTORY . . . . on page 7 AUCTION SALE BILLS . . . . . . on page 9
FEATURE ARTICLE: Glendale Flour Mills To Celebrate One-Year Anniversary - Page 4
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . on page 11