Forward, march! Bidders ignored estimates at Quinn’s estate auction of Marine Corps Commandant and Four-Star General Alfred M. Gray Jr’s career mementos
Top lots included general’s US Marines ammunition chest, awards, USMC jewelry and watches; campaign desk, mounted bow and arrow gifted by Gray’s Korean counterpart
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – If anyone exemplified the highest standards of the US Marine Corps, it was the late Alfred M Gray Jr (1928-2024). A highly-decorated four-star general and 29th Commandant of the Corps, Gray forged a distinguished 41-year military career that included courageous wartime duty in both Korea and Vietnam. On June 14, under instruction from the Gray estate, Quinn’s of northern Virginia auctioned the general’s treasured career mementos, awards and art objects in a boutique online sale that totaled $218,948.
The unique contents of the 200-lot event generated tremendous presale buzz and attracted winning bids that consistently exceeded their high estimates. Matthew Quinn, executive vice president of Quinn’s Auctions, remarked: “Because of the number of potential bidders who contacted us prior to the auction, we anticipated many of the lots were going fly. There were constant enquiries about General Gray’s USMC KA-BAR knives and the Henredon Chesterfield chaise lounge from his office. Like everything else in the sale, they went for far more than their pre-sale expectations.”
As aesthetically appealing as it was rugged, a wood ammunition crate decorated with Marine Corps images, emblems and the motto “SEMPER FIDELIS,” displayed an inscribed plaque on its lid that said Presented by the Marines & Sailors of Marine Corps Combat Development Command with respect and admiration to General Alfred M. Gray Jr USMC on the occasion of the 234th birthday of our Corps. Against an estimate of $100-$150, it stormed its way to $9,525.
Although not designed for modern warfare, a bow and arrow – possibly an antique – was also of great interest to bidders. Attractively mounted and framed, the duo had been presented to General Gray by his Korean counterpart, Lieutenant General Choi Kap-Jin, Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and was labeled as such. The lot flew up the ranks to $3,810 against a modest estimate of $20-$40.
USMC jewelry was another popular auction category. The general’s personal timekeeper was an 18K yellow gold Baume & Mercier automatic strap watch with a 40.0mm case and antique white dial with gilt markers, numerals and hands. It was back-stamped CLIFTON, BAUME & MERCIER, GENEVE 1830, 65719 SWISS 50M, BMG Au750 on its skeleton case and Swiss 25 Jewels, BM11300 on its automatic movement. An embossed Marine Corps Standard could be seen at the 9 o’clock position. With pre-sale expectations of reaching $800-$1,000, it ticked quite precisely to a winning bid of $4,127. A 17-jewel 14K yellow gold Hamilton manual-wind watch with an inscription commemorating Gray’s receipt of the “JOHN PAUL JONES AWARD FOR INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP,” was not far behind, earning $3,625. Also, General Gray’s 10K yellow gold US Marine Corps ring, set with an oval cabochon faux-ruby, was pursued to $4,127 against an estimate of $100-$150.
An oak campaign desk with a removable lift-up top bore a metal plaque engraved with three silver stars above the phrase “A.M. GRAY JR / WARRIOR, USMC.” It closed at $4,127, more than 20 times its high estimate. The aforementioned Henredon Chesterfield chaise lounge of button-tufted black leather with a mahogany wood frame and two side drawers added an elegant touch to the general’s study. The stylish 1980s production more than doubled its high estimate at $1,750.
The collection also included a group of three commemorative boating paddles presented to General Gray from “The Men of the Marine Combatant Diving Course,” in 1991; the “U.S.M.C. Recruiting Station Harrisburg, PA (at the) Birthday Ball 2002;” and the “U.S.M.C. Force Reconnaissance,” in 1991. Estimated at $60-$80, the artfully-decorated trio sold for $3,556.
After the auction, Matthew Quinn commented: “It was a great honor for Quinn’s to have been chosen to auction General Gray’s personal property, career memorabilia and awards. General Gray will always be a legendary figure. He earned his reputation as a ‘Marine’s Marine’ in battle, volunteering to serve in the Korean War and, later, receiving a Purple Heart and many other high honors, including a Silver Star for Heroism in Vietnam. It is a tribute to the general that so many people were interested in his career mementos and chose to bid in our auction.”
To discuss consigning to a future auction at Quinn’s, call Corrie Brady at 703-532-5632, ext 572; or email [email protected]. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential and there is never an obligation to consign. Visit Quinn’s online at www.quinnsauction.com.
