Early American History Auctions


P.O. Box 3507, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067
858-759-3290

About Auction House

Early American History Auctions, Inc. deals in a wide variety of collectible material including: Autographs, Coins, Colonial and U.S. Currency, Colonial Lottery Tickets, Encased Postage Stamps, Fractional Currency, Obsolete Currency, Advertising Notes, Colonial and U.S. Coinage, Indian Peace Medals, Ancient & World Coinage, Newspapers, Books, Manuscripts, Photographs, Tintypes, Posters, Political, Silk Ribbons, Flags, Antique Playing Cards, Fossils & Cultural Artifacts, Americana, Maps, Decorative Arts, Colonial America, Washington Related, Lincoln Related, Civil War, Black History and...Read More
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Auction Previews & News

7 Results
  • 1809 Silver James Madison Indian Peace Medal Finest Known AU. 51mm ANACS Genuine
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    Indian Peace Medals to Headline Early American History Auctions Event

    In early American history, colonial leaders regularly presented medals to Native American chiefs during negotiations. These items are commonly referred to as Indian peace medals. However, negotiations with Native American tribes were rarely in good faith. Often, the aim was not to build a genuine alliance but to placate the tribes.  An upcoming Early American History Auctions sale will present several Indian peace medals, including one from 1809. Decorating the front of this medal is President James Madison. The current president usually appears on the front of these medals, a tradition that began with Thomas Jefferson. On the back of this 1809 example, collectors will also notice a tomahawk and a pipe, representing an alliance between Americans and the tribes. This message is reinforced by the words "Peace and Friendship" and two figures shaking hands on the back of the Indian peace medal.  Americans were not the only ones who aimed to sway Native Americans with these medals. Another Indian peace medal in this auction comes from the British, who presented it to a Native American chief during the War of 1812. King George III appears on the front of the piece. The back is reserved for the Royal Coat of Arms. During the War of 1812, Tecumseh and his alliance of Native American tribes fought alongside the British, believing it to be their last chance to fend off American aggression. View the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare. 

    Early American History Auctions
  • 1860 President JAMES BUCHANAN Naval Appointment Winfield S. Schley as Midshipman
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    Early American History Auctions Offers Americana and Vintage Guns in Upcoming Sale

    The upcoming Early American History Auctions event will showcase over 300 lots of autographs, colonial and political memorabilia, and Americana. A selection of vintage guns leads the sale. These U.S. and British military model guns indicate the year they were made. Among them is a “Harper’s Ferry” flintlock pistol. Made in 1806, the gun has a .54 caliber smoothbore barrel with an iron rib below. Another notable lot is a document from June 15th, 1860. It features the signature of the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan. The document records the appointment of Winfield S. Schley as a Midshipman within the United States Navy. Notable paintings are also available, including a miniature portrait of George Washington. To view the full catalog or register to bid, visit Bidsquare. 

    Early American History Auctions
  • BLACK Soldier, CATO GRAY Listed VALLEY FORGE Period Continental Army Muster Roll
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    Historic Autographs, Americana, and Civil War Era Documents in Upcoming Early American History Event

    Free Black American soldiers enrolled in the army alongside white soldiers for the first time in U.S. history during the Revolutionary War. Soldiers from many different backgrounds fought against the British colonizers. Leading the upcoming Early American History Auctions sale is a Continental Army muster roll from around 1779. It catalogs the Black soldiers who fought at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.  This auction focuses on Black history, historic documents, and weapons. An American Philosophical Society certificate signed by Thomas Jefferson and David Rittenhouse is among the key lots. Jefferson was the third president of the United States and the lead author of the Declaration of Independence. David Rittenhouse was the president of the American Philosophical Society after Benjamin Franklin. He was also an astronomer, mathematician, clockmaker, and the first director of the United States Mint. The sale also includes historic firearms, sketches, cutlery, and more. View the entire catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare. 

    Early American History Auctions
  • 1837 Silver Martin Van Buren Indian Peace Medal, PCGS Certified GENUINE EF
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    Historical Autographs, Medals, Maps, and More From Early American History Auctions

    Indian Peace Medals were made to commemorate friendship or peace between early European settlers and Native American tribes. These medals were awarded to Native American chiefs by the federal government. By the time the United States was officially established, this trend was so important that peace medals were issued by almost every American president through Benjamin Harrison (who took office in 1889). A silver Martin Van Buren Peace Medal from 1837 is highlighted in the upcoming Early American History Auctions event. One side of the medal displays Van Buren's bust, facing to the right. The other side shows two hands shaking below a tomahawk and peace pipe. Another highlight of the sale is a Herculaneum Creamware portrait plate. A Liverpool-based company, the Herculaneum Pottery Company existed between 1793 and 1841. The company was known for its transfer-printed pottery and bone china porcelain. The available piece, made around 1800, bears the commemorative portrait of James Madison, the fourth American President. This upcoming auction also features a hand-colored western America map, a Revolutionary War-era musket, and a document signed by Thomas Jefferson and David Rittenhouse. View any of these lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.

    Early American History Auctions
  • Early American History Auctions
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    Historic Autographs-Currency-Political-Americana-Militaria-Guns

    The Historic Autographs, Currency, and Gun auction, offered by Early American History Auctions, brings together documents from American figures such as President Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, as well as weaponry with historical significance.  The lot with the highest estimated value is a signed personal check from Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln signed the check-in 1857, four years before his presidency. The check is taken from his account with Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company. Lincoln had an account with the company, who are now a part of JPMorgan Chase, from 1853 until his assassination. Another lot with ties to the American Civil War is a letter from Provisional Confederate President Jefferson Davis. When the South succeeded from the United States, Davis served as its president throughout its entire independence. In the letter, Davis informs someone on the latest regarding William L. Yancey. Davis previously sent Yancey to Europe to secure European recognition of the Confederacy as its own country. In this letter and other correspondences, Jefferson Davis signs his name "Jeffn Davis". Those interested in historic weapons should also consider a Revolutionary War-era British fusil. Early American History Auctions notes that fusils like this were made specifically for officers. Those looking for a more affordable historical gun should also consider a flintlock service pistol from the Napoleonic Wars. The lot’s condition report notes that the pistol is in good working order. You can view each lot and register to bid online on Bidsquare

    Early American History Auctions
  • President CHESTER A. ARTHUR Executive Mansion Washington. Signed Card/AuctionDaily
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    Autographs, Colonial Currency, Political Americana, Historic Guns

    The late 18th century saw the official birth of a now mighty nation. As militias from 13 colonies challenge one of the world’s great armies, few believed they would prevail. However, those American colonies won their War for Independence, forming what is now the United States of America. Many artifacts from the period have been preserved and are now offered by Early American History Auctions. The available Revolutionary regalia includes a uniquely engraved wooden camp canteen from the 1770s-1780s. The engraving of a dragon displays the artistic creativity of the soldiers of the time. Also available are several Revolutionary War-era documents, including handwritten letters, official battle communications, and legal documents like an act from 1780, outlining the process of exchanging paper money for gold and silver in Connecticut. The item that shines most brightly, though, is a silver porringer crafted c. 1770 by Paul Revere, Jr., son of the Revolutionary War hero known for his famous midnight ride. Items from the American Revolution are not the only artifacts of American history, however. Colonial currencies like a Massachusetts pine shilling from 1652 are also displayed alongside signed letters from Dwight D. Eisenhower, Calvin Coolidge and other influential Americans. Interested collectors may view the entirety of the American history collection and register to bid on Bidsquare today.

    Early American History Auctions
  • Auction Preview
    Colonial & Continental Currency-Coinage-Historic Peace Medals- Encased Postage Stamps

    The Early American History Auction is a time portal to the historic coins, currency, and stamps. The auction offers a sneak peek into iconic collectibles such as George Washington Inaugural Button with inscription that says “Long Live the President”. Alongside, this auction has the highest bid of 1775 Paul Revere Engraved & King Philip printed Mass Loan Certificate Document with an estimation of $8,000-$12,000. In coherence, there are pieces such as 1st Continental Currency, Encased Postage Stamps, 24 Hunt and various more. For more information and bidding options, visit Bidsquare. 

    Early American History Auctions