Bat Masterson's 1882 Colt revolver and a photograph signed by Abraham Lincoln were among hundreds of rare collectibles that hit the auction block during two diverse auctions at J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale, Ariz., on July 30 and Aug. 2. Both auctions attracted a total of 15,831 bidders from 62 countries and grossed a total of $634,000.
J. Levine's "Summer Catalog Auction" was on July 30 and featured the signed 19th-century carte-de-viste photograph of Abraham Lincoln, several original pastel pieces by artist Diego Rivera, an oil painting by French artist Bernard Buffet, bronze sculptures by the late Dave McGary, Asian furniture, historic books, fine jewelry and more.
J. Levine's auction on Aug. 2 attracted bidders interested in historic firearms, vintage hunting items and other collectibles from the estate of Ted Hansen. Among the highlights were an 1861 Remington Old Army Revolver (44 caliber), a large glass-eyed duck decoy collection, a knife collection, a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a classic 1970 Triumph car, and more. The star of the auction, not part of Hansen's estate, was Bat Masterson's 1882 Colt single action Army Revolver.
"We had tremendous interest in both auctions, and we're very pleased with the results," said Josh Levine, owner of J. Levine Auction & Appraisal. "We experienced record online activity. The George Rodrigue “Our Moon is Out” oil painting alone had 15,000 views, and the auction house also had good crowds both days. To sell Bat Masterson's Colt, Abe Lincoln's signed photo and other historic items within two days of each other was exhilarating for our entire team," said Levine.
The 1882 .45 Colt single action Army Revolver with 4.75-inch barrel, ivory grips and nickel-plated finish with rare factory documentation and owned by Bat Masterson sold for $96,000 (est. $80,000 to $120,000). The buyer was from Idaho.
Sheriff Jeff T. Carr's Manhattan Firearms Navy percussion Revolver (36 caliber) sold for $13,200 to a buyer from Massachusetts. The distinguished law man was Sheriff of Laramie, Wyo., and was known for being the principal in the posse that chased Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It was estimated at $4,000 to $8,000.
A Gauthier 14-carat white gold solitaire diamond and sapphire pendant sold mid-estimate to an in-house buyer from Arizona for $51,750 (est. $40,000 to $60,000).
The signed 19th-century carte-de-viste photograph of Abraham Lincoln sold for $6,000 to a buyer from Texas (est. $10,000 to $20,000). A George Rodrigue (1944-2013) oil painting, titled "Our Moon is Out" sold for $27,000 (est. $10,000 to $20,000). The buyer was from Tennessee. The limited edition bronze sculpture "Last Stand Hill" by the late Dave McGary sold for $24,000 to a buyer from New York. It was estimated at $20,000-$40,000).
Other noteworthy highlights were a White House photograph with seven presidential signatures, including Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Gerald R. Ford and George W. Bush. Originally estimated between $1,000 and $2,000, it sold for $4,500 to a phone bidder in Texas. A Vassili Grachev (1831-1905) "Farewell" bronze estimated between $3,000 and $5,000 sold for $7,800 to a phone bidder in Moscow, Russia, and a fancy leather, Sterling and U.S. coin gun holster belt, which was estimated on the low-end for $50, sold to a buyer in Colorado for $2,400.
For more information, call 480-496-2212 or visit www.jlevines.com.